Luberon
Encyclopedia
Massif
In geology, a massif is a section of a planet's crust that is demarcated by faults or flexures. In the movement of the crust, a massif tends to retain its internal structure while being displaced as a whole...
(Provençal Occitan: Leberon in classical norm or Leberoun in Mistralian norm), also called Lubéron, has a maximum altitude
Altitude
Altitude or height is defined based on the context in which it is used . As a general definition, altitude is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The reference datum also often varies according to the context...
of 1,256 m and an area of about 600 km². It is composed of three mountain range
Mountain range
A mountain range is a single, large mass consisting of a succession of mountains or narrowly spaced mountain ridges, with or without peaks, closely related in position, direction, formation, and age; a component part of a mountain system or of a mountain chain...
s: (from west to east) the Little Luberon, the Big Luberon and the Oriental Luberon, lying in the middle of Provence
Provence
Provence ; Provençal: Provença in classical norm or Prouvènço in Mistralian norm) is a region of south eastern France on the Mediterranean adjacent to Italy. It is part of the administrative région of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur...
in the far south of France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. The valleys north and south of them contain a number of towns and villages as well as agricultural land.
The total number of inhabitants varies greatly between winter and summer, due to a massive influx of tourists during the warm season.
It is a favourite destination for French high society and British and American visitors because of the pleasant and picturesque towns and villages, comfortable way of life, agricultural wealth, historical and cultural associations (e.g. Samuel Beckett
Samuel Beckett
Samuel Barclay Beckett was an Irish avant-garde novelist, playwright, theatre director, and poet. He wrote both in English and French. His work offers a bleak, tragicomic outlook on human nature, often coupled with black comedy and gallows humour.Beckett is widely regarded as among the most...
lived in Roussillon
Roussillon, Vaucluse
Roussillon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.Roussillon lies within the borders of the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon. In the French natural regional parks, new economic activities may be developed only if they are...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
), and hiking trails.
In the 1970s, people came from all over France to "Le Luberon" in search of a communitarian ideal.
The Force de frappe
Force de frappe
The Force de Frappe is the designation of what used to be a triad of air-, sea- and land-based nuclear weapons intended for dissuasion, and consequential deterrence...
or French strategic nuclear arsenal used to be nearby, underground, on "Le Plateau d'Albion" before being dismantled in the late 1980s. Now, the underground site, where the control of the missiles was, is a public multidisciplinary laboratory of the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, the Low-Noise Underground Laboratory of Rustrel - Pays d'Apt. (http://lsbb.unice.fr).
In the last two decades the Luberon has become known in the English-speaking world especially through a series of books by British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
author Peter Mayle
Peter Mayle
Peter Mayle is a British author famous for his series of books detailing life in Provence, France. He spent fifteen years in the advertising industry before leaving the business in 1975 to write educational books, including a series on sex education for children and young people...
chronicling his life as an expatriate
Expatriate
An expatriate is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing...
settled in the Luberon village of Ménerbes
Ménerbes
Ménerbes is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France, a walled village on a hilltop in the Luberon mountains, footbills of the French Alps....
. One of Mayle's books was made into a film A Good Year
A Good Year
A Good Year is a 2006 British romantic comedy film, set in London and Provence. It was directed by Ridley Scott, with an international cast including Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Didier Bourdon, Abbie Cornish and Albert Finney...
(2006) directed by Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott
Sir Ridley Scott is an English film director and producer. His most famous films include The Duellists , Alien , Blade Runner , Legend , Thelma & Louise , G. I...
, starring Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe
Russell Ira Crowe is a New Zealander Australian actor , film producer and musician. He came to international attention for his role as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 historical epic film Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor, a...
and filmed in the region.
Flora and fauna
Communes in the Parc naturel régional du Luberon
In Vaucluse
- AnsouisAnsouisAnsouis is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-History:...
- AptApt, VaucluseApt is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.It lies on the left bank of the Calavon, east of Avignon...
, small town near the eastern end of the Luberon valley - La Bastide-des-JourdansLa Bastide-des-JourdansLa Bastide-des-Jourdans is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- La BastidonneLa BastidonneLa Bastidonne is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- BeaumettesBeaumettesBeaumettes is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Geography:The village lies on the right bank of the Calavon, which forms all of the commune's southern border.-References:*...
- Beaumont-de-PertuisBeaumont-de-PertuisBeaumont-de-Pertuis is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- BonnieuxBonnieuxBonnieux is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Geography:Bonnieux is one of the many historic "hill villages" in the region. Dating back to Roman times, it rests on top of the Luberon hills casting a watchful gaze across the rest of...
- BuouxBuouxBuoux is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.Located on the north side of the Luberon, the town is known for the high cliffs that surround it, making it a hot spot and world-famous site for rock-climbing enthusiasts, as well as the...
- Cabrières-d'AiguesCabrières-d'AiguesCabrières-d'Aigues is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- CadenetCadenetCadenet is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Jewish community:Like all places situated along the river Durance, Cadenet had a Jewish community in the Middle Ages...
- CaseneuveCaseneuveCaseneuve is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- CavaillonCavaillonCavaillon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Geography:The Calavon, a tributary of the Durance locally called Coulon, flows westward through the middle of the commune....
, small town at the western entrance to the Luberon valley - Cheval-BlancCheval-BlancCheval-Blanc is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- CucuronCucuronCucuron is a village in the Vaucluse department, of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in southeastern France. Its inhabitants are called Cucuronnais....
- GargasGargas, VaucluseGargas is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.Gargas is the site of old ochre mining operations. In 2009 the Mine d'Ocre de Broux was opened for tourists.-References:*...
- GordesGordesGordes is a commune in the Vaucluse département in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.The residents are known as Gordiens...
- GoultGoultGoult is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Geography:The commune lies in the parc naturel régional du Luberon.The Calavon flows westward through the southern part of the commune....
- GramboisGramboisGrambois is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.It is a nicely renovated, perched medieval village. Grambois is a small peaceful village, quite close to the Luberon mountains....
- JoucasJoucasJoucas is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Démography:-Places to see:image:Joucas - église.JPG|Joucas churchimage:Joucas - autel église.JPG|inside the church...
- LacosteLacoste, VaucluseLacoste is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.Its population doubles in size during the height of the summer tourist season.-Geography:...
- Lagarde-d'AptLagarde-d'AptLagarde-d'Apt is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.It is a local centre for lavender distilling for the perfume trade, containing two lavender distilleries...
- LaurisLaurisLauris is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.It is located between the Luberon and the Durance river. The town has seen a rapid increase in population in since the 1980s from 1810 inhabitants in 1982 to 3354 inhabitants in...
- LiouxLiouxLioux is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- LourmarinLourmarinLourmarin is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. Its inhabitants are called Lourmarinois.-Geography:...
- MaubecMaubec, VaucluseMaubec is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- MénerbesMénerbesMénerbes is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France, a walled village on a hilltop in the Luberon mountains, footbills of the French Alps....
- MérindolMérindolMérindol is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- MirabeauMirabeau, VaucluseMirabeau is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.It has several buildings from the thirteenth century in the centre, including the Chapel de Madelinne -References:*...
- MursMurs, VaucluseMurs is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- OppèdeOppèdeOppède is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.- History :It is in fact two villages: Oppède-le-Vieux , built against the Petit Luberon and dating back to the 12th century, and Oppède-les-Poulivets , today known as "le village", down...
- PertuisPertuisPertuis is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.Located south of the Luberon, this town is also near Aix-en-Provence, a famous town. Pertuis has existed since at least 981, while a castle was first built in the 12th century...
- Peypin-d'AiguesPeypin-d'AiguesPeypin-d'Aigues is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- PugetPugetPuget is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Personalities:The troubadour Bertran del Pojet hailed from Pojet, the Occitan name of modern Puget.-See also:* Côtes du Luberon AOC...
- PuyvertPuyvertPuyvert is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- RobionRobionRobion is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Geography:The Calavon, locally called Coulon, flows westward through the middle of the commune.-References:*...
- RoussillonRoussillon, VaucluseRoussillon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.Roussillon lies within the borders of the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon. In the French natural regional parks, new economic activities may be developed only if they are...
- RustrelRustrelRustrel is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Sights:This village is famous for its ochre, which many people come to visit in the French Colorado.-References:*...
- SaignonSaignonSaignon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.The nearest town is Apt.There is a bakery/cafe, two restaurants, and a general store. The school has about 100 students, and is attached to the post office.-History:The area was first...
- Saint-Martin-de-CastillonSaint-Martin-de-CastillonSaint-Martin-de-Castillon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Geography:The river Calavon flows westward through the middle of the commune and forms part of its western border.-References:...
- Saint-Martin-de-la-BrasqueSaint-Martin-de-la-BrasqueSaint-Martin-de-la-Brasque is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-PantaléonSaint-Pantaléon, VaucluseSaint-Pantaléon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- Saint-Saturnin-lès-AptSaint-Saturnin-lès-AptSaint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- SannesSannesSannes is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- TailladesTailladesTaillades is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- La Tour-d'AiguesLa Tour-d'AiguesLa Tour-d'Aigues is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- VauginesVauginesVaugines is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.It lies on the southern slopes of the Luberon Massif. It is a very old and isolated village....
- ViensViensViens is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- VillarsVillars, VaucluseVillars is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- VillelaureVillelaureVillelaure is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
- Vitrolles-en-LuberonVitrolles-en-LubéronVitrolles-en-Luberon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-References:*...
In Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
- Aubenas-les-AlpesAubenas-les-AlpesAubenas-les-Alpes is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- La BrillanneLa BrillanneLa Brillanne is a commune in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southeastern France.-Population:Its inhabitants are referred to as Brillannais.-External links:* * *...
- CéresteCéresteCéreste is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-History:A Gallo-Roman period settlement was established in the quarter of today's Saint-Sauveur priory, possibly as a crossing control point for the river...
- DauphinDauphin, Alpes-de-Haute-ProvenceDauphin is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- ForcalquierForcalquierForcalquier is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.Forcalquier is located between the Lure and Luberon mountain ranges, about south of Sisteron and west of the Durance river...
- LimansLimansLimans is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- LursLursLurs are an Iranic people living mainly in south-western Iran. Their population is estimated at above two million. They occupy Lorestan, Bakhtiari, and Kuh-Gilu-Boir Ahmed. "....
- ManosqueManosqueManosque is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the préfecture of the département, which resides in the smaller town of Digne-les-Bains...
- MontfuronMontfuronMontfuron is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-See also:* Luberon* Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC*Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department-References:*...
- MontjustinMontjustinMontjustin is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- NiozellesNiozellesNiozelles is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- OppedetteOppedetteOppedette is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- PierreruePierrerue, Alpes-de-Haute-ProvencePierrerue is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- PierrevertPierrevertPierrevert is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-See also:* Luberon*Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department*Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC-References:*...
- ReillanneReillanneReillanne is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.It is due north of Toulon and west of Nice.-History:...
- Revest-des-BroussesRevest-des-BroussesRevest-des-Brousses is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-MaimeSaint-MaimeSaint-Maime is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Martin-les-EauxSaint-Martin-les-EauxSaint-Martin-les-Eaux is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Saint-Michel-l'ObservatoireSaint-Michel-l'ObservatoireSaint-Michel-l'Observatoire is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Observatory:Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire is host of a national observatory. The best European low-altitude observatory in function. There is also an astronomy center for educational purposes...
- Sainte-TulleSainte-TulleSainte-Tulle is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-See also:* Luberon* Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC*Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department-References:*...
- VachèresVachèresVachères is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- VillemusVillemusVillemus is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
- VilleneuveVilleneuve, Alpes-de-Haute-ProvenceVilleneuve is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.Villeneuve is located in Durance valley. This village, like many other villages in Provence, is built on the top of a hill to keep it protected from invaders. Villeneuve in French mean "New town" but was...
- VolxVolxVolx is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Population:-References:*...
The 'Golden Triangle' of Luberon
- BonnieuxBonnieuxBonnieux is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Geography:Bonnieux is one of the many historic "hill villages" in the region. Dating back to Roman times, it rests on top of the Luberon hills casting a watchful gaze across the rest of...
, village on the border between the Little and Big Luberon - GordesGordesGordes is a commune in the Vaucluse département in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.The residents are known as Gordiens...
, facing the Luberon, this village is considered the top of the Golden Triangle (the base being made by the Little Luberon mountains) - GoultGoultGoult is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.-Geography:The commune lies in the parc naturel régional du Luberon.The Calavon flows westward through the southern part of the commune....
, perched on a hill in the middle of the valley of the Luberon. - LacosteLacoste, VaucluseLacoste is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.Its population doubles in size during the height of the summer tourist season.-Geography:...
and the ancient castle of the uncle of "le Marquis de Sade" - MénerbesMénerbesMénerbes is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France, a walled village on a hilltop in the Luberon mountains, footbills of the French Alps....
- OppèdeOppèdeOppède is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.- History :It is in fact two villages: Oppède-le-Vieux , built against the Petit Luberon and dating back to the 12th century, and Oppède-les-Poulivets , today known as "le village", down...
with its historic section perched on the hillside Oppéde-le-Vieux - RoussillonRoussillon, VaucluseRoussillon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.Roussillon lies within the borders of the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon. In the French natural regional parks, new economic activities may be developed only if they are...
, like Goult, perched on a hill within the Luberon valley
Southern Luberon
- LourmarinLourmarinLourmarin is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. Its inhabitants are called Lourmarinois.-Geography:...
, village on the border between Little and Big Luberon - CucuronCucuronCucuron is a village in the Vaucluse department, of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in southeastern France. Its inhabitants are called Cucuronnais....
- Pavillon de GalonPavillon de GalonThe Pavillon de Galon was built at the end of the 18th century as a hunting lodge. It is located in Cucuron, in Vaucluse, on the south side of the Luberon mountain range of southern France....