Col Saint-Anne (425m) walks

This second stage of the Tour du Luberon takes place on the sunny side of the Durance valley, through the wooded valleys of the Luberon Nature Park. From Mérindol, the route follows the valleyfloor and, after passing Les Borrys, climbs towards the Pic de l’Aigle before descending into the Vallon du Gros Ubac, which it follows to reach the Combe de Recaute. It climbs its slope then crosses over to the Combe du Sautadou, which it descends before climbing up the Vallon des Séyes and reaching the Cap de Serre. Via the Vallon du Bon Dieu, it reaches Lourmarin and, skirting the foot of the Grand Luberon, heads to Cucuron.

This third stage takes you through the forests on the southern slopes of the Grand Lubéron. From Cucuron, the route climbs gently northwards across fields, then rises steeply up the wooded flank of the Montagne du Grand Lubéron and, following various valleys, reaches the bare ridge at the small pass of Basse Cabrière, east of the Mourre Nègre, the highest point of the massif. It winds along the ridge and, at its end, drops down the northern slope, then, skirting Mont La Grand Colle, returns south via the Vallat de la Combe d’Apt, before reaching Vitrolles-en-Lubéron.

This second stage is both long and superb! First, you climb the highest point of the Luberon, the Mourre Nègre, alternating between steep paths and gently sloping tracks. Then, you follow the ridges from west to east, always on open terrain with sweeping panoramic views. The (long) descent to Vitrolles is shaded.