Luberon

The Luberon is a low mountain range in southeastern France, located largely in the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, with smaller parts extending into neighboring departments. The range forms a limestone ridge that rises above the surrounding plains and is known for its scenic landscapes of wooded hills, terraced vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. The Luberon basin shelters several villages perched on hilltops, among them Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Ménerbes, Lourmarin and Ansouis.

The area is famous for its ochre cliffs and quarries, notably around Roussillon and the nearby Colorado Provençal at Rustrel, which attract visitors for their red, orange and yellow hues. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, supporting wine production under the Luberon AOC and other agricultural activities.

The Luberon has a long human history, with prehistoric and Roman settlements and later medieval fortifications. In the 20th century the region became a symbol of Provençal heritage and rural preservation, leading to the creation of the Parc naturel régional du Luberon in 1988 to protect landscapes, biodiversity and traditional agriculture.

Today the Luberon is a popular destination for hiking, cycling and sightseeing, drawing visitors to its hillside villages, markets and terraced farms. The regional economy centers on wine, olive oil, lavender and tourism.