Pertuis
23 km north of Aix en Provence via the D556.
Discover the small town of Pertuis, 20 km from Aix en Provence
Thanks to its geographical location, Pertuis has always been a crossroads of communication between the sea and the mountains, and its Latin name pertus means passage.
Just a few kilometers from Marseille (50 km as the crow flies), Aix (22 km) and Avignon (80 km), you'll discover Pertuis, a pleasant little town in the Luberon region, which takes great care to preserve the quality of its environment.
Pertuis: a small Luberon town
A visit to the old town will enchant you, with its narrow flower-lined streets, tastefully restored old houses, 14th-century historic monuments and the pleasant Place Mirabeau, an architectural gem... A soft Provencal atmosphere reigns here, sheltered from the Mistral wind, where the play of light and shadow embellishes the rich architectural and historical heritage that the town has managed to preserve thanks to the effective action of Pertuis town council and local associations.
The town organizes numerous festivities during the summer, making it a great place to stroll and attend the various shows, festivals and traditional celebrations.
Historic monuments not to be missed in Pertuis
Saint Nicolas Church
The construction of the church of Saint-Nicolas in Pertuis dates back to 1398. The Marquis de Mirabeau was baptized here. Remarkably resistant, the church has survived the centuries, earthquakes and the Provence wars.
The architectural allure of Saint-Nicolas church is distinctive, with a dome gracefully perched on a chapel, the absence of a conventional bell tower and a notable asymmetry to the main nave. A captivating fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles defines its exterior aesthetic. The interior of this sacred edifice houses a treasure trove of cultural and artistic wonders, including splendid 17th-century paintings, statues carved from Carrara marble and imposing 19th-century organs.
In 1911, the Church of Saint-Nicolas was officially recognized as a historic monument, making it a must-see in Pertuis.
Saint-Jacques Tower
Built in the 14th century, the Tour Saint-Jacques still stands proudly above Pertuis. It was listed as a Monument Historique in 1930. It is the last remaining tower in the town, and historians indicate that seven existed at the end of the Middle Ages.
It's a particularly aesthetic monument not to be missed during your visit to Pertuis.
A vacation or weekend in Pertuis
Pertuis isn't the most touristy town in the Luberon, so rental or hotel rates are much more affordable than in Lourmarin or Gordes. What's more, Pertuis is centrally located, within easy reach of all the villages of the southern Luberon, as well as Aix-en-Provence and even Avignon. Many holidaymakers choose to stay in Pertuis, to take advantage of the many shops and the extensive road network, and then to explore the entire Luberon region. At the bottom of this page, you'll find our recommendations for accommodation in Pertuis.
Our map of downtown Pertuis (zip code 84 120)
To find your way around Pertuis, you can use our interactive map of the town. We've included all the town's points of interest (town hall, tourist office, Tour Saint Jacques...) as well as our recommendations for accommodation in the town. So you can locate them before you book your stay in Pertuis.
What to see
The house of Reine Jeanne.
The house of François I°, the "maison consulaire" .
The "vieil Etal" or old stall(11th century), the convent of the oratory of Jesus (1620).
Saint Nicolas church and organ.
Keep of the "chateau disparu", St Jacques tower.
Leisure activities
Truffle hunting in English with a guide and his dogs.
Friday morning market in the town centre.
Wednesday and Saturday morning at the place Garcin.
Hiking, horse-riding and mountain biking.
Cultural events:
June: Corso fleuri. Horse sale.
May: Flower market. Comics festival and street theatre.
Hotels
The ibis Styles Pertuis is located 2 km from Pertuis city centre. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. The CEA sites of Cadarache and ITER can be reached in 20 minutes by car.All rooms have air conditioning, a TV, a telephone and a private bathroom.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Campsite.
Your questions about Pertuis
After writing this guide to Pertuis, you sent us several questions by email. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Why is Pertuis called Pertuis?
The name Pertuis originates from the Latin “pertusus”, meaning “pierced” or “hole”. This name refers to the town's strategic position as a natural passageway between the Durance valley and the Luberon massif.
Where to go? Where to walk in Pertuis?
Start by wandering through the pretty streets of the old town center, where you'll discover beautiful squares and fountains. Don't miss the Eglise Saint Nicolas and the Tour Saint Jacques. The Maison Reine Jeanne and the Maison de François 1er are also well worth a visit. For hiking enthusiasts, there are several magnificent hiking trails in the Luberon mountains just a few kilometers north of Pertuis or on the banks of the Durance River. Itineraries are available from the tourist office.
Is there a cinema in Pertuis?
Of course, the Le Lubéron cinema is very popular with Pertuis residents, offering a dozen different films every day. Going to the cinema is ideal for rainy days in Pertuis! It's located at 31 rue Giraud (see our map).
What's the market day in Pertuis?
The market takes place every Friday morning in the town center, as well as on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Place Garcin. It's a very pleasant market, with many small producers from the Pays d'Aigues, especially during the tourist season.
Where is Pertuis? Which département?
Pertuis is part of the Vaucluse département (Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region) and lies to the south of the Luberon mountain range in the Parc Naturel Régional of the same name. The nearest villages are La Tour d'Aigues and Ansouis.
Is Pertuis a safe town?
Pertuis is a small, relatively safe commune, so there's nothing to risk when you go sightseeing in Pertuis. Of course, you should avoid leaving bags lying around in your car, walking around with expensive watches in the evening, and avoiding nightclubs or bars in the middle of the night.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
La Tour d'Aigues (5 km), La Bastidonne (6 km) and Ansouis (8 km).