Lauris
On the D973 which links Cavaillon (26km) to Pertuis (16km).
Discover the pretty Luberon village of Lauris
This beautiful village of Lauris sits atop a rocky ridge between the Durance and the Luberon mountain. Perched on its cliff, Lauris offers an amazing view across the Durance valley, the Alpilles and the Luberon.
The History of Lauris castle
Like a figurehead, an 18th-century château stands plumb on the rock, overlooking some superb hanging gardens where ponds and fountains have retained all their charm. The castle began with a keep built in the 11th century and was enlarged by the various lords of Lauris over the centuries. The castle, demolished in 1730 and altered many times, has unfortunately lost much of its character. It now houses a retirement home and a reception centre for foreign missions. Numerous artists' galleries can be found at the foot of the château.
A short tour of the charming old centre of Lauris
Take a stroll through the old village of Lauris and you won't want to miss the beautiful bell tower with its delicately sculpted campanile at the top of the church.
You'll discover that Lauris has managed to retain its authenticity and character as you wander through its narrow streets, fountains and a few old stones polished by time. Don't miss the old public wash-house and the very narrow ‘Passage de l'Eglise’, which runs around the beautiful Lauris church.
The Arcades terrace
Admire the superb Arcades terrace and its magnificent arcades, recently renovated by the town of Lauris. In summer, this terrace hosts concerts and open-air shows. It is also the site of the dye plant garden created by Michel Garcia.
The conversational garden of dye plants
Since the 16th century, Lauris has been a very active centre for the production of natural dyes. In particular, scarlet and crimson were obtained from the mealybugs that once swarmed the kermes oaks of the Luberon, and madder red was obtained from a plant known as dyer's madder. The terraces of the château now house a conservatory garden of dye plants. Here you can discover the techniques and plants behind these dyeing processes. This botanical garden, the only one of its kind in Europe, includes 250 species from all over the world.
Where to stay in Lauris? Le Domaine de Fontenille
Sleep, drink or dine at the Domaine de Fontenille. This 4-star luxury hotel has magnificent grounds and is the best place in the area to have lunch. The cedars and ancient plane trees are sublime, the vineyard well tended and the food delicious. If you can afford to stay there, don't hesitate: superb rooms overlooking the park, heated swimming pool on the edge of the forest, sublime breakfasts... a little paradise in the Luberon.
La Cuisine d’Amélie: a great restaurant in Lauris!
“La Cuisine d'Amélie”, the restaurant at the Domaine de Fontenille, offers you refined cuisine in the superb setting of the Domaine de Fontenille! Rack of lamb, asparagus, produce from the estate's vegetable garden, you're in for a treat!
Our map of Lauris (postcode 84360)
To find your way around the village of Lauris, you can use our interactive map on this page. We've included the various points of interest in the village as well as our accommodation recommendations so that you can locate them before booking your stay in Lauris.
What to see
XVIII° C. Chateau (private, no visits).
Gardens, terraces and pools in the grounds of the chateau.
Parish church ND de la Purification with its beautiful campanile.
Classified Organs from the XIX°C, paintings, shrines.
Saint Roch Chapel.
Leisure activities
Truffle hunting in English with a guide and his dogs.
Market, Monday a.m. Walking.
Healthy trail in the Roquefraiche wood (1,8 Km).
Antiques fair, whitsun Saturday.
1st Saturday in February, Candlemas and wine fair.
Opera, last fortnight in August.
Fete the 1st Sunday in August (and the following days!).
Hotels
One of our favourite hotels in the Luberon: sumptuous grounds with magnificent plane trees and hundred-year-old cedars, heated swimming pool, exceptional restaurants, friendly staff, sumptuous breakfasts: in short, a little paradise!
