Lauris – My New Favorite Village in Provence

There’s a standard list of “must-see” villages in Provence, especially those in the beautiful Luberon. This list usually includes villages like Gordes, Ménerbes, or Bonnieux. One village, however, is rarely found on this list – yet it’s my absolute favorite. Maybe that’s precisely why.

The castle garden

I visited it for the first time in February, a time of year when many of these idyllic places feel almost deserted. But Lauris, as my favorite village is called, is completely different! Here, there’s more than just pretty facades for tourists.

You'll find a beautiful, historic village center with the typical stone houses, but it’s not as polished as other Provence villages. The charm here still feels raw and authentic. There are a few small artists' studios, but not an overwhelming number of boutiques like elsewhere. You could say: It’s not overly commercialized.

Besides this stunning historic part of the village, there’s also the "normal" town. The houses here are more contemporary, yet still delightfully French. During my walk, I came across a group of teenagers who were trying very hard to look casual, taking turns being driven around by the only girl in the group in her small, license-free car. A glimpse of real village life.

One of the highlights – apart from the impressive church tower and the historic washhouse – is the château with its stunning terraced gardens, which are especially magical in the late afternoon and at sunset. The restaurants are also wonderful: just simple, authentic village eateries like you find in many French towns – no overpriced tourist traps.

If you're exploring the Luberon, it’s absolutely worth making a small detour to Lauris to experience a side of Provence that feels a little less touristy.