The Luberon, Grambois and its surroundings

Character house in the Luberon of Provence

A taste of Provence

The Terrasses d'Antonin are the ideal starting point for discovering the wonders and surroundings of the southern Luberon. With its historic heritage, enchanting landscapes and authentic villages, let yourself be carried away by the Provençal art of living.

Come and meet Grambois, this typically Provençal village which served as the setting for Marcel Pagnol’s masterpieces.

The village of Grambois seen from the air and its surrounding forests
The "Aux Bartavelles" fountain in Grambois
Sunny, tree-lined alley in Grambois
The Romanesque Notre-Dame de Beauvoir church in Grambois
Character house in the Luberon of Provence

Grambois: an authentic village

Old photo of the church square with its belfry in Grambois
Grambois church square and its belfry, with the "Aux Bartavelles" fountain in the foreground today
The fortified church of Grambois viewed from the Terrasses d’Antonin

Church of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir

This parish church, mentioned as early as the XIᵉ century, is a testament to Provençal religious architecture.

XIVth-century ramparts and its Tourrache

The remains of the medieval fortifications offer a glimpse of the village's defensive history. Dating from 1377, the rampart forms the eastern front of the old village's second wall.

Bartavelles fountain

Made famous by the film "La Gloire de mon père", this fountain is an iconic feature of Grambois.

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Character house in the Luberon of Provence

Nearby Villages

Lourmarin

Lourmarin is undeniably one of the most beautiful villages in France and one of the most touristy in the southern Luberon. Take the time to stroll through the little narrow streets and admire the façades of the old houses, where you will discover true architectural gems.

With its many shops (bars, restaurants, art galleries, home décor and clothing shops, etc.), you will find plenty to treat yourself to.

Just a few steps from the village, visit Lourmarin Castle, with its medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Not to be missed: the Friday morning market and its typically Provençal atmosphere.

Ansouis

This little village, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, is truly worth a detour. Its narrow streets, architecture and the old chapel adjoining the château, the filming location for the wedding in Manon des Sources. 

Don’t miss the château tour (weekends by reservation only), guided by the château owners themselves.

Cucuron

Less touristy than Lourmarin, Cucuron is nevertheless full of charm. Through old photos of the neighbourhood, displayed throughout the narrow streets, you will discover an authentic village where nothing, or almost nothing, has changed for nearly a century. Climb up to the Saint Michel Keep to admire the view over the village rooftops (filming location for scenes from « The Horseman on the Roof »), the Luberon and the valley.

Take a refreshing break in the shade of the plane trees by the Étang basin, a water reservoir once used to supply flour mills.

Vaugines, Mirabeau, La Tour d'Aigues, ...

Vaugines and Mirabeau inspired Claude Berri to film scenes from Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, adapted from Marcel Pagnol’s novels.

As you pass through La Tour d’Aigues, you will be impressed by the remains of its Renaissance château, with its keep. During the summer, numerous shows and performances are held in the château courtyard.

The narrow streets of Lourmarin
The chapel of Vaugines and Papé’s bench in Manon des Sources
The Mirabeau fountain with the sculpture of Manon des Sources
Lourmarin Castle
The Cucuron pond basin
The Renaissance château of La Tour-d’Aigues
Ansouis: the village and its château
Ansouis Castle against an intense blue sky
Character house in the Luberon of Provence

Outdoor activities

Bonde Lake 9 km from Gambois
The Fairy Chimneys of the Provençal Colorado viewed from below
The Fairy Chimneys of the Provençal Colorado against a forest backdrop
The shades of yellow and red of the ochres of Colorado Provençal and its Mediterranean vegetation
View of a sunny landscape with lush vegetation and a lovely Provençal village in the background
Layers of white and red ochre on the ochre trail of Roussillon and its Mediterranean vegetation

Walking and cycling tours

A number of signposted footpaths start from Grambois, offering panoramic views of the Luberon and Sainte-Victoire.

Étang de la Bonde

The nearby pond is perfect for swimming, water sports and family picnics.

Luberon Regional Nature Park

Grambois is part of this park, offering a rich biodiversity and unspoilt landscapes.

Among the most famous natural sites, the Colorado Provençal and the Roussillon Ochre Trail are a delight to behold and bear witness to the thriving industrial activity of yesteryear (55 minutes from Grambois). The chasm of Fountain of Vaucluse (1h10 away) is magnificent and becomes breathtaking when the Sorgue overflows its banks. 

In March, the multicoloured tulip fields of La Brillanne enchant the landscape (45 minutes from Les Terrasses d'Antonin).

World-famous for its lavender fields, the plateau of Valensole (45 minutes from Grambois) will charm you with its vibrant colours.

Character house in the Luberon of Provence

Local crafts

Santeria

Provence is well known for its santons and nativity scenes.

This Christmas, you'll be able to admire a unique nativity scene in the church of Notre Dame de Beauvoir in Grambois. The santons that make up the crib are from Grambois and have been immortalised by Pierre Graille, a local santon-maker, sculptor and earthenware maker.

You'll find Marie and Antonin, our grandparents, who, when they're not in the crèche, take pride of place in the kitchen/dining room of Les Terrasses d'Antonin.

Cutlery and Forging

On the church square in Grambois, visit Loïc Heritier's cutlery workshop. Perhaps you'll be tempted to take a course in forging your own knife (www.heritierloic.com).

Basketry

The southern Luberon is also famous for its wickerwork. The Cadenet wickerwork museum has over 2,000 items (both utilitarian and for furnishings), bearing witness to customs and traditions from the early 19th century to the end of the 20th century.

Arts and crafts

You can also visit the workshops of local santon makers, ceramists and other craftsmen.

We've fallen in love with ceramist Judith Philibert's studio. Judith also gives courses open to all (judith-philibert-ceramique.fr).

Antonin and Marie figurines in period clothing, made in 1953 by Pierre Graille, Meilleur Ouvrier de France in Grambois
Provençal nativity scene in Grambois with figurines depicting the village inhabitants
Grambois nativity scene with its Bartavelles fountain and dovecote
Provençal figurines depicting villagers in the Grambois nativity scene
Bowls, plates and ewer made by Pierre Graille in Grambois
Character house in the Luberon of Provence

Gastronomy

fruit stand on the street during daytime
assorted fruits at the market
Reservation B&B Grambois best price Luberon Provence
Reservation B&B Grambois best price Luberon Provence

Local markets

Discover Provençal local produce at the markets in nearby villages, such as Lourmarin, Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque, La Tour-d’Aigues and Pertuis, and let yourself be captivated by the colours, aromas and this quintessential atmosphere.

Don't miss the Apt market on Saturday mornings, 45 minutes from Grambois. It is one of the most remarkable in the region.

Visit Aix-en-Provence (45 minutes away) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but especially on Saturday mornings, and let yourself be charmed by the various themed markets in the town centre.

Wine and olive growing

Vines and olive trees shape the landscape of the southern Luberon. On your travels, you can discover the vineyards and olive-growing estates and taste our fruity, subtle aperitifs, wines and olive oils.

A "Well-being" stopover"
Treat yourself to a "Well-being" stay or simply a chance to recover and relax in our indoor Hot Tub.
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