After our adventures in Paris we headed south for our client’s destination wedding weekend in the Luberon region of Provence.  The quaint, hilltop storybook-esque villages that played host to the weekend’s festivities were all about 15-30 min drive from one another.

Photos by: Eric Parekh

Lourmarin: If your idea of a perfect Provence village includes cafes and restaurants spilling out onto the cobbled streets, Lourmarin is the place for you.  While not a hilltop village, it’s still one of the loveliest.  The streets of Lourmarin meander past fountains and tight-packed houses, and you get the impression that they are circling around the impressive belfry (Castelas) at the highest point of the village. The belfry is built on the vestiges of the medieval moated castle that once defined Lourmarin.  In the summer, their weekend market is worth a visit.

Gordes: the site of our clients “Bienvenue en Provence!” party.  Neutral stone houses spiral, seemingly growing out around the rock where the village is set. At the very top is the church and the castle which face out onto the hills of the Luberon.  Due to its privileged position, its exceptional charm and its typical architecture, Gordes has been listed as “one of the most beautiful villages of France“.  While strolling around the tiny streets which climb up between the tall houses, you will discover here and there beautiful old doorways, arcades and walls of flat stone perfectly restored, and on the other side, there is the panorama of the valley and mountains of the Luberon.  At the top, you can see the fortified castle enclosing the city hall.  Whatever you do, you must not miss the fabulous Abbey of Senanque hidden in the green valley. Cistercian monks still live there producing honey, lavender essence, and liqueurs. The whole 12th century ediface is open for visits – it’s the most beautiful display of lavender fields you will ever see.

Can you spy our party-goers clad all in white on the terrace?  The welcome party was held at the Bastide de Gordes.  Photos of the party to come soon from the official event photographer, Jose Villa.

St-Saturnin-Les-Apt:  This town is known for production of cherries, wine, lavender, olives and truffles. The oak-covered hills around are obvious truffle country, and it was here that someone first tried to grow truffles.  Our client’s rehearsal dinner was hosted at the Domaine des Andeols…a sprawling and gorgeous property that grows all of it’s own herbs, produce and lavender.  This farmhouse hotel was founded by a couple of fashion-industry insiders down from Paris.  While the outside may be typical Provencal style, the interiors are fit for the fashion crowd.

Our rehearsal dinner was underneath this massive tree with a view of the lavender and apricot trees.  The tree was surrounded by a lily pond-laden moat, and the spiral staircase led guests up to the treetop for dessert.  We’ll include a few teasers – more to come from Jose Villa:

The actual wedding took place in the village of Bonnieux, and there will be MUCH more to come on that soon 🙂  The view from Bonnieux is spectacular looking out across the valley floor with its patchwork of orchards and vineyards, towards the equally picturesque perched village of Lacoste across the Vaucluse plateau.  The grand dame sits on top of the village, the 12th century, Roman/Gothic ‘Vieille Eglise’ (old church.)  There are restaurants, markets and a bakery museum.  But we say come for the view (specifically, an aperitif at Brasserie Les Terrases…which boasts panoramic views at the most beautiful spot.)  You can see more of Bonnieux on our blog post covering last year’s planning visit (as well as side trip to Aix!)

Next up: TravelMILK in Italy…Amalfi Coast, Capri + Rome!