02 February 2024 | Tourism
Ménerbes, timeless elegance of a Provencal village
Nestled in the heart of the sunny landscapes of the Luberon, Ménerbes emerges like a preserved jewel of Provence. With its cobbled streets, sun-drenched stone houses and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, this Provençal village embodies the very essence of southern charm.
A richly ancestral history
Ménerbes, with its origins dating back to Gallo-Roman times, is steeped in a rich and fascinating history. Its narrow and winding streets invite visitors to wander through a maze of traditions and ancient stories. Formerly a defensive bastion, the village has retained its medieval character through its ramparts, watchtowers and fortified gates which bear witness to its tumultuous past.
A village of writers and artists
Ménerbes has long been a source of inspiration for artists and writers in search of beauty and authenticity. The village has hosted well-known personalities such as Picasso and Dora Maar, who found refuge in its picturesque streets. Today, Ménerbes continues to attract artists seeking tranquility and creativity, with its art galleries, craft workshops and cultural festivals that celebrate artistic expression in all its forms.
The sites and points of interest of the village
The washhouse, the Hôtel de Tingry, the old prison, the castellet, the Notre-Dame-des-Grâces chapel, the Saint Hilaire abbey, the Tire Bouchon museum and Botanical Garden, the Saint Sauveur gate, The church Saint-Luc parish... discover all the points of interest in the village.
Unique architectural heritage
Ménerbes is revealed at every street corner, with its charming golden stone facades decorated with colorful shutters, its squares shaded by century-old plane trees and its fountains whispering forgotten stories. The Saint-Luc church, dating from the 12th century, stands proudly in the heart of the village, offering a poignant testimony to the religious and architectural history of Ménerbes.
A sweet Provençal life
Living in Ménerbes means soaking up the gentle way of life that it exudes. Where time seems suspended and simple pleasures take on their full importance. Lively markets, outdoor cafes and bakeries fragrant with fresh bread invite locals and visitors alike to savor the culinary delights and local traditions that the region is famous for.
The art of living in the Luberon
The art of living is cultivated in the terroir, the sun and the earth here have grown the most beautiful vines which today produce Côtes du Luberon AOC which you can taste at the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon.
Maison Martres, Luberon wine and truffle specialists
This modern and living museum allows you to discover the riches of the local terroir through different spaces, including a wine library bringing together all the wines produced in the Luberon Regional Natural Park. On the same theme, the Citadelle wine estate hosts an unusual Corkscrew Museum with more than 1,000 corkscrews from the 17th century to the present day. For a special “Most Beautiful Villages of France” circuit around Ménerbes, start with Venasque (24 km) north of the village and continue via Gordes (11 km), Roussillon (16 km), Ansouis (33 km) and finally Lourmarin ( 24 km). Before returning to your starting point, visit the Saint-Hilaire Abbey.