We were driving back to Marseille from Gordes when we decided to take a little detour through Lourmarin. It was already late afternoon, and the drive from Gordes had been beautiful — but a bit intense. The roads are winding and hilly, and the locals drive fast! If you’re planning this route, just be ready to stay alert behind the wheel.
But once we pulled into Lourmarin, everything slowed down. The sun had started to dip just enough to cast a golden glow over the village, and the air had cooled a little after the heat of the day. We didn’t plan to stay long… and yet, somehow, this spontaneous stop became one of the highlights of our trip.
The Hat That Started It All
One of the first things we did was wander into a lovely little shop selling Panama hats. My husband had been looking for a meaningful souvenir — something practical but special to remember Provence by. And there it was: the perfect hat. He’s always had a thing for classic Panama styles, and this one felt like it had been waiting for him.
While he was chatting with the store keeper and trying on hats, our daughter was eyeing something else — a delicate lavender-scented fan. The scent reminded us instantly of Provence, even though we missed peak lavender season on this trip. The store keeper was so fond of her that she gifted the fan to her for free. She was over the moon! She spent the rest of the day practicing how to open and close it with just the right flair, like a mini Parisian duchess.
A Taste of the Luberon
A few steps away, we wandered into Maison Fanny, where I picked up a bottle of local rosé wine from the Luberon region. The shop felt rustic and charming, and I loved the idea of taking home a small taste of Provence. It felt like a secret little treasure tucked into my tote bag — something to be uncorked later on a quiet evening back in Marseille.
Belgian Artisan Scarves, Discovered in Provence
Then, in one of the boutiques, I came across two beautiful 100% silk scarves designed by Marylène Madou, an incredibly talented artisan from Belgium. Her work feels like wearable art — bold, imaginative, and full of story.
One scarf featured a playful illustration of dogs, framed by an elegant dark green border that made me smile instantly. The other was like a painted faces of women — graceful, layered, and timeless. I hadn’t expected to discover a Belgian designer’s work in a quiet Provençal village, but that’s exactly what made the find feel so special.
I ended up bringing both scarves home, and I even wore both during my time in Paris. Now, whenever I reach for them, I’m reminded of the sunshine, serendipity, and small joys of slow travel in Lourmarin.
Wrapping Up at Café Gaby
To cap off the visit, we sat down at Café Gaby, a well-known local spot that just felt right. We grabbed a table outside on the terrace — the best kind of people-watching perch — and ordered some coffee. Our daughter went straight for the gelato, of course.
The whole town had this buzzy, happy energy. You could tell it was full of artists and creative souls. Stalls with artisan products lined the streets, and there was something warm and authentic about it all. It was the perfect way to wind down before heading back to the city.
A Little Village with a Big Heart
Even though our visit to Lourmarin was brief, it was bursting with beauty and charm. It’s not overrun with tourists, which makes it feel like a hidden gem — calm, colorful, and full of character.
My daughter will always remember her lavender fan. Even though we didn’t get to see the lavender fields in bloom, she still got to carry a piece of Provence with her. As for me? I’ll always remember how such a quick stop gave us so many lasting little memories.
If you’re exploring Provence, I highly recommend adding Lourmarin to your route — even if it’s just for an afternoon. Who knows what you’ll find?
Quick Tips for Visiting Lourmarin:
