Maubec is a commune in Vaucluse, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, 8 kilometers east of Cavaillon.
Its territory of 9 km² spreads out from 97 to 663 m of altitude, following in the south the first buttresses of the solid mass of Luberon with as culminating point, for the locality, the top of Fourcats. This part of the town is wooded and cut into small valleys (the valleys).
Crossed by the course of the Calavon, a tributary of the Durance, the center and the north of Maubec have been occupied since Prehistory (vestiges of the Neolithic have been brought to light) but it is in the Middle Ages that the village developed. Small seigneury becoming papal land in 1274, then, much later, belonging to the Brancas family, Maubec acquired a new castle in the 17th century.
Nowadays, the historic heart with its picturesque charm looks like a hilltop village, but the habitat has extended into the plain. The activity of Maubec (2000 inhabitants) remains focused on agriculture (asparagus, fruit trees) and viticulture (wines of the Côtes-du-Luberon and Pays d'Aigues appellation). Tourism has also developed, the town being integrated into the Luberon Regional Natural Park and attracting visitors with its "old village" and its preserved environment.
It is obviously through the historic center of the village, perched on the hill of Montagnette from which one enjoys a breathtaking view of the mountains of Vaucluse, Luberon and even Ventoux, that the discovery of the local heritage begins.
Along the alleys with covered passages and calades (pavements formed by pebbles collected from the river), in addition to beautiful 18th century dwellings, you can see the old 17th century castle (restored and private), the church Saint-Maurice rebuilt in 1753 and rich in Baroque influences. Note the buttresses, the side bell tower topped with a bell, the apse, the chapels, and the beautiful door adorned with an oculus.
Still in the old village, the Belfry of the Clock (18th century) with its statue of the Virgin is worth mentioning.
Lower down, the bridge over the Calavon rebuilt in the 19th century, a former post house with its chapel (at a place called Coustellet) and a number of old wells dot the landscape. Shops are now also concentrated in the plain. It is also interesting to observe an old "noria" (on the road to Robion): dating from the 18th century, water was drawn from it thanks to a donkey which activated, by walking along a circle covered with slabs, a mechanized pump..
With regard to cultural leisure activities, activities (workshops, readings) are offered at the library (contact +33 4 90 71 77 95) and the old station has been converted into a "space of artistic, cultural and civic curiosities ". It includes a performance hall (with artists in residence) and a "youth" area. Information on the program on +33 4 90 76 84 38.
For hiking enthusiasts, a trail known as the Draille has been marked in the town. It is 7 km long and can be traveled with the family in 3h30: some reliefs mark out this ideal loop to benefit from viewpoints (on the Ventoux, the Alpilles, the Rhone valley, the Calavon valley) but also, between green areas and scrubland, observe many birds having their habits here.
Other routes lead to neighboring villages (Oppède, Gordes, etc.). Maps and information on +33 4 90 71 32 01.
Note that the Luberon Regional Natural Park offers activities, thematic hikes or workshops throughout the year. Contact the +33 4 90 04 42 00.
