​The Café Scene

This is a lovely place for a morning coffee, an aperitive or a meal in the sun. In true Provencal style, there is a cluster of restaurants with terraces spilling onto the road in the heart of the village, a perfect place to people watch and soak up the atmosphere and wander in and out of the interesting boutiques.

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Friday Market

The Lourmarin market is famous in the region, and one of our favourites.  It does get very busy, so we recommend getting there early in order to secure a car park, but also to avoid the crushing crowds that gather at the end of the morning.  It is a great market for fresh produce and for clothing.

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The Artist Culture

Lourmarin has been attracting writers, artists and celebrities for decades.  In fact, this village was made famous by British author Peter Mayle, who wrote “A Year in Provence” about the trials and tribulations of a British couple moving to  France.  Today, Lourmarin is home to many artists, from jewellery makers to painters and sculptors, to which the many interesting boutiques and private galleries attest.  You can also visit the grave of writer and philosopher, Albert Camus, in Lourmarin.

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Le Château de Lourmarin

This Renaissance castle stands at the edge of the village.  Its leafy gardens offer a lovely view over the medieval village.  Today it hosts concerts, exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.  Open daily, it can be explored independently, with a guided tour, or via a treasure hunt that helps keep children engaged as they move from room to room. ​