Lourmarin

The origins of Lourmarin

The village of Lourmarin, listed as one of the « most beautiful villages in France », sits amid vineyards, olive and almond groves, at the foot of the southern slope of the Luberon. This picturesque village was founded in the Middle Ages and was later home mainly to Waldensians and then Protestants, before being partially burned and destroyed during the Waldensian massacre of 1545. The village was then gradually rebuilt to take on its present-day appearance.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, new manufacturing, craft and above all agricultural industries emerged: wheat, rye, olives, vines, mulberries and silkworms, which gave rise to workshops for weaving silk, as well as wool and linen. Indeed, it was Philippe de Girard, a native of Lourmarin, who invented the machine for spinning linen.

The 20th century then contributed greatly to the village's renown: Henri Bosco and Albert Camus brought it worldwide fame through their work. Drawn by its beauty, both writers found their final resting place within the walls of this captivating village's cemetery.

Despite the periods of prosperity and decline the village has known, Lourmarin has preserved its architectural and cultural heritage, which now draws numerous visitors. Lourmarin is steeped in history, home as it is to several historic monuments bearing witness to the village's past, such as the Château de Lourmarin and the Church of Saint-Trophime-et-Saint-André, dating back to the 12th century.

The highlights of Lourmarin

The peaceful village of Lourmarin, bordered by fortified farmhouses and surrounded by orchards, olive groves and vineyards, is best explored through its lanes lined with fountains. Perched on a hillside, the village comes alive to the rhythm of its three bell towers: the belfry, the Church of Saint-Trophime-et-Saint-André and the Protestant temple. Strolling through the lanes of Lourmarin, the village's architecture reveals a wealth of riches, from Renaissance to Baroque, and Classicism through to the 19th century. The village of Lourmarin is also renowned for its château, a listed historic monument, as well as for the famous figures who lived there and are buried there.

Lourmarin is full of stories that give this village, which has welcomed so many illustrious figures such as Churchill, the Queen Mother Elizabeth and General De Gaulle, its own distinctive identity.

Living in Lourmarin

Located 40 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, the charming village of Lourmarin is known for the lively atmosphere that fills it throughout the year: galleries, festivals and concerts, art plays a prominent role in the village. There is also the large Friday morning market. Indeed, Henri Bosco described Lourmarin as a « place conducive to friendship », while Albert Camus spoke of a « homeland » of « overwhelming beauty ».

Numerous cafés, restaurants and lovely shops line the narrow streets. As for nature lovers, they can follow the many hiking trails and enjoy fragrant treasures such as thyme, rosemary, lavender and century-old olive trees. Lourmarin is, in short, a peaceful village that is a wonderful place to live.

Property prices in Lourmarin

Nestled in the heart of the Luberon, Lourmarin is a tourist village that nonetheless offers a peaceful setting. The village's property market comprises beautiful Provençal mas, sumptuous grand townhouses and magnificent architect-designed villas with swimming pools and breathtaking views. The average price per sqm is around €4,500, and can reach more than €6,500.

Looking for your dream home in Lourmarin? Don't hesitate to contact our BARNES Aix-en-Provence estate agency to discover our exclusive listings.