Luberon
The Luberon is a mountain chain of limestone rocks below 1200 m, which is located about 50 km south-east of Avignon in southern France ( Vaucluse, Provence- Alpes -Cote d' Azur). It is divided into the westerly Petit Luberon and the to the east adjoining Grand Luberon. The highest mountain is the Mourre Negre 1125 m. The Luberon also forms a ridge on the north side of the Durance valley. As Regional Natural Park of Luberon Luberon is placed under protection since 1977 and is characterized by the presence of many rare plants and animals.
The area is mostly forested ( some with Atlas cedar ) used for agricultural purposes, and is in other respects. As most of the Provence, the Luberon is a charming rural character. Wine ( Cotes du Luberon), fruits, vegetables, grains and lavender are the most important products of the area, which has also become known for its caves, its steep-walled valleys and their enthroned on rocky slopes and picturesque villages. The produced in the Luberon wine leads to the extent otherwise meets the requirements, the AOC seal appellation Luberion Controlée.
Achieved historic importance of the Luberon in particular the increasing in the 16th century persecution of the Vaudois. This also Waldensian population concerned and accused as a heretical sect movement wanted to reform the Catholic faith and the inherited church with a new faith image since the 12th century. Due to strong persecution by Pope and King withdrew their followers, among others in the inaccessible mountain regions of the Luberon, of which the still existent on hilltops, announce fortified fortified villages. In 1545 a terrible massacre in 24 villages of the Luberon was done under the leadership of Baron von oppede in which more than 2,000 people are believed to have perished. Not only because of this tragedy, the area is also of some interest archaeologically.
Thanks to its beauty and the Mediterranean climate, the mountain is very popular with Englishmen who settled there or have second and third residences. Well-known personalities of the British writer Peter Mayle (A Year in Provence and Toujours Provence), who is now in the small village of Lourmarin in Luberon lives, or Ridley Scott, who has a second home there. In recent years, the Grand Luberon is gaining in popularity, and this of course affects the regional real estate market.
The films "Swimming Pool " by François Ozon (2002) and " A Good Year " directed by Ridley Scott ( 2006) were filmed in this region.
The Luberon is valued by individual tourists, wine connoisseurs, walkers and cyclists because of its charming scenery. Away from the big cities and tourist attractions in picturesque secluded roads, paths and trails mountain villages, fragrant lavender fields, vast olive groves, endless vineyards and famous wineries can be visited. A biking trail leads to approx 250 kilometers around the entire Luberon on well-paved (mostly paved ) roads outside the major arterial roads around.