Oppède le Vieux
12 km east of Cavaillon via the D2, then the D3 and the D176 on the right.
Discover Oppède le Vieux, a superb village in the Luberon
Oppède le Vieux is a magnificent little village built on top of a rocky outcrop, overgrown with lush vegetation and set against a wild backdrop of forests, valleys and rocks. With its charming cobblestone streets, collegiate church and fortress, it is one of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon! A must-see!
A gem of the Luberon
To discover Oppède Le Vieux, leave your car in the parking lot at the bottom of the village and follow the signposted paths.
You will enter this old village steeped in history with wonder as you discover at the top of the hill, the beautiful 12th century Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame which dominates the 360° panorama, the ruins of a medieval castle as well as the remains of old shops and boutiques.
The cobblestone streets
You will enjoy strolling along the “calades”, the paved lanes that run through the village. You will admire the superb, tastefully restored 15th and 16th century houses, which exude a lot of charm.
The Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dalidon
Take the trouble to climb up to the charming Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Dalidon, which dates from the 16th century. A college of canons settled there in 1546. The building has a central nave, a choir and six chapels. From the terrace of the collegiate church, you have a superb view of the Petit Luberon and the plain. You can even admire Mont Ventoux in the distance.
The fortress of the medieval castle
The fortress of Oppède was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It was gradually enlarged by the popes and then by the barons of Oppède. In 1731, an earthquake caused extensive damage to the building. The site is currently being renovated by the Association for the Preservation of the Oppède Fortress. This ruined fortress gives a lot of charm to the Old Oppède.
A typical Provençal village
You can rest on the peaceful Place de la Croix and gradually allow yourself to be immersed in the gentle atmosphere that reigns here. Many artists, writers and celebrities have been seduced by the beauty of the site and its well-preserved authentic character.
They bought and then restored some beautiful properties. You too, no doubt, if you love the charm of stone, will fall in love with Oppède Le Vieux.
Where to eat in Oppède?
The most pleasant place to eat or have a drink is the Place de la Croix, the central square of old Oppède. For a drink, we recommend the lovely terrace of “L'Apéro”. For lunch, we really like the menu of the “Petit Café des Jeanne” and its sunny terrace.
Our map of Oppède le Vieux (84580)
To find your way around the village of Oppède le Vieux, you can use our interactive map which you will find on this page. We have included our accommodation recommendations so that you can locate them before booking your stay in Oppède le Vieux.
The market in Oppède le Vieux
The market in Oppède le Vieux is not to be missed. It takes place every Saturday morning in the Provençal atmosphere of the village. It is a real treat for the eyes and the taste buds and an opportunity to stock up on local products and stroll through this beautiful village in the Luberon.
Numerous hikes
There are many hikes that start or end in Oppède le Vieux, which is an ideal vacation spot for walkers. We recommend the “Vallon de Cambrès” hike if you are an experienced hiker. It is magnificent but there are a few dizzying passages.
Avoid if it is raining or has been raining, as this could be dangerous. For beginner hikers, take the “Oppède discovery trail”, which goes around and through the village.
What to see
Ruins of the feudal chateau. 12th century church.
Collégiale Notre Dame.
Ancient washing places.
Renaissance and medieval houses.
Leisure activities
Hiking and mountain biking (mountain bike hire and guided routes).
Tennis, sports stadium and cultural festivals.
Arts and crafts
Bed and breakfast
3 bed & breakfast in a refined and warm atmosphere with independent access in a eco friendly 17th C. house, sunny garden with small larch sw.pool, right in the center, but in an absolute calm. Luxury bedding. Organic breakfast.
Holiday rentals
Beautiful 17th century house renovated by an architect, 210m², sleeps 7, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms + WC, several lounges, kitchen, garden, small sw.pool larch basin, barbecue, in the heart of the village, absolute calm. Wifi.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Campsite.
Your questions about the Old Oppède
Following the publication of this guide to the Vieil Oppède, you sent us several questions about the town. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
The captivating history of Oppède le Vieux
This medieval village in the Luberon was first a defensive stronghold in the Middle Ages. Its impressive fortifications bear witness to its strategic importance.
In the 12th century, Oppède came under the authority of the Count of Toulouse, before being attached to the papal lands of the Comtat Venaissin. The Pope of Rome exerted his influence there for several centuries.
During the Great Western Schism, Oppède experienced troubled times like the whole region. The village nevertheless remained an inhabited and protected place. Its ramparts were reinforced to deal with the threats of the time.
It was in the 16th century that the decline began. The inhabitants gradually left the old hilltop village to settle in the plain. The old fortified site, difficult to access, was gradually abandoned in favor of a new, more accessible Oppède in the plain.
The must-do activities in and around Oppède le Vieux
For hiking enthusiasts, several marked trails leave from Oppède le Vieux. The most popular one takes you through the hills to Ménerbes, another pearl of the Luberon. This moderately difficult walk allows you to discover superb landscapes between garrigue and forests.
The vineyards surrounding the village produce excellent wines that you can taste in the neighboring estates. Several wine cellars welcome you to discover their vintages, authentic reflections of the local terroir.
In summer, the “Soirées d'Oppède” festival brings the Notre-Dame collegiate church to life. These classical music concerts in an exceptional setting attract music lovers and the curious. The remarkable acoustics of the venue magnify every note.
