OUR FAVORITE PLACES
Aux Deux Fontaines supports the local businesses!
JULIET SCHLUNKE’S WORKSHOP AND BOUTIQUE
Australian born and raised, Juliet roamed the world her whole life after leaving her native island. She settled down in Ansouis several years ago and became one of the most important villagers. Her ceramic creations, white glazed or colorfully painted, are just beautiful and so are her paintings of cherry blossoms, forests, fruits and vegetables. A visit to her boutique is a must, especially on Sunday mornings when it is open to friends, locals and visitors who come in all seasons to nibble and sip a glass of wine.
ÉPICERIE (GROCERY STORE) LA VAUGINEOISE
A few steps away from the main square of the village. Philippe’s “Pissaladières” and “Tropéziennes”, two local specialties, are so popular that people come from all over the Luberon to buy them. A must-try for sure.
CHÂTEAU DE SANNES
Situated in a quaint village not far from Cucuron, on the way to La Tour d’Aigues, this château is a magnificent example of Provencal architecture. It was purchased about 4 years ago by Pierre Gattaz and his family. The state-of-the-art wine cellar and gorgeous French gardens can be visited by appointment.
RAVì ICE CREAMS
The best ice-cream parlor in Lourmarin. The ice creams are made by Clément, a young pastry prodigy who opened this shop on Place Barthelemy in 2018 and has received rave reviews ever since.
THE OLIVE MILL OF THE BASTIDE DU LAVAL
If you want to know everything about olive oil and olive culture, this is the place. Roland Coupat, his son Leo and their team master the art of making all kinds of very fine olive oils. A visit to the mill and the boutique are highly recommended when you are on your way to Cadenet.
BUISSON KESSLER POTTERY SHOP
In Lourmarin. A superb pottery shop where everything comes in different shapes and bright colors.
TO ENJOY DELICIOUS FRENCH FOOD OR SIMPLY RELAX ON A TERRACE
IN SITIO
Formerly called ‘Le Ptit Resto’, this restaurant was famous for its great cuisine and great wine list. It was purchased last year by Giovanni Facchinetti, a former chef at Château de la Gaude (a Michelin starred restaurant in Aix-en-Provence). Its style is that of a gastronomic bistro, a welcome addition to the local restaurant scene. Giovanni only uses fresh, local produces and is very much inspired by his personal travels and the local Provençal cuisine. Make sure to book in advance as it is quite busy (a sign of success!!!).
CAFÉ DE LA FONTAINE
Delicious pizzas, beer bar, tapas, good ambiance…Thomas and Marjorie just purchased this café on the main square. Perfect spot to meet with friends or have a quick bite in the heart of the village.
LA PETITE MAISON DE CUCURON
0ne-Michelin star, owned by the great chef Eric Sapet. An absolute must on the local gastronomy scene if you like traditional French cuisine. My very favorite restaurant in this region! Make sure to reserve well in adance.
L’AUBERGE DE LA FENIÈRE
One-Michelin star, located on the road to Cadenet. It is currently run by Princess Nadia who cooks virtuous, savory and rejuvenating cuisine with mindfulness. She took over from her famous mother, the Queen (Reine) Sammut. During the summer, their ‘On the Farm’ parties are not to be missed! The lead singer is none other than Guy Sammut, Nadia’s father. His band will make you dance the night away.
CHEZ GINA À LOURMARIN
Located between the apothecary and the newspaper shop. Nanou sells excellent takeout Italian dishes. In season, especially on market days, you may want to sit on her terrace to enjoy the very best Tiramisu this side of the border. She can also prepare customized picnics if you call her a day or two in advance.
CAFÉ GABY
“THE” address in Lourmarin… ideally located in the heart of the village, it is a traditional brasserie. Open all day every day. Marco, the owner, knows just about everyone in, and everything about Lourmarin. On Fridays, don’t miss his famous “aïoli”. But be prepared to stand in line in July and August. It is usually quite packed and Marco does not take reservations.
CERAMICS INTERNSHIP
Judith Philibert’s 50 m² workshop is located in La Motte d’Aigues, a tiny village not very far from Vaugines and Lourmarin, in the middle of the country. It is found in an old renovated bastide. The tools and ovens can be used by the students as well as different types of clay (green, black, etc), sandstone, earthenware. The goal is to discover what you can do with your hands or perfect your molding technique. Classes and internships can be taken individuallly or as a family.
TO DIVE INTO THE PAST OR TAKE A LOOK AT THE FUTURE
CHÂTEAU DE LOURMARIN
An absolute must-see ! It towers over the village of Lourmarin, barely 5 mn away from Vaugines. Take a tour to enjoy the scenic view from its terrace. The first Renaissance château in Provence, it was renovated in the 20’s and has hosted a dynamic, active cultural foundation ever since. Concerts, conferences and seminars are held on its premises year round.
CHÂTEAU DE MILLE
Recently restored by a French-American couple with a vision, Château de Mille is located on the other side of the Luberon range, between Apt and Bonnieux. You can visit the winery, take a tour of the sumptuous new cellars and taste their delicious wines. Wines have been produced on this estate since the 1200’s; it is the oldest winery in the region.
CHÂTEAU D’ANSOUIS
Purchased at an auction by Mr and Mrs Rousset-Rouvière from the Sabran de Ponteves family in 2008 , the château d’Ansouis is a historical landmark, high above the valley and the eponymous village, only 7 mn away from Vaugines. Book a visit to discover its medieval and renaissance architectures as well as its original furniture collection gradually re-acquired by the passionate new owners.
CHÂTEAU LA COSTE
This wine estate belongs to Paddy McKillen, an Irish billionaire and visionary, who created a fabulous contemporary art park. You can stroll among original pieces by renowned artists such as Tadao Ando, Jean Nouvel, Richard Serra, Richard Rogers, Louise Bourgeois, Alex Calder just to name a few. Five restaurants are located on the property, the latest one being run by famous French chef, Helène Darroze. A tour and tasting of the winery are also offered to wine amateurs!
LE DOMAINE DE CASTELLAS, FOR AN OUT OF THIS WORLD EXPERIENCE ON TOP OF THE LUBERON!
A goat shed since 1720… After over a year’s worth of renovation, the Castellas reopened in May 2018. It is now a not-to-be-missed and very secluded destination on the top of the Luberon range. The view is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset, the minimalist decor very much in vogue and the surroundings bucolic. Words fail to describe this exceptional place and the amazing renovation work which has been done by the new owners. Reservations are highly recommended.
THE OTHER BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES TO SEE AROUND VAUGINES
The list would be too long to do justice to every village deserving a visit.
Here are those we like close by.
*Saignon: stunning perched village especially when the sun sets
*Oppède le Vieux: a treasure to be seen if you don’t mind climbing very steep streets
*Bonnieux: for the awsome view and two churches
*Roussillon: for its beautiful colors and ultimate charm
*Gordes: very (too!) touristy but so beautiful
*Ménerbes: so famous… and on such a beautiful road
*L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue: if you like antique shops, interior decoration and a typical southern atmosphere
*Saint Rémy: a very Provençal small town with Roman ruins
* Valensole: THE place to see the lavender fields - all the way to the horizon!