Visiting Montbrun-les-Bains | Provence’s Medieval Spa Village
It took me nine years to finally make it to Montbrun-les-Bains. Always just far enough away to slip through my plans, it lingered quietly on the edge of my mind. Every so often, I’d see a photo or a fleeting Instagram Story and be reminded of my wish to visit – but somehow, in the busyness of everyday life, it never happened.
That changed on my most recent trip to Sault, when a morning among the lavender fields turned into the perfect excuse to keep driving into the Drôme Provençale, and finally discover another of France’s Plus Beaux Villages de France for myself.
Montbrun-les-Bains more than lived up to my long-held expectations. Beyond its golden stone houses and panoramic views of Mont Ventoux, what truly sets this village apart is its centuries-old spa culture. The Romans were the first to benefit from the healing power of its sulphurous springs, and today visitors can still experience their benefits at the modern thermal spa.
Exploring Montbrun-les-Bains
The best place to begin your visit to Montbrun-les-Bains is at the bottom of the village, where a small free car park is located (here). From there, follow the main road on foot, and you’ll first pass a cluster of the village’s more modern buildings, home to cafes and shops. Continue along the road as it curves upward, and you’ll soon find yourself climbing into the medieval heart of Montbrun.
As you climb through the maze of streets, don’t rush. Half the joy of discovering this hidden gem is letting the alleyways unfold slowly before you. Some lead to gold-gilded churches, others to quiet squares where the locals sip drinks in the shade of plane trees. I found myself detouring often, getting distracted as I took narrow lanes, only to find myself in a hidden courtyard or suddenly confronted with a sweeping view across the valley.
Eventually, all paths seem to pull you upwards towards the ruined château at the top. Although little remains of its former grandeur, the site rewards you with the best views yet – the terracotta rooftops of the village spilling down the hillside in front of you and the agrarian landscape unfolding into the distance.
Key Sights Not to Miss
The real charm of Montbrun-les-Bains lies in simply wandering its medieval streets, letting the village reveal itself little by little. The pleasure is in the meandering, following paved staircases, ducking under stone arches, pausing in shaded squares, finding a secret sculpture garden, and soaking up the views. That said, the following highlights will give your visit an extra layer of meaning.
Walk Beneath the Beffroi
Rising gracefully above the rooftops, Montbrun’s Beffroi (bell tower) is one of the village’s most distinctive landmarks. Built in the 14th century, it once formed part of the medieval fortifications and served as both a watchtower and a defence post, as the residents would project arrows and boiling water from its height.
Today, its clock still ticks – though it runs charmingly about 10 minutes fast – so it’s best not to rely on it. Step through the stone archway at the beffroi’s base and you’ll find yourself in the older part of the village, where centuries-old houses and medieval architecture await.
Visit the Église Notre-Dame
Tucked into the heart of the village, the Église Notre-Dame is Montbrun’s parish church and one of its most well-preserved treasures. Once used as a Calvinist temple during the Protestant era, it was later reclaimed by the Catholic Church and reshaped in the Baroque style, in line with the reforms of the Council of Trent. Over the centuries, it was both enlarged and embellished, giving it the layered character you see today.
A major restoration in the late 20th century uncovered fragments of medieval frescoes and revived the splendour of the Baroque altarpiece. At its heart is a striking Virgin by the Provencal painter Parrocel, her cloak stretching wide to shelter both a beggar and a soldier – a symbolic gesture of protection and reconciliation after troubled times.
It’s a serene space and one that rewards a quiet pause as you make your way through the village.
Follow the Fountain Trail
Montbrun-les-Bains is dotted with more than a dozen historic fountains, each with its own unique story. To discover many, follow the Sentier des Fontaines, a gentle walking loop through the village that links together eleven of these stone fountains.
Some are tucked out of plain sight, while others stand proudly in small squares, their trickling waters once vital to daily village life. It’s a lovely way to discover the village, while looking out for details that otherwise might be easily missed. Download the map here, or pick one up from the tourist office when you visit.
Explore the Château
After climbing your way through the streets and alleyways, you’ll eventually emerge at the atmospheric remains of Château de Montbrun les Bains. Once the stronghold of the Dupuy-Montbrun family, it stood as both a defensive fortress and a symbol of power in the region. Centuries of wars and neglect have reduced it to little more than suggestive fragments, but the silhouette of its walls and towers still dominates the village skyline.
Although access inside the ruins is limited, standing among the crumbling stones gives a real sense of Montbrun’s medieval past, and it’s the perfect spot to pause and take in the village and views from above.
If you’d like to learn more about the medieval village and chateau, you can book a guided tour – see this website for the current schedule, and to book.
Soak in the Thermal Springs
Montbrun-les-Bains has been renowned for its healing waters since Roman times, and the tradition continues today at the modern thermal spa complex at the foot of the village. The naturally sulphurous springs are rich in minerals and have long been prized for their therapeutic qualities, particularly to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and strengthen the immune system.
The spa offers a full menu of treatments, from classic hydrotherapy to indulgent massages and mud wraps, but one of the most memorable experiences is simply soaking in the outdoor pools. Here, you can relax in warm water while gazing at the bucolic village and surroundings.
Places to See Nearby
Whether you’re basing yourself in Montbrun or just stopping by on a tour of the region, you’ll find plenty of other wonderful attractions nearby. Here are just a few ideas.
Lavender Fields and Distilleries
In summer, Montbrun-les-Bains is perfectly placed for exploring one of my favourite areas for lavender fields – the Sault plateau. More rustic and wild than the neatly cultivated fields in Valensole and the Luberon, this region has a beautifully untamed character all of its own. From here, you can venture towards Sault itself, or continue to the surrounding villages of Aurons and Ferrassières – also known for their lavender harvest.
You can follow the lavender trail I put together here, or simply follow your senses to sprawling fields and boutique distilleries. One of the more accessible distilleries is Aroma’Plantes, near Sault. open year-round, you can take a guided tour, learn about the harvest and distillation processes, and buy lavender products made on site.
Les Gorges du Toulourenc
After exploring Montbrun-les-Bains, I decided to visit another place that had been on my bucket list a little too long – Les Gorges du Toulourenc. This narrow limestone canyon, carved by the Toulourenc River, is a locals’ favourite hike – or rather, a wade through ankle-deep water.
A refreshing escape in summer, the riverbend meanders past smooth rocks and shaded banks perfect for picnicking. It’s a family-friendly adventure, and provides a completely different perspective on the wild beauty of the region – just don’t forget your river shoes as the river stones can be unforgiving on bare soles!
Mont Ventoux
From Montburn, the mighty Mont Ventoux is hard to miss, and it makes an easy and unforgettable day trip. Known as the “Giant of Provence”, this iconic peak is beloved by hikers, cyclists, and sightseers alike. It also hosts two tiny ski fields in winter!
In the warmer months (when the wind isn’t too fierce), you can drive up to the summit via winding mountain roads, stopping at viewpoints along the way. For the more adventurous, cycling and hiking routes offer a more rewarding way to reach the top. However you get here, standing on the lunar-like summit feels like stepping onto another planet, with the whole of Provence at your feet.
Where to Stay in Montbrun-les-Bains
For a truly memorable stay in Montbrun-les-Bains, look no further than the elegant Château des Gipières. Set just outside the village, this 19th-century château hotel combines historic grandeur with modern comfort, offering a mix of hotel rooms and self-contained apartments.
Surrounded by parkland, with an idyllic pool and a tennis court, it’s the kind of place you can unwind in style after a day of exploring Montbrun and the surrounds. Many of the rooms enjoy views of Mont Ventoux, and the setting – peaceful, refined, and steeped in history- is the perfect complement to the village itself.
Montbrun-les-Bains may be small, but it’s a village that leaves a lasting impression. With its winding medieval streets, ancient chateau, healing waters, and lavender-laced surroundings, it brings together the best of Provence. Whether you come for a few hours or linger for a few days, Montbrun has a way of reminding you of the simple pleasures in life.
