The tiny village of Maubec is the Luberon in miniature. It sits on a slight promontory in a landscape of vineyards, along the base of the Luberon mountain. It's a very short walk up to the top, shorter than in other perched villages, up a cobble-stone road lined with charming old houses and wooden blue shutters.

The top of Maubec

EXPLORING MAUBEC

At the top of Maubec is a beautiful bell-tower, and the castle, restored as a private home., all harmonized by the honeyed stone so typical of the Luberon. It's a beautiful little village, photogenic from every angle, though not included on any tourist itineraries because there are more obvious attractions nearby. At the foot of Maubec is a nice village restaurant called La Bergerie, good for pizza or steak and fries. Maubec also has a football field where kids can kick a ball around, with a small playground alongside. And you can set off for lovely and unchallenging walks past vineyards and pine trees along the foot of the mountain.

THE NEW MAUBEC

It's easy to miss the old part because the road through Maubec shows you only the new village, with its rows of housing and a little shopping area. Here there is a very good butcher. You have to head towards the Luberon mountain from the little roundabout to find the real Maubec.