Nestled at the foot of the Luberon hills, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, Lourmarin has the charm of an ancient village, with the added attraction of cafes, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques on its main street. Behind the lively summer activity the tranquil sloping lanes and narrow alleyways are lined with centuries-old stone houses and flowery courtyards.

The village also has excellent facilities: good shopping, a bank, post office, pharmacy, a doctors' office and an excellent and colorful weekly market. Tennis courts at the edge of the village, nearby riding stables and many hiking trails through the Luberon hills add to the interest of the area.

Lourmarin was founded by Benedictine monks in the early l6th century, and later settled by Protestants from the Vaud. Resisting harassment by reigning Catholics, the people of the area eventually enraged King Francis 1, who in 1545 ordered his soldiers to sack the Vaudois villages of the Lubéron, including Lourmarin.

The village was later rebuilt and resettled and has since enjoyed a more tranquil existence. Despite its attractions Lourmarin has not changed significantly over the centuries and is protected from further development. Through its charm and grace it has attracted a number of well known writers and intellectuals, among them Henri Bosco and Albert Camus.

To the west is the Chateau of Lourmarin, dating from medieval times and largely rebuilt in the l6th century. It was abandoned for many years and then taken over by gypsies who used it as a staging point on their annual expeditions to St. Marie de la Mer in the Camargue. Legend has it that when the gypsies were later evicted they put a curse on the village.

The chateau was restored early the 19th century and willed to the Académie des Sciences, Agriculture et Belles Lettres of Aix en Provence. At the end of the l920s the academy established the Fondation de Lourmarin, which opened the castle for cultural events and as a summer gathering place for artists and writers.

While still a working agricultural village, Lourmarin attracts visitors from all over Europe and North America who treasure the beauty of its surroundings and its Provençal ambience.