Luberon, France

What It Is Like to Retire in Luberon

The Luberon is a southern region of France within Provence. The area lies among 3 mountain ranges. Vaucluse is a smaller region within the Luberon. it comprises many villages and towns that are especially beautiful - Russillon, Bonnieux, Oppede le Vieux, Saignons, Goult, and Gordes.  In fact of the 40 or so "most beautiful villages in France" denomination, about 10 of them in are in the Luberon. The commercial centers are Apt and to a lesser extent, Coustellet.  The hilltop village of Gordes (pictured above) is one of the most beautiful, and ritziest address in the region. The area has always been popular with tourists and retirees, but the series of books by British author Peter Mayle chronicling his life as an expatriate settled in the Luberon village of Ménerbes really put the area on the map.

The countryside is dotted with vineyards and orchards. Most of the villages are old hilltop towns, formerly walled enclaves to fend off the hordes of invaders over millennia. The latter included the Romans, who conquered France and left it with a legacy of roads, bridges, and the occasional baths. Those remants, along with the glimpses of medieval life, make it a fascinating place to live and visit.  Bicycling is very good here, with many sites to see.

Where to Retire in Luberon and Home Prices

Many retirees opt for small homes or flats in the villages. But the countryside is dotted with villas and small estates, often owned by wealthy French or expats. In some of the trendiest areas a very small but desirable home would go for 3 or 4 hundred thousand Euros, while bigger ones will be over a million. Less popular areas will not be quite so expensive.

What Is Special about Luberon

Incredible scenery and places to visit, rich in beauty and history. Wonderful food.  Relatively mild climate.  A peaceful lifestyle ideally suited for retirement.

What Is Not Special about Luberon

It is very expensive. If you are from the European Union it is easy to become a resident.  Outside of that,you can buy property, but getting permission to live here year round will be difficult.

Who Will Like Retirement in Luberon

People who love France and the idealized lifestyle that is possible there.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism and agriculture.

Climate and Physical Environment

The Luberon is in the south of France. Snow is extremely rare, as the Mediterrean has a positive influence on the weather. Winters tend to be wet and summers dry.  The mistral produces strong and very annoying winds. There are some steep mountains in the area.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

This is France so there are copious numbers of good restaurants. In tourist areas they might be crowded in summer and not open off-season.  There are many ruins and beautiful old churches to visit. The Lavender Museum is in Coustellet. Many artists  have lived here and some of the galleries have beautiful works for sale.

Crime

Crime is relatively low. Tourist-type crime is there, as in car break-ins.

Medical facilities

Avignon, Arles, and Apt are nearby cities with good medical facilities.

Transportation

Nearby Avignon has a TGV  (tres grand vitesse - very high speed) train station with great service to Paris and Marseilles.

Valuable Links

Vaucluse in Provence