Oppède le Vieux

The Origins of Oppède le Vieux

Oppède le Vieux is an ancient and magnificent hilltop village perched on a foothill of the Luberon, and certainly one of the most authentic and best-preserved villages in the Luberon. Built on a rocky spur, amid a rugged landscape of forests, hollows and rocks, it overlooks a countryside of vineyards, olive groves and oak trees, and still keeps watch over the surrounding hilltop villages...

The name Oppède, from "Oppeda", refers to a well-situated settlement or village, nestled within the Luberon. A place where livestock was penned and where people sheltered from thieves and invaders during times of invasion.

In the Middle Ages, Oppède belonged to the Count of Toulouse before becoming papal property following the Albigensian Crusade in 1274. During the Great Schism, Oppède chose to host the antipope Benedict XIII, Pedro de Luna, before ultimately returning to the camp of the Pope of Rome. The village's history was further marked in the 16th century by the inquisition of Jean de Roma, and above all by the massacre of the Luberon Waldensians in 1545, for which Jean Maynier, then lord of Oppède, was responsible. Sentenced to beheading in 1551, his family, converted to Protestantism, left Provence for the La Rochelle region at the end of the 17th century.

In the 19th century, the population of Oppède le Vieux moved down to the plain to form a new centre, Oppède-les-Poulivets, while the old village was gradually abandoned. In 1791, Oppède left its status as a papal dependency to finally join France.

Oppède is today a village that has kept its historic architectural heritage intact, lending great charm to this Luberon village.

Oppède's Must-See Sights

Oppède, located at the heart of the Luberon, is a jewel of Provençal heritage. This very well-preserved village is accessed from the compulsory car park at the Jardins de Sainte-Cécile, where 80 species of trees, shrubs and plants of the Luberon grow. After wandering through the lanes of the old village, you will discover a spectacular sight, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame Dalidon and the castle ruins.

You can also discover the ruins of the Oppède le Vieux fortress, dating from the 13th century. These ruins offer not only a glimpse into history but also a breathtaking panoramic view over the Luberon valley. You can also explore the winding streets of this old hilltop village, where historic buildings and cobbled streets carry you back through the centuries. In addition, located on the olive-growing and wine-producing estate of Domaine La Royère, the La Royère Olive Oil Museum offers the chance to become an expert on olives and their oil, one of our region's flagship products. The village of Oppède is also the starting point for superb hikes.

Furthermore, Oppède is a place where historic charm meets the natural beauty of the Luberon. Take the time to wander, soak up the atmosphere and savour every moment at the heart of this iconic Provençal village.

Living in Oppède le Vieux

Living in Oppède-le-Vieux, as in most of Provence's hilltop villages, offers a unique experience, blending history with authentic charm. Oppède le Vieux also encompasses Oppède itself and its various hamlets scattered across the foothills of the Luberon.

Oppède is a typical town of the South of France, with its cobbled streets and Romanesque church. The town is surrounded by vineyards and orchards, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. What's more, living in Oppède-le-Vieux offers direct access to the natural beauty of the Luberon, whether for hiking, cycling or simply enjoying the scenery. The town is located around 40 kilometres from Avignon and 90 kilometres from Marseille.

Property Prices in Oppède

Oppède, an ancient medieval village with cobbled lanes and distinctive character, offers an enchanting setting for property investment. Indeed, the property market in Oppède is varied, and you will find a wide range of properties, from contemporary villas with breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape to new, environmentally-friendly builds designed to meet the needs of the most discerning buyers. For lovers of period properties, you can also find magnificent Provençal mas. The average price per square metre in Oppède stands at 5,000 euros and can exceed 10,000 euros depending on the property and its features.

Oppède is an ideal place to enjoy a haven of peace far from modern stress, offering an exceptional quality of life close to the many cultural and tourist attractions this region has to offer.

Looking for a property in Oppède le Vieux? Do not hesitate to contact our BARNES Aix-en-Provence estate agency to discover our exclusive listings.