Merindol

Mérindol is a very old village in the Vaucluse, situated to the south of the Luberon mountain range, between the Luberon and the Durance.

Somewhat dominating the plain of the Durance, Mérindol's geographic situation is a plus that allowed it to develop a local agriculture still very present in the cultural and economic life of the village.

The climate comes under the category of Mediterranean with its hot and dry summers. Protected by the Luberon mountain range, the winters are quite pleasant and Mérindol is sheltered from and thus spared the strong mistral winds.

The vegetation is luxuriant with olive orchards stretching as far as the eye can see. A 17th century olive oil mill is still in operation in the village. Many hiking trails have been set out and marked to let walkers and nature lovers enjoy and admire the splendid countryside. The GR6 and GR97 hiking trails pass through Mérindol.

During your excursions you will be able to discover the A.O.C. Côtes du Luberon vineyards.

In the 13th century, this beautiful village called Mérindolium was the fief of the viscount of Cavaillon and then the bishops of Marseille.

Like many villages of the Luberon, Mérindol was marked by the Wars of Religion. It's the prime example of the martyr-village: devastated, deserted then repopulated. The men and women of Mérindol rebuilt their village, which became the religious capital of the Protestant Church in Provence. It was also the departure point for the Huguenot expeditions.

A memory trail was created in 1977 by three associations; you can still follow it today to reach the ruins of a Protestant church.

Mérindol's economy is essentially based on tourism. Through its rich historical culture as well as the heritage of the other hilltop villages in the region, it attract visitors from around the world, which has resulted in a growing number of hotels, bed & breakfasts, campsites and vacation rentals. With hiking trails such as the GR6 and GR97 that have led to the development of nature tourism, the Luberon offers you a unique and prserved setting for tourism.

The village has all the architecture typical of the villages of Provence with splendid 17th and 18th century houses, narrow streets, colourful façades and monuments to see, explore and visit, such as:

* the 18th century Sainte-Anne parish church, listed as a historic monument

* the ruins of the castle

* the Belfry-clock tower

* the 17th century oil mill

Amongst its events and festivities, note in your calendars the Wednesday market days and the Eco-Energies Fair at the end of May.

In the area around Mérindol:

Ménerbes: medieval village classed as one of the “most beautiful villages of France”

Cheval Blanc: at the gates of the Luberon, a hiker's paradise

Oppède le Vieux: hilltop village with spectacular views of the landscapes of the Luberon