South of Avignon in the Luberon.    ROUSSILLON

Situated in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. The blood red, gold and brown shades of the earth form a striking contrast with the lush green pine trees that stand stately in the sun. Roussillon is a very pretty lively village receiving many visitors each summer.  As you wander through the picturesque maze of little streets and charming squares you will be charmed by its atmosphere.  There are many delightful little boutiques and art galleries, cafés and excellent restaurants to visit. 
The variety of ochre façades is magnificent and shades vary subtly from light yellow to dark red, set off by the brightly painted shutters and doors. 

The  village café and restaurant is called Le Crillon, you will be warmly welcomed there and you will find the food delicious.  Many hikers stop for lunch. You will also discover the “Mur de la Peste” an amazing stone wall 25km long that was built in 1721 to protect the Comtat Venaissin from the pest epidemic brought into Marseille on boats.
Surrounded by incredible scenery, Murs is also appreciated by painters who sit for hours on their little stools trying to capture the beauty of the countryside.

You will be able to enjoy lovely walks (in particular around the Moulins de Véroncle). 

A beautiful, windy route will enable you to join up with the Col de Murs and Venasque after crossing gorges and a magnificent forest.

Village in luberon.  JOUCAS

Situated between two of the most beautiful villages of France, Gordes and Roussillon, is the lovely little village of Joucas perched on the hillside in the Monts de Vaucluse.   Orientated  south it is protected from the bitter Mistral wind.
            

The narrow windy streets are pedestrian enabling visitors to admire the interesting architecture of the charming old buildings and the beautiful XVIII century church Saint Jean Baptiste .  From the village you can see the ochre colored hills of Roussillon and the wide plain below with the petit and grand Luberon in the background.

Joucas boasts two Michelin starred hotel/restaurants, a friendly café/restaurant in the village and just below on the plain you can admire the colorful hot air balloon that starts up early in the morning for a flight over the valley of cherry trees and vineyards.

Village in luberon.  LACOSTE AND BONNIEUX

BONNIEUX is like many other magnificent villages in the Luberon region, it is built on a plateau dominating the valley giving visitors incredible views over the Monts de Vaucluse and the nearby villages of Gordes and Roussillon. The church tower of Bonnieux and the stately old cedar trees can be seen well before you start climbing up the hill into the village.
Some splendid residences date back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th century reminding us that Bonnieux was once a wealthy village when this region, the Comtat Venaissin, belonged to the Popes in Avignon.
 Bonnieux has some excellent cafés and restaurants, complete with charming terraces for summer lunches and many pretty boutiques and antique shops.  The weekly market and a stroll through the windy little streets to discover hidden archways and amazing architecture is a must.

East of Avignon in the Comtat Venaissin - VENASQUE

Venasque is a picturesque village perched on the top of a narrow rocky ledge listed as one of the 126 "most beautiful villages in France." Venasque dominates the Nesque valley and the Carpentras plain.  The famous wine growing region of Côte de Ventoux spreads across the valley from the foot of Venasque but Venasque is mostly famous for it's delicious cherries that thrive on trees in the plains and on the hillsides of the Comtat Venaissin.
Venasque has many historical monuments  including a beautiful 9th century baptistery.  There is also a 12th century church with  three Saracen towers, (the highest measures 18m). From the towers you will have breathtaking views of the north of the Comtat, the Dentelles of Montmirail and Mont Ventoux (1,912 m).  The Eveques of Carpentras lived here in the Middle Ages as its high position provided protection for them.
Not far from this charming village you will discover other villages just as beautiful such as St Didier, Pernes les Fontaines and Isle sur la Sorgue.  Venasque is not far from the Abbaye de Senanque and you will enjoy driving through the Gorges de la Nesque.

Venasque is one of the oldest villages of the Comtat Venaissin, from where it takes its name. Its houses are rebuilt to original specifications and the tiny streets and dainty squares are delightful to visit. History lovers will be in their element... just like the dozens of painters and artists who have chosen to live here and you must not miss the local Festival that takes place in July.