OPPEDE-LE-VIEUX, hilltop village in Luberon

Oppède-le-vieux is a hilltop village in the heart of the Luberon. It is the ancient village of Oppède area.

The name of Oppède, which appeared in the eleventh century, seems to come from the Latin word 'oppidum', meaning generally a walled town, often on the height (better protection against the enemy, better visibility, etc.) as the case is for Oppède called "the old" Oppède.

It is accessible by foot from a parking. On the way from the car park to the village, you will be able to discover cultures 'in terraces' (different levels) of many flora species of the Luberon.

In the village, in order to reach the church and the old castle, you will walk pass the old city town hall and its beautiful bell tower. A long but pleasant walk up awaits you if you want to get to the old castle. Once there, you will not regret the effort with a great view. One can see the nearby village of Ménerbes, further away Gordes and Vaucluse mountains and even further, the Mont Ventoux! Beware on days of strong Mistral wind!

It is also up there where you will find, just before the ruins of the medieval castle, the collegiate church of Oppède-le-vieux, the Church of Our Lady of Dolidon or Alidon. An organized festival takes place here each year.