The Luberon

Today we went to the Luberon, the majestic mountain ranges in the south of France. We visited three villages perched on top of these mountains and learned about the history of this area. Here are one of the many vineyards we drove past on our way to our first stop Lourmarin.



We also passed many wild poppy fields with our huge bus navigating its way on very narrow, often one lane roads! Several times we stopped to let cars or trucks by so we could continue on our way.

On our way!

We saw many small widing streets in the village of Lourmarin along with wonderful views of the valley below.

The buildings have blue shutters, with the belief that they keep the files away from the windows. There were so many flowers planted everywhere.

Our tourguide Stella told us about the church behind her and the history of the village.

There was a large market place there with some many wonderful items for sale there. Wine was just one of them.

You could smell these wonderfully fresh spices when approaching this table.

Fresh fish was plentiful.

We then traveled to another village and this is the church of the village.

Our lunch was grilled sea bass and roasted vegetables, a specialty of the region and so delicious!

Part of our group ate in the wine cellar of the building.

Alumnae Cathy LaFortune (left) and Michele Laffert (right) sit at the front of the table along with other participants.



Our dessert of strawberry soup. The region has four types of strawberries that are now in season and very delicious.

Participants Rita Norander, Claira Monier and Margaret Carter enjoy lunch.

A roman bridge left standing from 2,000 years ago when it was built. It is not used today for fear of damaging it.


We are in Rouisslon-translated to the Red Village because of the red ochre in the soil. The ochre is used all over the world in makeup and paints.

A view of the Luberon valley from Rouisslon.

Some of the ochre product.

After a successful shopping trip in the Village.

Our dinner site was Chateau ValJoanis, which had wonderful gardens of herbs, vegetables, flowers, and plants. Lavender is plentiful.

Our wine tasting lesson.