Cadenet is a large village on the south flank of the Luberon whose chief attribute is not its beauty but the fact that it is alive and ‘real’. It does not go quiet in the off season like some villages can, or have a lot of secondary residences sitting empty, it is a place that is active year-round.

Cadenet does have a lovely structure when you step back and look at it from a little distance. A medieval castle perched on a flat-topped hill with below it rings of houses turning round 270 degrees. In places remains of the village ramparts are still visible.

Cadenet architecture

HANDSOME ARCHITECTURE

In the village itself there is much handsome architecture, from private homes to the church and the ruins of the castle. In the central square - Place du Tambour d’Arcole - some tables on the pavement for a meal, although in truth you will eat better in Lourmarin 5 minutes away.

Walk up to the castle at the top for great far-reaching country views over the Durance river to Montagne Sainte-Victoire by Aix, and the Alpilles mountain range to the west.