Mas les Martins

88km.

Marseille 71km, Avignon 27km.
TGV train station: Avignon TGV 37km.

Restaurant, bar and shops 2km. Supermarkets, more restaurants, bars and bakeries in Coustellet (5km). Larger range of shops, supermarkets and restaurants in Apt (20km).
Apt market is the largest and best market in the area every Saturday morning, generally between 8am and midday. It takes up the whole town, but the nicest part is towards the Place de la Bouquerie. Please note that in summer, it can take a bit of time to find a place to park.
Hospital Apt (20km)

LOCAL MARKETS
Sunday: Coustellet (5km), Isle sur la Sorgue (15km)
Monday: Cavaillon (15km)
Tuesday: Gordes (8km)
Wednesday: Cheval Blanc (16km)
Thursday: Ménerbes (6km), Roussillon (12km)
Friday: Bonnieux (14km), Lourmarin (27km) – particularly recommended.
Saturday: Apt (21km) – the largest and best in the area. It takes up the whole town, but the nicest part is towards the Place de la Bouquerie. Please note that in summer, it can take a bit of time to find a place to park.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Ménerbes (6km)
Officially classed as one of the most beautiful villages of France, Ménerbes is yet again another classic, perched village with stunning surrounding views, restaurants, café, bakery and a seasonal market on Thursday morning. In the 90’s, Ménerbes appeared on the international tourist map thanks to Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence”, which he wrote in the village. Nowadays, the village has returned to being a pretty and quiet gem in the Luberon valley.

Gordes (7km)
Perched on a rock, Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France has been one of Provence’s watchtowers, watching over the Luberon forests for centuries. Its rich history and sublime panorama make Gordes one of the must-see villages of Provence. With narrow, winding cobblestone streets, wonderful architecture and amazing views Gordes will enchant you but beware the village gets very busy in summer! Just outside Gordes and very much worth a visit is the famous Village des Bories made up of old dry-stone houses that were used for agricultural purposes such as sheepfolds, bread ovens, wine storerooms and many others.  Another nearby visit should include the Abbaye de Sénanque at 11km. One of the most recognisable landmarks in the Luberon area. This is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture where Cistercian monks lived. The Abbaye is set in stunning landscape with lavender fields and green hills.

Oppède le Vieux (8km) 
Situated halfway up the northern slopes of the Luberon massif, the dramatic and haunting Oppède le Vieux is coming back to life after years of abandonment. This magnificent little hill-top village is built high on a rocky outcrop. To visit, leave your car in the carpark at the base of the village before following the picturesque path up the hill. You will be enchanted by this historic village, and it is a pleasure to wander around this village and admire the charming 15th and 16th century houses that have been skilfully restored.

L’Isle sur la Sorgue (15km)
L’Isle sur la Sorgue is a pretty market town, much loved for its antique shops and twice weekly markets. Once an important fishing town, with an abundance of crayfish in the River Sorgue, there are also several canals running through the centre. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, the town has been called the Venice of Provence. The river has influenced the development of the town, providing for thriving crafts and industries, flour mills, wool and silk workshops. Many of the waterwheels remain adding to the picturesque charm of the town. Each Sunday there is quite a carnival atmosphere with a flea market, regarded as of the best antique markets in France (Thursday in normal market day).

Bonnieux (16km)
Bonnieux has an array of great restaurants and cafés and also a really good Friday market and even a bakery museum. Just outside Bonnieux you might want to pay a visit to Chateau la Canorgue (2km) a family-owned estate pioneer in organic farming producing high quality wines. There are also several walking trails and cycling routes among meadows, lavender fields and typical old dry-stone huts also called “bories”.

Lourmarin (27km)
Much like Oppede le Vieux, Lourmarin is often referred to as the jewel of the region and one of the most beautiful villages in France. A must see and a real delight in the summer with cafes, restaurants, shops and castle.

The Colorado Provencal (31km)
Situated between the villages of Rustrel and Gignac waymarked walks take you through a unique and colourful desert scenery with yellow and red rock formations created when ochre was quarried in the area. Villages nearby also worth a visit include: Villars (6.5km) a little village built on top of a small hill with pretty views. Saignon (13.5km) With its Roman church, walks, horse riding and superb views from the top of the village. Saignon is a must!

Lavender fields around Sault (39km)
Around June-July and onto August the scent and colour of lavender fields encapsulate the very essence of Provence. The French author Jean Giono called lavender “the soul of Provence”. There is a concentration of lavender fields from the high plateaux around Sault, at the foot of the famous Mont Ventoux, and also around Apt and Gordes.

DAY TRIDEAS IDEAS

Avignon (36km)
Avignon, on the banks of the Rhone, is probably best-known these days for the children’s song – Sur le Pont d’Avignon. But for several decades in the 14th century, it was the capital of Christendom, after Pope Clement V moved his court here to avoid the chaos in Rome. The legacy of that papal schism can be seen today in the city’s UNESCO-protected architecture, including the vast Palais des Papes. And nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, site of a now-ruined castle built by a later pope, still produces acclaimed red wines. The city’s intact ramparts and pedestrianised centre lend Avignon a small-town, medieval feel. Yet each July, the city goes totally 21st century, as thousands of visitors descend for a contemporary performing arts extravaganza, the Festival d’Avignon.

Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon (36km)
This is a region of stunning natural beauty with superb, varied scenery and outstanding views. To the north you will find the wild mountain scenery of the Vaucluse hills and famous Mont Ventoux. To the south the amazing oak and pine covered slopes of the Luberon mountains. The Luberon valley is dotted with vineyards, cherry orchards and lavender fields enhanced by stunning hill-top villages. This region is also renowned for its quality restaurants and locally produced fruit, cheeses, honey and many other irresistible delights. You will also find many very good local vineyards producing excellent Cotes du Luberon and Cotes de Ventoux with tastings available at all the small Domains as well as the two big ‘Cave Cooperatives’. Colourful Provencal fabrics and beautiful table linen are also available in the charming local markets along with a large variety of pottery. A number of the villages have art galleries where you can view and buy from local artists.

Aix en Provence (62km)
Aix en Provence is a lively and very appealing town with numerous restaurants and bars near the famous tree-lined Cours Mirabeau, markets on most weekdays where you can sample regional produce including Calissons d’Aix (delicious marzipan based confectionery). There are lots of wonderful art galleries all within walking distance from one another in the centre of Aix, shops, music and much more!

NEARBY ACTIVITIES:
Golf: Saumane de Vaucluse (15km).
Tennis: Goult (6.5km).
Horse-riding (9.5km).
Bike hire: Bonnieux (14km).