Discover Villelaure through its distinctive details: two interlocking fountains, churches with historic works of art, a former sugar factory and a mosaic complex on private property. You’ll also find wine tastings at Domaine des Jardinettes and trails in the Parc naturel régional du Luberon. Culture, history, wine and landscape each offer a different focus for your stay.
Fountains, Churches and Industrial History
The Fontaine St Marc consists of two interlocking fountains. An ornamental basin dating from 1819 remains at the older one. The Fontaine « Tour Eiffel » offers a different feature: it is decorated with a stone depiction of the Eiffel Tower, referencing the 1889 Paris World’s Fair.
The churches, too, are distinguished by their details. The Chapelle St Marc dates from the 17th century and contains a polychrome altar and statues visible through its openwork door. At the Eglise St Marc, you’ll find stained-glass windows from the André d’Aix-en-Provence workshop. The choir window depicts Saint Mark; the church also contains seven paintings. The Eglise paroissiale Saint Marc is open during the day. Check locally before your trip to confirm opening times.
La Fabrique adds an example of industrial history to the historic sights: the former sugar factory was built between 1832 and 1835 by Marquis Joseph II de Palamède de Forbin. Its date of construction and named builder give the site a different historical context from the fountains and religious buildings.
Castles, Mosaics and Historic Sites
The Château de Reine Laure is thought to have begun as a bastide built in the years following Villelaure’s resettlement in 1512. Before 1563, the estate was expanded into a château. Described as a Renaissance château, it is listed as a Monument historique. The château is currently privately owned; check access arrangements before visiting.
Other notable sights in Villelaure include the park at Château Verdet-Kebler and its two-hundred-year-old cedar. The mosaic villa at La Tuilière is on private property. Four large mosaic-decorated rooms were discovered there. The complex is dated to the 2nd or 3rd century AD based on its medallion motifs. These are two very different chapters in the area’s heritage: a château later classified as Renaissance in style, and an archaeological complex featuring ancient mosaics.
Another historic site is the Tour de Ferrier, on the grounds of La Ferme Hi Bride. The fortified building was constructed in the 12th century for Ferrier de Saint-Chamas as an outpost of the Château d’Ansouis. It was renovated at the end of the 15th century; later, the estate became a silkworm farm and an important rural property. Today, La Ferme Hi Bride is a contemporary agritourism destination bringing together land, architecture, art and hospitality. As visitor arrangements may change, check them before planning your visit.
Wine and Trails in the Luberon
If you’d like to include wine in your stay, Domaine des Jardinettes welcomes visitors for tastings of its AOC Luberon wines and tours of the winery. Visitor arrangements may change, so check the current conditions in advance.
Roads and trails lead from Villelaure into the Parc naturel régional du Luberon. This adds a scenic option alongside the historic sites. The park can be a focus of its own in your plans, while the fountains, churches and estates offer a glimpse of the town’s heritage.
Festivals and a Running Event
Villelaure’s votive festival is celebrated as the Fête de la Saint Marc. The edition held from 1 to 3 May 2026 was scheduled as a three-day festival. The planned programme included pétanque, parades, sports competitions, dance evenings and a fireworks display. These dates relate to the 2026 edition; check dates for future festivals separately.
La Foulée du Cèdre is an annual running event in Villelaure, with routes of 7 or 15 kilometres. If you’d like to include the event in your stay, check the dates for the relevant edition. You can then plan visits to the cultural sights, the winery and any events according to their respective visitor arrangements.
Discover more destinations: Rasteau, Visan, Morières-Lès-Avignon, Puget, Saint-Saturnin-Lès-Avignon, Châteauneuf-De-Gadagne, Aurel, Sablet.
For the broader travel overview: Vaucluse.
