19km (12 miles) south of Apt; 37km (23 miles) east of Aix-en-Provence; 32km (20 miles) east of Cavaillon.
Residents of the southern part of the Luberon maintain that their side is less spoiled, not quite as overrun with tourists, and offers a more authentic slice of Provençal life than the northern area. The area does have a more relaxed air, and fewer obvious signs of overtourism. That said, Lourmarin can be just as busy as Gordes in high season, especially during its excellent Friday morning market. And it, too, has its share of second-home owners who disappear after the summer. But the village, with its delightful squares, fountains, historic belfries, lively cafes, and artisanal boutiques, remains one of the pleasant spots in the Luberon and deserves its membership in the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association.
