If you like the all-night buzz of city life... then our gîte in the Luberon region of Provence is probably NOT for you!
Our corner of Provence is a region of charming villages - Lourmarin, Bonnieux and Saignon, to name but three - with a rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty: châteaux, markets, picturesque village squares and abbeys.
Chez David and the surrounding region is likely to appeal to you if you like the (mostly) quiet life - but with access to two of France's most historic cities: Aix and Avignon.
Chez David is situated in the heart of the Luberon, where we are surrounded by a network of great walking and hiking trails, and we moved here for the cycling - never flat, but always stunning! And there are plenty of opportunities for horse-riding too - take a look below.
The village of Vaugines is host to an art and sculpture school, and one of the local bars has an exhibition space, and puts on cultural and musical events.
If fine-dining is your thing, then there are two Michelin-starred restaurants just next to Vaugines - one in Cucuron (walkable!) and one in Ansouis (by car)... or dine out on the terrace at Fontenille, one of our local châteaux.
Just over the river Durance, you can attend the Roque d'Anthéron International Piano Festival, while a little further afield, Aix and Avignon are packed full of cultural events. The two neighbouring villages, Cucuron and Lourmarin, put on various cultural music events - including in the local churches - and there is even a jazz festival in Cadenet, just down the road.
There's everything here for every kind of cyclist: from the nearest village for a pint or a meal (3 km) to Mount Ventoux and back (around 160 km)... and you can even hire electric bikes in Lourmarin, the next village, or in Bonnieux. What's more, you're always surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Luberon Regional Natural Park.
And the Tour de France is also a regular visitor to the area - including in 2025!
If you would like an escorted tour, then we'll come out with you. We moved here for the cycling, and we love it! Check out some more cycling photos and follow us on Strava: search for Juvenal Winter.
Whether you turn left or right out of the gîte, or head north or south, you have immediate, on-the-doorstep access to a network of hiking trails in and around Vaugines.
Pelat de Buoux Loop: Starting from Vaugines, this intermediate trail is 13.2 km long and takes about 4 hours. It offers stunning views from the top.
Donjon Saint-Michel to Place de l'Étang à Cucuron Loop: A 6.28 km easy hike that takes around 1 hour and 42 minutes. Perfect for a leisurely walk.
Chapelle de l'Ermitage Loop: This 11.1 km intermediate trail takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes, leading to the charming Chapelle de l'Ermitage.
Cucuron Loop from Lourmarin: An 8.86 km intermediate hike that takes about 2 hours and 27 minutes, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
Provençal Colorado - Rustrel: A 14.6 km loop that takes about 4 hours to complete. This trail showcases vibrant ochre formations and is of medium difficulty.
The Maquis Trail - Gordes: A 10.1 km loop, taking around 3.5 hours. It's a medium-difficulty trail with beautiful views
Cedar Path - Bonnieux: A very easy 30-minute walk through a serene cedar forest.
Sentier des Ocres - Roussillon: This trail offers routes ranging from 1 to 5 km, with durations of 30 minutes to 2 hours. It features striking ochre landscapes.