The Luberon, a region wedged between Marseille and Avignon in the countryside of southern France, is filled with more than 30 beautiful small towns and villages all with their own unique charm and appeal.

Rugby News and some friends spent a week in the region during the World Cup as guests of Destination Luberon and we pulled together a list of the five villages we enjoyed most.

Gordes

Known throughout France, and quickly around the world, as one of the most beautiful towns in the country, Gordes is a postcard. There’s no other way to describe it.

About a 30 minute drive from Avignon, the hilltop village has been inhabited since prehistoric times though the castle dates back to the 10th century. Today, it’s filled with small cafes, bars and restaurants that offer views across the countryside.

But as beautiful as the village of Gordes is, the surrounding countryside, all of which looks up towards the castle, is even more breathtaking. It’s a view you really never get sick of and it glows spectacularly at both sunrise and sunset.

There are also a stack of fantastic restaurants and wineries within walking distance of the village or a chateau nearby.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

After a 15 minute drive from Gordes, you’ll arrive in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse a picturesque tree filled village that surrounds a natural spring that flows from a 230 metre cliff.

In summer, the place is packed and it’s best to visit early in the morning but in the shoulder seasons, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is stunning with crystal clear water flowing down through the town and into a shaded pool.

After a short walk and potentially a very quick and nippy swim, there are a host of fantastic restaurants along the river to settle in to.

Restaurant Phillip appears to be the pick of the lunch spots, but it’s hard to go wrong in this part of the world, particularly when the meal comes with a view as good as you get in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

Lourmarin

About 20 minutes in the opposite direction from Gordes is Lourmarin, another beautiful village that sits at the foot of a castle.

The town centre features tree-lined streets, cobblestone roads and many restaurants, including two with Michelin stars.

On Friday, Lourmarin also hosts one of the best local markets in the region.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is another village built around beautiful canals featuring a heap of waterwheels and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see.

On Sundays, the town is taken over by its famous antiques market selling everything from antique rifles, to art and the best rotisserie chicken, served over a bed of potatoes, you’ll find in France.

Roussillon

Built in and around one of the biggest ochre deposits in France, Roussillon is another hilltop village but famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries.

Ochre is a type of clay that ranges in colour from yellow to deep orange and brown. As a result, Roussillon is particularly stunning at sunset as the colours of the town and the cliffs around it change colour, not unlike Uluru.

These colours form a stunning contrast with the lush green pine trees that somehow grow in and around the village.

The town is filled with small streets and squares and has plenty of charm and options to eat and drink after a hike through the spectacular region.

Rugby News travelled to the Luberon as guests of Destination Luberon. Click here for more information on the region or to begin booking your trip of a lifetime.