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Lourmarin vs Roussillon? Advice on best stopover between Moustiers‑Sainte‑Marie and Marseille

Posted by on

Bonjour!

We will be driving from Moustiers‑Sainte‑Marie to Marseille in late June and are trying to decide on the best places to stop along the way. We plan to leave Moustiers around 10 AM and reach Marseille around sunset, so we only have time for one or two stops max.

We are definitely planning to visit the Valensole lavender fields since they are right on the way. Beyond that, I am having trouble narrowing it down as there are so many beautiful villages in the Luberon.

The towns that caught my eye are:
Saignon
Roussillon
Lourmarin
Bonnieux

If you could only pick one village as a stop between the above, which would you choose and why?

I have also read that Lourmarin is best experienced with an overnight stay. Is that true? Would it be worth rearranging the itinerary to spend a night there before continuing to Marseille?

Would love any tips, timing advice, or alternatives I might not be considering.

Thanks.

Posted by
11598 posts

Roussillon is the most distinctive due to the red earth. The others resemble each other more.

Posted by
887 posts

Agreed with above--whatever degree of touristy Lourmarin may have, its market is killer. We once delayed departure just include a second visit to it! Look for the young man selling lemon pies from the foot of the stairs. Also, the local farm gals who sell the best cherry tomatoes ever tasted---and I'm from Leamington, Canada's capitol for that item. Finally, the woman whose booth up near the wine shop titled 'Popotes...'this or that. Great stuff (popotes=really good cooks)
I am done. the tips

Posted by
4 posts

We loved Loumarin, but I haven't been to all the others. We were there on market day which was lovely but very crowded.

I don't know what your plan is before Moustiers, but have you considered visiting Gorges du Verdon? I don't remember all the details (which I could look up), but we had an incredible trip which included Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Aix en Provence, and Marseille. It sounds like that wouldn't really fit your itinerary.

Posted by
1280 posts

I’ve been to Moustiers, Lourmarin, and Roussillon. I think Roussillon would provide more of a contrast, but I would get there as early as possible if it’s a weekend day.

Posted by
816 posts

I'm assuming you are doing Moustiers Ste Marie so you can see the Gorge du Verdon before (make sure you take the upper route to get views down as well). I agree that Roussillon offers the best contrast and the Luberon valley (and surrounding hill towns) offer the choice for quick stops. Gordes has the fields before the Abbey de Senaque (market day there will be the most crowded day) and the often overlooked Lacoste is a stone village with the Chateau de Marquis de Sade at the top with broad views across the valley.

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