Lourmarin Guide : restaurants, shops, market days and parking
- rebeccacoulliais
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Lourmarin is one of the most charming villages of the Luberon. With its lively cafés, restaurants, welcoming bars and wide range of independent boutiques, Lourmarin is a village that rarely disappoints, whatever the season, the weather or the day of the week. That isn't always the case elsewhere in Provence, where some villages can feel surprisingly quiet on certain days when restaurants and shops close. Lourmarin, by contrast, is a wonderful place to keep in mind for those slower days when you are looking for somewhere lively to explore.
When to visit Lourmarin
Friday morning: market day, Lourmarin is at its busiest. This is a wonderful market, but it is important to arrive early as it gets very busy, and very hot in summer.
Weekdays: for a quieter visit (Monday out of season many places are closed)
Tuesday evening: in summer, Farmers Market
Sundays: when things in bigger towns like Apt, Aix-en-Provence or Avignon are often closed
Best time of the day: early morning for coffee, or late afternoon when the light softens, the heat lessens and the terraces come to life.
Where to Park in Lourmarin
Parking is fairly easy if you arrive early (or late).
Parking des Cerisiers - large parking close to the village (difficult on market day)
Parking du Château - this is the easiest when coming from Saignon. The adjacent field is open for parking on market day.
The centre of the village is a short walk from these carparks.
Our favourite restaurants in Lourmarin
Café Gaby
One of the prettiest, best placed restaurants in Lourmarin, right on the main square. Its large terrace, friendly service and good food attract all the locals. The only problem with Chez Gaby is that it is hard to get a table, and you cannot book ahead.
Brasserie l'Edens
This restaurant is on the other town square, with a slightly different vibe. For me, this is a true French brasserie, with good, simple food at a sensible price. Also full of locals as the menu changes daily and the atmosphere is low key and genuine.
Bacheto
This is the most picturesque restaurant, set inside an interior courtyard of the hotel Le Moulin. The setting is beautiful, the terrace cool and leafy and restaurant beautifully renovated, but the food is only average.
Our favourite bars and cafés
Le Tonneau
Right in the heart of town, this is a great place for people watching, large glasses of cool rosé and shared charcuterie board.
Café Gaby
The best place for a coffee as it gets the early morning sun and is well placed for watching the world go by.
Glaces Ravi
The best icecream in the region. We suggest trying the local flavours - grilled almond, lavender or Provencal lemon.
Our favourite shops and boutiques
Lourmarin is full of interesting boutiques and galleries, perfect for lovers of home decor, fashion, art and jewellery. Part of the pleasure of this village is taking the time to wander the streets.
La Colline
A beautiful home decor shop, where literally everything is gorgeous.
Maison Fanny's
A gourmet food store with a touch of vintage tableware. I always find something I "need"!
Une Indienne en Provence
A clothing store with jewellery and basics, but also some unique pieces of artisan made clothing using the Indiens de Provence fabrique famous in the region.
Wineries near Lourmarin
Lourmarin is surrounded by vinyards, making it a great base for wine tastings.
Chateau Constantin
One of our favourite vinyards, owned by the famille Bagnis. Visit our blog on the best wineries in the Lourmarin for more details.
La Cavale
A very different profile. This modern build is striking in contrast to Constantin. In the summer it is possible to enjoy a wine tasting and a glass of wine on the terrace overlooking their sweeping vinyards.
Points of interest near Lourmarin
Domaine la Corrée
We love to drop into this farm after the Friday market. Purchase their fresh fruit and vegetables direct from the farm. Strawberries, melons, rosé, jam, olive oil....so good.
Etang de la Bonde
Just a short drive from Lourmarin, a visit to this beautiful lake makes a great family activity. Walk around the lake, picnic and swim, or book a table for lunch with a view at The Auberge. Find more family-friendly activities in our guide: What to do with teenagers in the Luberon.
A Cultural Note
The Chateau de Lourmarin is one of the oldest Renaissance castles in the region. Today it hosts concerts, exhibitions and cultural events.
Lourmarin also regularly hosts flea markets (vide greniers) and antique markets (brocantes), concerts, fairs and events. There is an evening farmer's market on Tuesdays in summer and a lovely Christmas market in december.
Find the cultural events schedule here.
If you are planning on staying in the region, you can discover more villages and travel tips in Our Luberon Guide.
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