Saint-Martin-les-Eaux can be explored through two themes: the history of its sulfurous spring and activities on the trails of the Luberon. There is also Saint-Martin Church and a specifically named walking tour. For planning, it helps to distinguish between a walk with a stated duration, more broadly defined cycling and hiking activities, and cultural and historical points of interest. This allows you to choose the focus of your stay according to your interests.
Thermal History by the Water
The sulfurous spring of Saint-Martin had a sufficient flow for commercial use and the establishment of thermal baths from 1893 to 1939. For a cultural and historical stay, this connection between water, its use, and the history of the baths provides a clear focus.
The « d'Huguette » sulfur spring was developed in 2016 as a site for information and remembrance about the water’s distinctive properties and the thermal and bathing history of Saint-Martin-les-Eaux. It lies below the D505, south of the village.
The two time periods provide different points of reference for the thermal history: commercial use and the establishment of the baths took place from 1893 to 1939; the information and remembrance site was developed in 2016. If you are interested in the development of the thermal theme, both the earlier use and the later interpretation of the water’s properties are in view.
Walking Tour, Hiking, and Cycling
In Saint-Martin-les-Eaux, visitors can hike the trails of the Luberon or go mountain biking or cycling. In addition, the 2023 geotourism map of the Luberon suggests the 1.5-hour « Petit tour de Saint-Martin-les-Eaux » walking tour.
The walking tour is the option with a specifically stated duration; hiking, mountain biking, and cycling offer a broader choice of activities. When planning your time, you can treat the walking tour as a separate item on your itinerary, while choosing among the other options according to your interests.
Church and Landscape
Saint-Martin Church is identified as a 12th-century attraction. Three sculptures also belong to the church. This adds a connection to religious art to the history of the thermal spring. Those interested in cultural heritage can consider the building and the sculptures as different aspects of this subject.
The dry grasslands of Saint-Martin-les-Eaux also offer a specific connection to nature: during botanical surveys, the Magicienne dentelée was recorded there for the first time in 2024. The discovery anchors the landscape theme to a particular year and a named landscape type. For travelers who would like to explore nature as well as the village’s history, this is another local point of interest.
Getting There and Choosing Accommodation
The Luberon Est route follows the D105 and D505 toward Saint-Martin-les-Eaux. Check road conditions before setting out. The route information provides guidance for getting there; it indicates the direction toward the village.
When looking for accommodation, it helps to first clarify the focus you want for your stay: would you mainly like to explore the thermal and church history, or set aside time for hiking and cycling on the trails of the Luberon? The named walking tour adds a specific activity lasting 1.5 hours to these choices.
Discover more destinations: Brunet, Uvernet-Fours, Châteauneuf-Val-Saint-Donat, Redortiers, Bellegarde, La Brillanne, La Foux-D'allos, Sainte-Croix-De-Verdon
For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
