Ménerbes, France, is one of the best known towns in the Luberon and for good reason. Not only is it beautiful in itself, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful. If you are taking a tour of Provence, consider adding a trip to Ménerbes.
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Ménerbes is located about seven miles east of the larger town of Cavaillon, between Oppède (you’ll also want to visit ancient Oppède, Oppè de-le-Vieux ) and Lacoste, which is known for its castle that was once owned by the Marquis. de Sade.
Ménerbes is one of France’s prized “perched villages” or hamlets-perchés ; The village extends on the top of a hill that rises from a valley of agricultural fields, vineyards (from which the famous Côtes du Luberon is produced) and cherry orchards. In the spring it is beautiful, and in the fall, it is still quite colorful.
At one end of the town is the 16th century castle of Ménerbes. In the center of the city is the Town Hall square , surrounded by 16- and 17th-century buildings and a little further on is the Clock Square , where you will find a wine, truffle, olive oil and educational facility called Maison de the Truffe et du Vin du Luberon. In the summer, there is a small cafe / restaurant where you can try these items. Between Christmas and New Year there is a truffle fair.
Accommodation Ménerbes
While the village of Ménerbes may not be suitable for the long-term visitor, the surrounding villages cannot be easily covered in a week. You may want to stay in one place in the Luberon and go on day trips: the distances to each attraction from another are not great, and the countryside is beautiful enough to prevent the tourist from getting bored with the scenery. Ménerbes is a good center from which to operate in this way.
Ménerbes is not flooded in hotels. Suffice it to say that there are more bed and breakfast operations in Ménerbes than hotels. A place with a spa, like the Hostellerie Le Roy Soleil, might be suitable. Or, a little further afield, La Bastide de Soubeyras is also one of those charming old country houses with apartments. The good gourmet food available at the Luberon can make you wish you had a self-catering apartment, even if you don’t like to cook on your vacation.
Main attractions
Some describe that Ménerbes is within the “Golden Triangle” of the Luberon. The main towns include Ménerbes, Gordes, Lacoste, Bonnieux, Apt, Roussillon, and L’Isle-sur -LA- S orgue.
Just outside Ménerbes is the Abbaye de Saint-Hilaire founded in 1250 and easily seen from the walls of Ménerbes.
If you’ve ever wanted to see a collection of 1,000 corkscrews, nearby is the Musée du Tire-Bouchon (Corkscrew Museum).
Did Peter Mayle ruin Menerbes?
There was a time when there was a lot of talk about the success of Peter Mayle and how that success translated into over-tourism in the small town of Ménerbes. However, Ménerbes seems to have returned to the small, pristine town that it was before Mayle arrived.
So, don’t hesitate to visit this Luberon landmark. Mayle passed away in 2018.
