Goult and La Maison Enchantée Guidebook
Neighborhoods
We are delighted that you have chosen our house for your holidays in the Luberon and hope the tranquillity and the comfort that we provide will make your stay pleasant and enjoyable.
Goult is an historic, little jewel of a village, with a very pleasant atmosphere, situated in the Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon. It will be especially enjoyed by history and nature lovers alike, and even more so by wine lovers. Restored with the utmost care, Goult has many beautiful buildings made of stone and ochre and there are numerous hiking trails originating at the top of the town. Cycling in this area is world class - quiet roads and beautiful scenery of the wine country.
Goult is located in the center of the "Golden Triangle" of Provence / The Luberon, surrounded by Gordes, Menerbes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, and Rousillon. All a short distance from Goult.
You can stroll through its picturesque streets and visit the charming church with its archways and ancient doors. You will discover the ruins of the old ramparts as well as the d'Agoult family chateau which emerges from the rock (privately owned and not open to the public).
You can watch the world go by while sitting in one of the large squares shaded by 100-year-old trees before setting off to discover the rest of the town.
The cultivated terraces, belonging to the Conservatoire des Terrasses are well worth a visit. Huge olive trees, beautiful oaks, fruit trees and vegetable gardens are set amongst attractive stone walls that have been restored and maintained by volunteers from the Conservatoire. Take the time to admire the landscape for which Provence is famous.
If you walk up the narrow road that goes up the hill past the grocery store, this takes you to La Maison Enchanteé and the old Goult, which is all in golden stone, and in some places carved out of the rock of the hill. At the top you come out onto a plateau with a picturesque windmill and panoramic views.
43 locals recommend
Goult
We are delighted that you have chosen our house for your holidays in the Luberon and hope the tranquillity and the comfort that we provide will make your stay pleasant and enjoyable.
Goult is an historic, little jewel of a village, with a very pleasant atmosphere, situated in the Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon. It will be especially enjoyed by history and nature lovers alike, and even more so by wine lovers. Restored with the utmost care, Goult has many beautiful buildings made of stone and ochre and there are numerous hiking trails originating at the top of the town. Cycling in this area is world class - quiet roads and beautiful scenery of the wine country.
Goult is located in the center of the "Golden Triangle" of Provence / The Luberon, surrounded by Gordes, Menerbes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, and Rousillon. All a short distance from Goult.
You can stroll through its picturesque streets and visit the charming church with its archways and ancient doors. You will discover the ruins of the old ramparts as well as the d'Agoult family chateau which emerges from the rock (privately owned and not open to the public).
You can watch the world go by while sitting in one of the large squares shaded by 100-year-old trees before setting off to discover the rest of the town.
The cultivated terraces, belonging to the Conservatoire des Terrasses are well worth a visit. Huge olive trees, beautiful oaks, fruit trees and vegetable gardens are set amongst attractive stone walls that have been restored and maintained by volunteers from the Conservatoire. Take the time to admire the landscape for which Provence is famous.
If you walk up the narrow road that goes up the hill past the grocery store, this takes you to La Maison Enchanteé and the old Goult, which is all in golden stone, and in some places carved out of the rock of the hill. At the top you come out onto a plateau with a picturesque windmill and panoramic views.
Food scene
Le Carillon is a wonderful restaurant, located on Goult's main square. Classic French cuisine, serving lunch and dinner, and excellent service.
13 locals recommend
Le Carillon
Avenue du LuberonLe Carillon is a wonderful restaurant, located on Goult's main square. Classic French cuisine, serving lunch and dinner, and excellent service.
Café de la Poste
Rue de la RépubliqueThis is a local favorite, and a place to see and be seen.
Located in the old village of Oppede, this is a must visit. Excellent food, and unmatched ambiance.
15 locals recommend
Le PETIT CAFÉ
12 Rue de Sainte-CécileLocated in the old village of Oppede, this is a must visit. Excellent food, and unmatched ambiance.
This is our favorite restaurant. The food is simply amazing and Margaux, the hostess, is lovely.
Restaurant Tayac
454 Lotissement Quai des EntreprisesThis is our favorite restaurant. The food is simply amazing and Margaux, the hostess, is lovely.
Perfect place for Sunday lunch, after the market. Great food and people watching.
9 locals recommend
Le Café du Village
5Bis Av. de l'ÉgalitéPerfect place for Sunday lunch, after the market. Great food and people watching.
Moules frits on Fridays - excellent, and the best burger in Provence. A friendly and causual place. Good for lunch after the Sunday Market in Coustellet.
Du Pain sur la Planche
Route de CavaillonMoules frits on Fridays - excellent, and the best burger in Provence. A friendly and causual place. Good for lunch after the Sunday Market in Coustellet.
Restaurant La Bartavelle
29 Rue du Cheval BlancCozy and delicious, what more could you ask for?
Osteria Ca' Mia
344 Rue de la RépubliqueExcellent Italian food and wonderful hosts. A nice change from French food.
The best pizza you will have ever had, and I'm not joking. Order up a few pies to go and enjoy on our roof top terrace with a bottle of rose. Heaven!!!
Pizzeria Du Cote de chez mo
327 Rue de la RépubliqueThe best pizza you will have ever had, and I'm not joking. Order up a few pies to go and enjoy on our roof top terrace with a bottle of rose. Heaven!!!
The newest hot spot in Goult. A great place for an afternoon aperitif while people watching.
Le GOULTois
Rue de la RépubliqueThe newest hot spot in Goult. A great place for an afternoon aperitif while people watching.
City/town information
This is a must visit town, just minutes from Goult. Bonnieux is one of the most impressive Luberon villages, in size and amenities, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, a really good market on Friday morning, even a bakery museum!
159 locals recommend
Bonnieux
This is a must visit town, just minutes from Goult. Bonnieux is one of the most impressive Luberon villages, in size and amenities, with plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, a really good market on Friday morning, even a bakery museum!
More town than village, with tall plane trees and green streams, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is 'the island on the Sorgue' a few kilometres from the river's source at Fontaine de Vaucluse.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has become famous as the antiques capital of Provence, indeed of France, if you don't count Paris.
There are many permanent antique shops, art galleries and interior décor shops here, grouped in several 'villages'.
On Sunday morning the place becomes an orgy of antiques and bric-a-brac stalls, about 300 in all. This is the time to visit, when the streets are thronging with colour and life, and grab a table for lunch when things wind down at 12.30. There are all sorts of places to eat in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - cafes, brasseries, pizzerias and quality restaurants.
739 locals recommend
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
More town than village, with tall plane trees and green streams, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is 'the island on the Sorgue' a few kilometres from the river's source at Fontaine de Vaucluse.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has become famous as the antiques capital of Provence, indeed of France, if you don't count Paris.
There are many permanent antique shops, art galleries and interior décor shops here, grouped in several 'villages'.
On Sunday morning the place becomes an orgy of antiques and bric-a-brac stalls, about 300 in all. This is the time to visit, when the streets are thronging with colour and life, and grab a table for lunch when things wind down at 12.30. There are all sorts of places to eat in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue - cafes, brasseries, pizzerias and quality restaurants.
Lourmarin is not a typical perched, hill-top village, but it is one of the loveliest Luberon villages and also officially one of The Most Beautiful Villages in France.
If your idea of a perfect Provence village includes cafes and restaurants spilling out onto the cobbled streets, Lourmarin is the place for you. There must be 15 restaurants and cafes to choose from, from simple to Michelin-starred.
In the centre of the village where the roads converge there are tables everywhere on the sidewalk for anything from a coffee in the morning sun to a 5-course dinner.
On Friday mornings Lourmarin market is one of the best and most photogenic in the Luberon.
341 locals recommend
Lourmarin
Lourmarin is not a typical perched, hill-top village, but it is one of the loveliest Luberon villages and also officially one of The Most Beautiful Villages in France.
If your idea of a perfect Provence village includes cafes and restaurants spilling out onto the cobbled streets, Lourmarin is the place for you. There must be 15 restaurants and cafes to choose from, from simple to Michelin-starred.
In the centre of the village where the roads converge there are tables everywhere on the sidewalk for anything from a coffee in the morning sun to a 5-course dinner.
On Friday mornings Lourmarin market is one of the best and most photogenic in the Luberon.
Lacoste takes you up, up through the centuries, from the little restaurant at the bottom with its two curry options, past the Café de la France and its spectacular hanging terrace. Then the Mairie and up into the middle ages, over heavy cobbles as you enter the ancient heart of the old Lacoste through the Portail de la Garde.
Up here little has changed except the tread of time, from as far back as the 1400s. Here there are no shops or restaurants, just a jumble of ornately decorated doors, mullioned windows, and intriguing architectural details.
Then suddenly you reach the Marquis de Sade's castle at the very top of Lacoste. It is in a state of partial ruin, but it has been under renovation since the 1950s, first by one man as a labour of love, and then by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who also presided over the Lacoste Festival, a summer series of musical, theatrical and other artistic events, including opera in the theatre formed in the quarry at Lacoste.
What happened here? Who was the Marquis de Sade? Why did his name give us the word 'sadism'?
The Marquis de Sade was a naughty aristocrat and libertine who got up to all sorts of weird sexual practices. In the 1770s he lived at Lacoste castle and enjoyed mass orgies, also finding time to have an affair with his wife's sister while she was staying here.
But he was also a notable writer, of both pornographic and philosophical works. Sade was an extreme free spirit, who saw the pursuit of pleasure as the highest calling, regardless of morality or laws. This ensured long periods of incarceration for him.
When he wasn't locked up or on the run he was here in Lacoste, the Marquis de Sade's extreme lifestyle dominating the village, just as his castle does today.
80 locals recommend
Lacoste
Lacoste takes you up, up through the centuries, from the little restaurant at the bottom with its two curry options, past the Café de la France and its spectacular hanging terrace. Then the Mairie and up into the middle ages, over heavy cobbles as you enter the ancient heart of the old Lacoste through the Portail de la Garde.
Up here little has changed except the tread of time, from as far back as the 1400s. Here there are no shops or restaurants, just a jumble of ornately decorated doors, mullioned windows, and intriguing architectural details.
Then suddenly you reach the Marquis de Sade's castle at the very top of Lacoste. It is in a state of partial ruin, but it has been under renovation since the 1950s, first by one man as a labour of love, and then by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who also presided over the Lacoste Festival, a summer series of musical, theatrical and other artistic events, including opera in the theatre formed in the quarry at Lacoste.
What happened here? Who was the Marquis de Sade? Why did his name give us the word 'sadism'?
The Marquis de Sade was a naughty aristocrat and libertine who got up to all sorts of weird sexual practices. In the 1770s he lived at Lacoste castle and enjoyed mass orgies, also finding time to have an affair with his wife's sister while she was staying here.
But he was also a notable writer, of both pornographic and philosophical works. Sade was an extreme free spirit, who saw the pursuit of pleasure as the highest calling, regardless of morality or laws. This ensured long periods of incarceration for him.
When he wasn't locked up or on the run he was here in Lacoste, the Marquis de Sade's extreme lifestyle dominating the village, just as his castle does today.
Ménerbes
Yet another great hilltop town to explore.
A short drive from Goult. Stop by the famous vineyards, and be sure to have lunch at Les Vergers du Pape (reservation required).
238 locals recommend
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
A short drive from Goult. Stop by the famous vineyards, and be sure to have lunch at Les Vergers du Pape (reservation required).
Sightseeing
Must see! A lovely place to wander around, hike, or enjoy a picnic and bottle of wine.
189 locals recommend
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque
Must see! A lovely place to wander around, hike, or enjoy a picnic and bottle of wine.
Route du Pont Julien
Route du Pont JulienBe sure to ride your bike over the Pont Julien, a 3 BC Roman bridge.
The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 km (31 mi) to the Roman colony of Nemausus (Nîmes). It crosses the river Gardon near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard in southern France. The Pont du Gard is the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges, as well as one of the best preserved. It was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites in 1985 because of its exceptional preservation, historical importance, and architectural ingenuity.
57 locals recommend
Vers-Pont-du-Gard
The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 km (31 mi) to the Roman colony of Nemausus (Nîmes). It crosses the river Gardon near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard in southern France. The Pont du Gard is the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges, as well as one of the best preserved. It was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites in 1985 because of its exceptional preservation, historical importance, and architectural ingenuity.
Be sure to spend a couple hours in this peaceful location. Great spot for a picnic, with lovely gardens and views.
Saint-Hilaire Ancienne Abbaye
2950 Rte de LacosteBe sure to spend a couple hours in this peaceful location. Great spot for a picnic, with lovely gardens and views.
St. Remy is a jewel of Provence and a great place to spend the afternoon. Be sure to visit the Van Gogh art walking path just outside of town towards La Baux de Provence (another fun town to visit).
91 locals recommend
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
St. Remy is a jewel of Provence and a great place to spend the afternoon. Be sure to visit the Van Gogh art walking path just outside of town towards La Baux de Provence (another fun town to visit).
Be sure to visit this town in conjunction with Lourmarin. A beautiful village to walk around.
59 locals recommend
Cucuron
Be sure to visit this town in conjunction with Lourmarin. A beautiful village to walk around.
Gordes
Another beautiful hilltop town worth an afternoon visit.
Bicycle Shops
Excellent bike shop for rentals or repairs. Right on the bike path.
8 locals recommend
Absolut'bike Provence
2 Lot. Quai des EntreprisesExcellent bike shop for rentals or repairs. Right on the bike path.
Traveler advice
Book before you go
Restaurant Reservations
Most restaurants in the Luberon area are small. It is important to make reservations 2-3 weeks before your planned trip, otherwise you will not get in. This is especially true during the busy Summer months. Also, since they are small restaurants please be mindful and cancel any reservation you have made that you cannot fulfil.
Customs and culture
Provencal Markets - A must do!
There is more than one village market in the Luberon every day of the week. They range from a handful of stalls, like at Oppede, to the town markets at Cavaillon, and the biggest of them on Saturday mornings in Apt, with up to 300 stalls.
Market day is not just a time to buy what you need, it is also a time to observe this most French of rituals, when some of the stereotypes come alive.
Markets are as popular with locals as with tourists, and most of them are year-round, adding colour and vitality to even the most wintry village. They tend to be larger in the summer.
Don't miss
Hiking in Provence
The Luberon is a great destination for a walking vacation. There is an extensive and accessible network of walking paths and trails, linking villages that are often just a few miles apart.
Stop by the tourist office in any village to get local hiking maps.
The countryside is absolutely beautiful with incredible, often unexpected variety. Walking paths take you through farms, vineyards, orchards and woods, past beautifully-restored homes and simple farm dwellings. Enjoy.
Don't miss
Cycling in Provence
The best way to see Provence is to immerse yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of the countryside on a bike.
Cycling is big in the Luberon, whether on the road or off-road. The region is gently hilly and many of the villages are on top of a short, sharp hill, but as a consolation they are not far apart.
To have a fantastic day out, just plan a route that avoids the main roads and soon you will find yourself cycling past vineyards, orchards, sunflowers and heading to your ports of call: the perched medieval villages, castles, wineries, ochre valleys, lavender fields.
Getting around
Read our housebook
Be sure to read the "Housebook" that will be sent to you prior to your visit. It has loads of useful information.
Book before you go
Watch the movie - A Good Year
A Good Year is a 2006 romantic comedy film directed and produced by Ridley Scott. This movie was filmed all around the hilltop villages of the Luberon. The film stars Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Didier Bourdon, Abbie Cornish, Tom Hollander, Freddie Highmore and Albert Finney. The film is loosely based on the 2004 novel of the same name by British author Peter Mayle.