A Guide to Goult | Provence’s Quiet Treasure
In the heart of the Luberon, tucked between famous neighbours like Gordes and Roussillon, lies Goult – a village that feels hidden in plain sight. Unlike some of the more touristic villages in the region, Goult has a distinctly lived-in feel, where the weekly market hums with activity, and hidden gardens are tended with care.
That’s not to say Goult isn’t a star in its own right. From my very first visit years ago, I’ve struggled to understand why this quaint village hasn’t drawn more attention. It has all the hallmarks of an authentic Provençal village, along with a few delightful surprises! But perhaps it’s better this way – it still feels like a discovery.
Getting to Goult
Driving is the simplest way to get Goult. It’s under an hour from Avignon and a little longer from Aix-en-Provence, and can easily be incorporated into a day tour of the Luberon. Parking is plentiful and free in the Place de la Liberation – but if you come on market day, you may have to try the parking lot by the Mairie instead.
Things to do & See in Goult
Goult isn’t a village to rush through with a checklist in hand. Its beauty lies in slowing down, wandering its flower-filled streets, and letting its quiet charm win you over. Still, there are a few places you’ll want to be sure not to overlook.
Visit on Market Day
Thursday is market day in Goult, and it’s one not to miss. A typical Provençal market, you’ll find everything from fresh produce and locally grown olive oil, to tablecloths and ceramics. Understandably, this is one of the busiest days to visit the village, but it’s a lovely way to see it at its most vibrant.
Château de Goult & Old Ramparts
The medieval Château de Goult is privately owned and today serves as a guesthouse, accessible only to those who pay to stay within its walls. Even so, it remains a key feature in the village, and you can admire its façade, stroll along the old ramparts, and marvel at the layers of history still visible in its stone walls.
Wander the Quiet Lanes
One of the most delightful villages to wander in, the streets here are lined with age-worn houses adorned with climbing ivy, flower boxes, and wisteria draping whimsically above doorways. Shutters are painted in all manner of pastel shades, and wildflowers peep up between the pavers on the streets.
As you stroll through the tightly-knit streets, look out for the little information plaques dotted around the village. They’re easily missed, but they offer a good visual reference of the key sites to look out for as you walk.
Visit the Cemetery
While it may seem an unusual addition to the list, Goult’s cemetery is a unique place to visit. Set in an enviable position overlooking the valley, it feels more like a private château garden than a burial ground, thanks to its meticulous landscaping.
Wander among the graves adorned with flowers and trinkets and admire the artistry of topiary trees, shaped with striking precision.
Eglise Saint-Sébastien
This 12th-century church may be quite modest compared to some Provençal cathedrals, but it holds a quiet beauty all the same. Pop your head in on any given day, and you may well find yourself alone to appreciate the baroque interior.
Visit the Jerusalem Mill
Goult’s traditional grain mill sits at the top of the village, overlooking the valley and villages in the distance. It’s a beautiful spot to come at sunset, or you can stop by on your way to the terraced gardens..
Terraced Gardens & Bories
From the mill, you can follow a signposted walk through terraced gardens filled with olive and almond groves. The walk takes you through the stonewalled terraces, past ancient cisterns and bories, and gives you an insight into the farming methods of yesteryear.. It’ll take you around an hour to complete, and it’s a lovely way to work off lunch.
Savour a Meal
Goult may only have a handful of restaurants, but the quality of what’s on offer is pleasantly surprising. Head along to Cafe de la Poste for your morning coffee with the locals, and at lunch, head along to La Terrace for fresh Provencal flavours. Come dinner time, you’ll want to have booked a table at Le Carillon, or Le Bartavelle.
Visit Nearby Wineries
Vineyards line the landscapes around Goult – the rows of vines announcing the seasons with their colours. Within a short drive, you’ll find some of the area’s finest wines being produced at family-owned vineyards carrying the AOC designation.
Chateau la Canorgue was made famous for its role in the movie “A Good Year”, but its wines are the real stars of the show! Located near Bonnieux, it’s just a 10km drive to this iconic winery.
Domaine de la Citadelle is an organic vineyard in nearby Menerbes. As well as taking a guided tour and tasting, you can explore their quirky onsite “Corkscrew Museum” – with over 1200 pieces from around the world telling the story of this crafty invention.
On the way to Roussillon, discover Domaine de Tara, a boutique vineyard with a small selection of sophisticated wines you can sample in their cellar.
Places to Visit Near Goult
Goult makes an excellent base to discover the Luberon at large. It’s located pretty much in the middle, and certainly among the most popular villages visitors like to discover.
Gordes is a 15-minute drive away and features one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Luberon. Visit the village des Bories while you’re there, and the Senanque Abbey, which is even more beautiful when the fields of lavender that surround it are in bloom.
Roussillon is distinctive for its unique ochre hues – the source of which you can discover by taking a walk through the Sentier des Ocres (ochre trail). Also an artists’ hub, browse the galleries that pepper the pretty town.
Bonnieux is the perfect place to pause on a drive to the lower Luberon. Have a coffee with a view of the valley and climb to the hilltop church for unbeatable views. Nearby, Pont Julien makes an excellent picnic spot, and the Foret des Cedres is a lovely place for an amble through the cedar forest.
The lesser-known Oppède le Vieux is also a quick 20-minute drive away – a pedestrian village frozen in time, with a crumbling château at the helm and a restored 12th-century church with a stunning interior.
Where to Stay in Goult
There are only a handful of boutique accommodation options in Goult. Here are our suggestions:
La Maison de la Piscine is a one-bedroom holiday home in the heart of the village. A quirky and artistic place to stay within a historic building.
A more modern option would be this renovated two-bedroom apartment with air conditioning (not a given in France!) and parking.
Villa Lumières is a guest house with just 4 bedrooms – guaranteeing you a sense of calm and relaxation. This, and Hostellerie Notre Dame Des Lumieres – a hotel set in a former convent – are set just outside the village.
Goult may be quieter than some of its celebrated neighbours, but that makes it all the more special. It’s a welcoming village, brimming with daily life and traditions, and has easy access to vineyards, restaurants, and markets – what more could you ask for?
