A family story under the Provençal sun

The history of Mas du Perussier is a story of land, water, and family legacy, intimately linked to rural Provençal life.

An initial building, located closer to the current RD182 road, appears on the 1820 military map. The estate belonged to the Girard family around 1835. It then passed into our Turcan family through the dowry of a young woman from the family of Philippe de Girard, a native of Lourmarin and inventor of the flax spinning machine, upon her marriage to a Turcan. Since then, it has been passed down from generation to generation.

During its agricultural period, the farm housed horses, pigs, and rabbits. She also owned a silkworm farm. The mulberry trees on the estate provided the leaves necessary for their feed. Crops, animals, and the seasons dictated daily life under the Provençal sun. Water played a vital role in this daily life. A "water mine," an underground gallery that once supplied each farm with clean water, notably served the wash house located to the east of the property. After passing through the wash house, the water was used to irrigate the fields before flowing into a small "riau," a stream located beyond the vineyards to the west. This route testifies to a long-standing respect for this precious resource in Provence. Unfortunately, the wash house was destroyed in 1999, erasing a relic of daily life in bygone days. In the early 2000s, our family undertook extensive restoration work to transform the old farmhouse into a charming Provençal farmhouse. In 2002, a water mine exploration confirmed the presence of an old well where the large pine trees now stand. The mulberry trees were replaced in 2005, preserving the memory of the silkworm farm in the landscape. Today, we are committed to preserving this heritage and sharing it with you. Take the time to observe the garden, discover the history of the water, meet local producers, or savor the light of the late afternoon: these are just some of the ways to discover our Provence at your own pace.

Le Mas du Perussier remains a family home, where welcoming travelers extends the history of those who lived in, cultivated it, and passed it on. An invitation to slow down, enjoy the Provençal sun, and savor the simple pleasures of a place steeped in history.

The water mine: a cultural heritage site, an enigma to be discovered.

Hidden from public view, the Mas du Perussier estate houses a precious vestige of its history: an underground aqueduct that once supplied the houses with water. Flowing underground, the water is protected from evaporation and dust carried by the mistral wind. An ingenious system to preserve this resource under the Provençal sun. From the road, our aqueduct once supplied two wells, sheltered by borie (dry-stone huts) near the farms. The well still visible today bears a mysterious inscription on its roof: "PEPE ESPARA," the meaning of which remains a mystery. The aqueduct still exists. It flows under the large fig tree, feeds the well located opposite the main house, then continues its course under the kitchen of La Piscine and under the pool.

A staircase leads to the old sluice gate, a tap that was used to regulate the water flow to the washhouse. The inscription "1932 AE" can be found there, another clue to the history of this structure. This staircase now leads to the pool's technical room.

The mine is connected to a larger underground channel, located about ten meters below the RD182 road. For a long time, this water was attributed to the Ermitage and Vabre streams. Currently, its origin is being re-examined as part of a study of the entire network. Ongoing research suggests a local system specific to the region, although this hypothesis remains to be confirmed.

Where does this water come from and where does it flow? The mystery remains, but we are striving to unravel it. By combining field observations, archival documents, and testimonies, we are attempting to trace the journey of this underground heritage.

This research reflects our attachment to this place and our desire to share it. Taking the time to contemplate the well, to listen to the story of the water, and to discover the skills of yesteryear is also to immerse oneself in a more peaceful Provence, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Perussier, the tree that gave its name to the Mas

Le Mas du Perussier owes its name to a wild pear tree of Provence, the Perussier (Pyrus amygdaliformis), a century-old specimen of which still watches over the property. Facing the summer kitchen, it overlooks the pétanque court and accompanies moments of relaxation under the Provençal sun.

Resistant to both heat and cold, down to -12°C and sometimes even lower, this tree is well-suited to the contrasts of our climate.

It is used as rootstock for traditional pear varieties, notably Saint-Jean pears and Perles pears, also known as "Cremisinos".

In the past, its small fruits were used to make a local fig-based liqueur and were also used to feed pigs and poultry.

This tree is part of the estate's living memory. Taking the time to observe it reveals the origin of our house's name and a subtle connection between nature, bygone practices, and family history.

The almond grove

Around 1980, nearly 160 almond trees were planted on the estate. Their almonds were used to make the famous nougat of Montélimar and calissons of Aix-en-Provence, thus establishing the orchard as part of our region's culinary tradition. Today, these trees are aging and, sadly, disappearing one after another. Their flowering remains a precious moment, when the blossoms illuminate the estate and herald the return of warmer days. A study is underway to prepare for the orchard's renewal, with work planned for 2027. Pistachio, almond, or olive trees: we are considering the species and varieties best suited to the terrain and climate. Our preference leans towards more resistant almond varieties to preserve the estate's identity and the spectacle of their blossoms. This choice will be confirmed as the study progresses. This project extends our history: caring for the landscape, guiding its evolution, and passing on a living orchard to future generations.

The renovation of the 2000s

In 1999, we undertook major renovation and restoration work to breathe new life into this family home, while preserving its Provençal character. Over the years, we have continued to care for this heritage passed down through generations, and we look forward to welcoming you here.

Today, we invite you to slow down, savor the simple pleasures of the countryside, and discover the Luberon at your own pace. Contact us to learn more about the history of Mas du Perussier and plan your stay in our vacation rentals near Lourmarin.

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The nature of the Luberon, to be discovered step by step

At Mas du Perussier, the scents and sounds of the Luberon invite you to slow down and observe nature. The song of cicadas in summer, the crickets at dusk, and the buzzing of bees accompany your stay in our charming holiday homes and guest rooms. During a stroll on the 1.2-hectare property, discover olive trees, almond trees, lavender, pines, and cypresses. If you take the time to look, you might also spot a stick insect, a praying mantis, or a grass snake. Other animals, such as wild boar and birds of prey from the Luberon, frequent the surrounding area: observing them remains a discreet and unpredictable encounter. A flora inventory was carried out in 2026, the first step towards the upcoming creation of a botanical trail. This will allow visitors to discover the plants of the estate, their characteristics, and their place in the Provençal landscape. A fauna inventory is planned for 2027 to better understand the species that live on or pass through the property, and to guide our actions in favor of biodiversity. Listen, observe, and make room for nature: we wish to share with you a thoughtful exploration of Provence, in harmony with the seasons and with respect for its wild inhabitants.

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