Ménerbes - Typical village of Provence
The village
Located in the Luberon Regional Natural Park, the small village of Ménerbes seems to be fully immersed in the peaceful and wild landscape. It is a village surrounded by vineyards and greenery where it is pleasant to live, and where the lifestyle has always attracted visitors, both anonymous and well-known artists. Ménerbes is built on the top of a rocky peak above the Luberon, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside and vineyards. With Gordes and Roussillon, this village is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Provence and the Luberon. The fact is that the place has a lot of charm.
The narrow streets are full of 18th century squares and mansions as well as many testimonies of its rich historical heritage. The old houses have been restored and reflect the former grandeur of the nobility.
History of Ménerbes
The first remains of Ménerbes are from before the Roman period. This is confirmed by the Dolmen de la Pichouno, unique in the Vaucluse, which attests that the area was already inhabited in prehistoric times. The ruins of villas and an old cemetery have also been discovered, and are from Roman times.
Another must-see attraction is the Saint Hilaire Abbey. This former 13th century Carmelite convent combines Romanesque architecture with a Gothic style. Its particularity is that the abbey is partly troglodyte. You can also observe the 2 old gates of the city: the Saint Sauveur and Notre Dame gates.
Later, in the 16th century, thanks to its fortifications and citadel, the city became renowned for its impregnability. But during the Religious War, Protestants successfully besieged the city and made it the capital of Protestantism for 5 years. They were in favour of the siege of the King's and Pope's troops, but ran out of reserves and eventually liberated the city.
At the beginning of the 20th century, many painters, musicians and writers such as Picasso, Clovis Hugues or Nicolas de Staël, gave an artistic identity to the village.
The Ménerbes citadel also houses the very picturesque corkscrew museum, which gathers more than 1000 models of this essential tool, invented by a Frenchman in the 17th century.
And why not spend your holidays in Ménerbes?
Like all Provençal villages, Ménerbes is very pleasant. You can stroll through the stone streets, have lunch in one of the restaurants at the bottom of the village before playing petanque with the locals.
So seduced? Why not book your next holiday in Provence now? There are plenty of holiday rentals in the region and you will enjoy visiting Provence and all its villages. What if, for your stay, you opt for a holiday residence or a hotel apartment? And why not rent a holiday home with a swimming pool or a room in a typical Provencal hotel?
