The Luberon is a region filled with picturesque villages, and Bonnieux is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. This charming medieval village, perched on a hill, offers breathtaking views over Provence, a rich history, and an unparalleled atmosphere that captivates visitors time and time again. During our travels through the Luberon, Bonnieux has always held a special place in our hearts. In this blog, we take you through the history, remarkable churches, enchanting vistas, and the wine culture that make Bonnieux so unique.
A Village Steeped in History and Character
Bonnieux exudes history. As we stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets, we feel the village’s centuries-old charm. The ancient stone houses, with their rustic shutters and flower boxes brimming with lavender and geraniums, tell stories of times long past. This village has been inhabited since Roman times and has developed over the centuries into a prosperous and strategically located settlement.
During the Middle Ages, Bonnieux was one of the four „papal cities“ of the Luberon, a fact still reflected in its impressive buildings and religious heritage. It is a village where past and present seamlessly merge, revealing a new piece of history at every turn.
The Churches of Bonnieux: Spiritual Grandeur
When approaching Bonnieux from a distance, two churches immediately stand out against the village’s silhouette. The Église Haute, also known as the „Upper Church,“ is located at the highest point of the village and offers a breathtaking view over the surrounding valley. Built in Gothic style, this ancient church has been a regional landmark for centuries.
Lower in the village, you’ll find the Église Neuve, the „New Church,“ built in the 19th century when the village expanded and required a larger place of worship. Both churches are worth visiting, offering not only spiritual tranquility but also unique architecture and historical significance.
Stunning Views and Culinary Delights in Bonnieux
Bonnieux offers spectacular views over the Luberon and Mont Ventoux. From the Upper Church, you can admire the rolling hills, lavender fields, and vineyards stretching endlessly into the horizon. At sunset, the landscape is bathed in golden and purple hues, creating a truly magical scene.
Additionally, Bonnieux is a paradise for food lovers. The region is known for its exquisite wines, with various wineries offering tastings. The restaurants serve delicious Provençal cuisine, and the weekly market is a feast of local products such as olives, cheeses, and herbs.
Bonnieux: Practical Information and Tips
👨👩👧👦 Enjoy activities with your family
- 🥾 Family walks – Enjoy nature with your children and explore Bonnieux.
- 🌳 Tree climbing adventure and a small farm with pets – Various courses, also suitable for young children.
- 🧗♀️ Colorado Adventures – Beautiful climbing park from 3 years and up.
- 🎢 Water park with slides near Avigno – Large park with water slides and playgrounds.
- ❗ Attention: In the water park, men and boys are required to wear tight swim trunks for hygiene reasons. Loose swim shorts are not allowed.
- 💦 Activity Lake in Apt – Open throughout the year. An 8-hectare Pays d’Apt Luberon leisure park contains the Apt lake at its center.
- 🦓 Zoological Park – Barben Zoo – A large green park of 33 hectares, located near Salon-de-Provence. With 9 km of trails, visitors can stroll among 500 animals of about 100 different species, including giraffes, elephants, tigers, bears, lions, rhinos, meerkats, and cranes. The animals live in spacious enclosures.
- 🦓 Zoological Park – Barben Zooy – Discover the secrets of distillation, from lavender flowers to essential oil. Sylvie and Thierry welcome you to their farm and distillery, built in 1947 by her grandfather Félix.
🎯 Activities & Adventure
- 🚴 Sun-E-Bike Bonnieux – Rent an e-bike or a traditional bicycle and explore the Luberon at your own pace.
🟠 The Ochre Massif – Walk or cycle through this stunning orange-hued landscape.
⛳ Golf Ouest Provence Miramas – Located near the Alpilles, Côte Bleue, Camargue, Luberon, and Aix-Marseille, this 18-hole, 5530-meter course offers a peaceful setting with open fairways, water hazards, and wooded terrain.
⛳ Golf International Pont Royal Mallemort – Designed by Seve Ballesteros, this award-winning golfcourse (Best Golf Course in France 2021, 2022, 2023) blends seamlessly with the natural environment, offering a mix of tactical and technical challenges between lakes, garrigue, and pine forests.
⛳ Golf Grand Avignon – A challenging golf course with views of Mont Ventoux, perfect for golf enthusiasts.
🍽 Tasting & Enjoying
- 🥂 The 10 Best Restaurants in Bonnieux – TripAdvisor
🏅 La Bastide de Capelongue – A Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant set in a beautiful Provençal ambiance.
🏛 Tourist Information
- 🗺️ Official Tourist Office – Luberon Coeur de Provence – For all tourist information about Bonnieux and its surroundings.
- 🖼️ The Luberon that you wish
📅 Plan your holiday in Provence! Explore our luxury villas near Bonnieux.
After a day of discoveries, nothing is more delightful than unwinding in one of our luxurious holiday homes with a private pool:
- Villa Chris, Murs, sleeps 11
- Villa Beaumont, Malaucène, sleeps 10
- Villa Lumière des Cerisiers, Apt, sleeps 8
- Villa Beau Provence, Malaucène, sleeps 8
- Villa Marius, Murs, sleeps 6