Menerbes information for Provence rental villa in Menerbes, Vaucluse for 10

Menerbes rises up like a ship from the sea of vineyards that run along the Luberon valley. In French it is called a 'perched village'.

The Luberon has several perched, hilltop villages, and most, like Menerbes, are also members of that select group officially recognised as 'The Most Beautiful Villages in France'. What you will notice about Menerbes is that it is less touristy than the other villages of the Luberon, and less crowded too.

About Menerbes

Historic buildings, Menerbes, Provence

Place de la Mairie, Menerbes.

V iew from the top of Menerbes ovoer the Luberon vineyards.

The village of Menerbes has ancient buildings, towers and churches, with narrow streets that wind their way past the restaurants and shops to the top level of the village. From up here there are lovely views of the surrounding countryside - the Luberon to the south, and other hill-top villages like Gordes to the north, as well as the towering Mont Ventoux.

There is some striking architecture in the little roads around the main square, the Place de la Mairie, some of which you can see on this page.

The lovely garden of the Maison de la
Truffe et du Vin, Menerbes

The centre of Menerbes

Menerbes village centre

What's in Menerbes:

Three restaurants.
A Bar.
Two bakers and a butcher.
Pharmacy, post office.
La Maison de la truffe et du vin - a beautiful building in the Place de la Mairie renovated to celebrate the wine and truffles of the region.
Two shops for Provencal furnishings, and one selling more down-to-earth souvenirs like herbs and olive oil.

Looking up at Menerbes from the cherry orchards

Looking up at Menerbes from the cherry trees

Menerbes is at the heart of the Luberon, a part of Provence that enjoys the benefits of a Mediterranean climate with none of the 'progress' so evident on the coast.

This land is a protected natural park, and it is the closest thing to the idealised Provence we see in popular culture. In fact, Peter Mayle wrote his bestseller 'A Year in Provence' here in Menerbes. Picasso was equally inspired to install his mistress, the artist Dora Maar, in a house in the village.

You should visit the Luberon if you want beautiful, varied landscapes and scenery; pure air to breathe; the light that has always brought painters and poets here; the best natural produce (fruit and vegetables here actually taste like they used to); fascinating places to visit within a short drive or cycle; sunny days when you can eat outside in every month of the year.

I've put together some information on the Luberon and Provence which you can see by clicking here. It includes links to newspaper and magazine articles so you can see what others think.

See my recommended books and films about the Luberon and Provence by clicking here.

You can get back to the villa by clicking here.

Looking from Menerbes, towards 'Belvoir', the village of Gordes and the Mont Ventoux. 'Belvoir' is roughly bang in the middle of all that green.
This panorama was taken next to Clementine's restaurant, so this is the sort of view you get when you eat there.