Updated : 2 February 2026 at 10:02
If you are planning a tour of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon, Oppede-le-Vieux is an unmissable stop ! For us, it is one of the region’s treasures : when we discovered it, we immediately fell in love with this small village !
Built on a rocky outcrop and nestled in a lush green setting, its authenticity shines through the old stone walls, the medieval charm of its houses, landscaped gardens and, above all, its peaceful atmosphere… During our visit, we truly felt as if we were stepping back in time.
Panoramic viewpoints, historic monuments, activities and more, discover in this blog article the essentials of Oppède-le-Vieux !
– Did you know ? –
Oppede-le-Vieux literally means “old hilltop village”. Today, passionate locals are trying to bring this place back to life after it was abandoned in the 19th century, by restoring the fortress, the Notre-Dame Dalidon church, the cobbled paths and the old houses.
How to get to Oppede-le-Vieux ?
🚙 By car : lthe village is located about 50 minutes from Avignon. A car park subject to a fee is available at the bottom of the village (€3 for the first 2 hours, then €1 per additional hour). Then, access to the gates of Oppede-le-Vieux on foot with a 5-minute walk.
🚄 By train : the nearest train station is Cavaillon (>> remember to book your train ticket). . Then take bus 917 to Coustellet and change to bus 9901.
🚐 By booking a guided excursion from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.
Where to stay in Oppede-le-Vieux ?
- La Buissonnière : this is our favourite ! The location is ideal for enjoying the village. This guesthouse is a former bourgeois residence renovated by its owners, who have preserved its old-world charm. Bonus features include a small outdoor swimming pool, a lounge-library and a sun terrace with a breathtaking view over Oppede !
- Le Sous-Bois : a charming, fully equipped cabin on a private estate, just a few hundred metres from Oppede-le-Vieux.
- Le Clos d’Olea in Oppede : beautifully decorated guest rooms, a lovely garden with a swimming pool, and a magnificent view of Oppede-le-Vieux.
Things to see in Oppede-le-Vieux : our walking route
This village is not very large, and you will be able to explore it in 1 to 1.5 hours, photo stops included !
First, you will need to park at the parking subject to a fee below the village. Then start your visit of Oppede-le-Vieux by walking through the beautiful Sainte-Cécile terraces leading to the village entrance. This multi-level garden is made up of various plants typical of the Provençal garrigue. In short, it is a true delight that you will undoubtedly fall in love with! To make it even better, you will enjoy magnificent panoramic views over the Monts de Vaucluse as you stroll through this landscape filled with Provençal scents.
Then take Sainte-Cécile Street, which leads to the heart of the village: the charming Place de la Croix, a square paved with old stones and surrounded by a few cafés and restaurants. You will notice its beautiful 17th-century belfry as well as the lovely restored houses. Then head under the former medieval gate to climb to the top of the village. You will walk along the famous cobbled lanes and pass restored, flower-filled stone houses as well as some ruins (walls, arches, vaulted rooms, etc.). At the end of Rue des Pénitents, you will come across the Chapel of the Pénitents Blancs before continuing uphill towards the Notre-Dame Dalidon church.
This collegiate church has been fully renovated, and from its rustic steps you can admire a breathtaking view over the surrounding landscape and Mont Ventoux. Nearby are also the ruins of the feudal castle, currently undergoing restoration. Although it is closed to the public, the remains will still allow you to imagine what this former fortress once looked like ! Finally, after this well-deserved break, head back down via Rue du Chapitre, where you will pass some superb stone houses. Do not hesitate to explore nearby streets such as Rue des Écoles or Rue du Portalet before ending your visit to Oppede-le-Vieux on the main square.
– Hiking in Oppede-le-Vieux –
Hiking is a must if you are staying in Oppede-le-Vieux. You can even combine this activity with a visit to the village in a single day. We have selected two routes with different levels of difficulty :
From Maubec to Oppede
LEVEL : easy / Distance : 7,5km / Elevation gain : +220m / Duration : 3h00 / Download MAP and DESCRIPTION
Set off from Old Maubec to discover the rich landscapes of the Luberon massif and lovely views of the Oppede-le-Vieux fortress. You will reach the small mountain and walk along the Blaque trail, with a stop to visit the Mangalica pigs !
Trip to the Bastidon du Pradon
LEVEL : difficult / Distance : 8,4km / Elevation gain : +580m / Duration : 4h00 / Download MAP and DESCRIPTION
This hike starts in Oppede-le-Vieux and takes you up the majestic Combrès valley. Stunning panoramas await you : the Durance Valley, the Alpilles, then Mont Ventoux, the Sorgues plain and the Monts de Vaucluse. However, we do not recommend this route for people who suffer from vertigo or for children. A tricky section along a cliff edge is located between points 3 and 4 on the map. For this reason, we believe it is wiser to hike the route in reverse, allowing you to enjoy the viewpoints before reaching the steep section.
What to do in Oppede-le-Vieux ? Our TO-DO LIST
Hiking in Oppede-le-Vieux 
The Sainte-Cécile gardens 
The ruins of the feudal castle 
Treasure hunt in the little streets 
View from Notre-Dame Dalidon
The most beautiful viewpoint
📸 You can admire the most beautiful panorama of Oppede-le-Vieux from the Aire de Battage. For us, this is the ideal spot! You can see the village surrounded by majestic, green hills, with a magnificent olive grove in the foreground.
📍 Get directions here.
– Our opinion –
The small village of Oppède-le-Vieux is a must-see for those seeking peace and escape. It is a true jewel of the Luberon, steeped in history and authenticity, far from the sometimes overly touristy image of certain villages in the region. Its “end-of-the-world” feel, set in the heart of unspoilt nature, its rustic and timeless character, and its exceptional panoramic views make it an absolute favourite! It is also an invitation to get away for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, thanks to its many trails. In short, there are plenty of reasons to visit Oppède-le-Vieux during a weekend in the Luberon or on a road trip through Provence and French Riviera.
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