Lioux is one of those villages that is not on the tourist trail but is the essence of real Provence. It is the perfect place to trek around in the beautiful, remote countryside of the Luberon, where the natural beauty just soothes and calms any disquieting thoughts, and the cares of the day are quickly whisked away by the sights, the sounds, the scents, and the gentle Provençal breeze.
There are no restaurants or shops in this sleepy little village. But Lioux is definitely worth a stop to have a view of la mairie, or town hall, against the magnificent cliff known as la Falaise de la Madeleine.
Not far from la mairie is a path that takes you up and around to the top of the cliff. We started to venture up the steep, rocky path, and about ten minutes into our trek, we came upon a feast for our eyes. Here was a beautiful lavender field, hidden in the hills. We continued hiking up to discover more fields of lavender, one after another. It was hard to contain our excitement.
Lavender in late June
It only takes about twenty minutes to get to the top of the lavender fields before ascending onto the cliff. Just hiking this twenty-minute part alone is worth it. But if you have the time and energy to do the entire circular route, which includes walking across the cliff and descending back down and around to la mairie, it takes a little over two hours. The views from the top of the cliff are very rewarding as you would imagine.
Along with a hike in Lioux, the nearby village of Joucas is another one of those places off the tourist trail that is filled with charm for days, cobblestone paths weaving their way through the village.
More sights on the “secret” lavender trail.
And a few more lavender fields nearby on a road between Lioux and Roussillon.
À bientôt!
You look so happy out there in the lavender fields! What a gorgeous place to explore. That salad is enormous!! 🙂
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Hi ! These are very lovely pictures of Luberon ! I am getting married in that region and would love to find some secret places like that for the shooting. Would you remember the name of the place on the 4th picture ? I would be very grateful if you can share it 🙂 Many thanks 🙂
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All of the pictures are on the trail called the Falaise de Lioux, in the village of Lioux. The entire circular hike takes about two hours. Here is a link to a site with good information: https://www.theluberon.com/activities/hiking-luberon/falaise-de-lioux-hike. To get to the view of that fourth picture would be a bit of a hike.
Also, it would be an amazing photo right there by the Marie (town hall) in Lioux. Two other stunning locations are the village of Oppede-le-Vieux for killer scenery and the ruins at the top of Saint Saturnin les Apt (a 10-minute hike up). Hope you find some great spots! Anywhere, of course, is beautiful in the Luberon.
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One more thing Dali, the farmhouse in the fourth picture is on that Lioux trail, but I don’t know the actual name of the house.
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