Ansouis: 3 Good Reasons To Visit This Village In Luberon
Nestled in the Luberon Regional Natural Park, Ansouis is located at the border between the Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône departments. This village with its typically Provençal charm served as the setting for Claude Berri's films Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources. Today, it attracts visitors with its 17th-century castle, the beauty of its built heritage, and its local craftsmanship. We will give you three good reasons to visit this gem of the Luberon.
1- To discover a village steeped in history
Located equidistant from Marseille Provence Airport and Avignon Provence Airport, the village of Ansouis, in the south of Vaucluse, is an essential stop when visiting the Luberon.
In the Middle Ages, this perched village was a fief dependent on the county of Forcalquier. Its fortified castle, built at the top of a rocky peak, was a privileged observation post to monitor the road connecting Aix-en-Provence to Apt.
Even today, the Château d'Ansouis proudly dominates the village. It is possible to visit it from April to All Saints' Day to discover its interior layout and 17th-century furniture. Although the building was completely redesigned during this period, it bears witness to the importance of the commune in the Middle Ages.
Baron Elzéar de Sabran was born in this castle in 1285 and lived a life of prayer and penance before being canonized by Pope Urban V. In the village, the Saint-Martin church, probably dating from the 13th century, houses the relics of Saint Elzéar and his wife Delphine de Sabran, with whom he had taken a vow of chastity. These two figures of local history are still celebrated today during the feast of Saint Elzéar in September.
2- To admire one of the most beautiful villages in France
The castle and Saint-Martin church are the two must-see monuments of the village, but they are far from being the only buildings worth noting! If you stop in Ansouis, you can admire the remains of its various fortified walls before strolling through its picturesque streets.
This Provençal village, which served as the setting for Claude Berri's films Jean de Florette and Manon des sources in 1986, houses a washhouse and several fountains. Its well-preserved built heritage, typical of the region, has earned it a place among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
The village's streets are surrounded by old bourgeois houses, such as the House of the Consuls (from the 13th and 14th centuries) and the House of the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit, equipped with an oven, a belfry, and a clock. The belfry, crowned with a wrought iron campanile, is one of the village's emblems. Its construction dates from the late 16th century or early 17th century.
3- To enjoy local products
Another tourist attraction of the village of Ansouis lies in its local craftsmanship. You can explore one aspect of it by visiting the Museum of Vine and Wine, which displays more than 2000 ancient viticulture tools.
You can also go to the small village market, held every Sunday morning on the Place du Lavoir, to discover and buy local products.
Gourmets in search of freshness, don't forget to stop by L’Art glacier to enjoy a good artisanal ice cream with lavender or thyme while taking in a breathtaking view of the Southern Luberon.
