LOA Residency – Stipendien für Kunst, Musik und Literatur im Luberon

Avelan

Each resident is provided with a spacious room featuring a private bathroom. The villa offers expansive communal areas that serve as perfect spaces for relaxed gatherings and productive work. The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, providing everything needed for meal preparation. The garden blends seamlessly with the surrounding enchanting oak forest. Avelan is not only an inspiring place for living and working but also a serene retreat amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the Luberon.

Oliver Rihs

Oliver Rihs is the owner of the estate in Avelan. Born in 1971 in Männedorf, Switzerland, he has been living and working in Berlin since 2001.
He is not only an experienced film director but also active as a film producer, distributor, and author. In addition to his work in the film industry, Oliver Rihs is the founder and chairman of the LOA association.

In 2024, he initiated the LOA Residency scholarship, which offers selected artists and writers the unique opportunity to deepen their artistic work in the inspiring environment of Avelan. This creative retreat allows participants to focus entirely on their projects and unleash their creativity.

As the great-grandchild of the famous writer Hermann Hesse, Oliver Rihs is particularly passionate about promoting German-language literature. Through the LOA Residency, he consciously supports emerging literary talents by providing them with a space for new ideas and works that continue to enrich and carry forward the cultural heritage and tradition of the German language.

Area

1. Luberon

The Luberon is a stunning limestone mountain range located in the Provence region of southern France, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Avignon. Spanning around 60 kilometers in an east-west direction, it is divided by the picturesque Lourmarin Gorge into two sections: the Petit Luberon (Little Luberon) to the west and the Grand Luberon (Great Luberon) to the east. The Petit Luberon rises gently to 726 meters, while the Grand Luberon is more dramatic, with its highest point, Mourre Nègre, reaching 1,124 meters.

Recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, the Luberon boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes, including rugged rock formations, deep gorges, and barren peaks interspersed with expansive pine forests, vibrant lavender fields, and vineyards. This blend of natural beauty makes the area one of the most captivating in Provence.

The region is particularly appealing to nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat with numerous trails for hiking and cycling. Visitors can explore untouched landscapes, observe rare bird species, and soak in the aromas of the Mediterranean flora. The Luberon provides an escape from the modern world, where the serenity and timeless charm of Provence shine through.

2. Goult

The Luberon stretches through the heart of Provence, with the centrally located village of Goult serving as a great reference point for this stunning region. The LOA Residency is situated in the western part of the Luberon, near the Petit Luberon, in a serene rural setting.

Goult itself is a picturesque Provençal village perched on a hilltop, known for its well-preserved historical buildings, shaded squares, and the traditional Jerusalem Mill. The village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the Luberon massif. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring both the western and eastern parts of the Luberon, and it’s just a short drive from renowned villages like Gordes, Bonnieux, and Ménerbes.

From Goult, you can also visit the charming villages of the "Luberon des montagnes," such as Roussillon, famous for its ochre cliffs, and Lourmarin, an idyllic village connected to the Grand Luberon via the Lourmarin Gorge. This central location is perfect for nature lovers seeking to explore the unique landscapes of the Luberon.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Luberon is rich in cultural history. One of its most notorious historical figures is the Marquis de Sade, famed for his provocative writings and controversial legacy, which left an indelible mark on the region. This blend of natural and cultural wonders makes the Luberon a truly distinctive destination.

3. Château de Lacoste – Residence of the Marquis de Sade

The impressive Château de Lacoste, perched high above the village of the same name, was once the residence of the Marquis de Sade. The writer lived and wrote here in the 18th century until he was imprisoned for political and personal reasons. The castle was the setting for many of his notorious excesses, earning him the reputation as the "Father of Sadism." Today, the castle belongs to fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who has restored it. It serves as a venue for concerts and cultural events, particularly during the annual Lacoste Festival, which features music, theater, and art.

The castle itself offers visitors the opportunity to wander through the ancient walls that once housed de Sade and to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Luberon landscape.

4. The Village of Lacoste

Lacoste itself is a picturesque medieval village with narrow, cobblestone streets and well-preserved stone houses. It is an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts. In addition to the château, Lacoste features numerous art galleries and studios that reflect the village's rich creative heritage. It is also home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which adds a modern and cosmopolitan flair to the village.

5. Château de Lourmarin

The Château de Lourmarin, an impressive Renaissance castle, is also a cultural landmark in the Luberon. It has served as a retreat for many writers, including the renowned Albert Camus.

6. The Abbey of Sénanque

The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a peaceful Cistercian abbey from the 12th century, stands in stark contrast to the provocative and dark writings of the Marquis de Sade. This place of tranquility and spiritual retreat offers insight into the lives of the monks who continue to reside there and symbolizes the deeply rooted spiritual history of the region. Visiting the abbey provides an opportunity to reflect on the moral and philosophical contrasts that the Luberon represents.

7. Museums and Exhibitions on the History and Literature of the Luberon

In the surrounding area, there are several museums and libraries dedicated to the rich literary and cultural history of the Luberon. These exhibitions often highlight the influence of figures such as the Marquis de Sade, who significantly shaped the region's history and culture. Literature enthusiasts can learn more about the literary movements of Provence and their connection to the philosophy and writings of de Sade in the museums of Apt and Bonnieux.

8. Philosophical Reflections in the Landscape of the Luberon

The vast and tranquil landscapes of the Luberon are perfect for walks, cycling, and hiking. This region has long inspired philosophers, writers, painters, and musicians. Its wild, untamed nature symbolizes raw passion and freedom.

The Luberon offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and nature. Whether visiting the Château de Lacoste, attending the Festival de Lacoste, or exploring the landscape through the legacy of the Marquis, the region provides a profound cultural experience for anyone with an interest in history, art, or literature.