Ménerbes walks

A lovely little walk starting from the village of Ménerbes for a stroll through the surrounding countryside.

Anyone travelling along the D900 between Avignon and Apt will certainly have noticed the cave dwellings to the north of the road, near the village of Les Beaumettes. This walk offers the chance to stop off and explore them. This is by no means an exhaustive or organised list, but here is a brief overview of the sights: the pretty little town hall square, the climb up to the cave castle, heaths, forests, ruins, wells, rain water reservoirs carved into rock, the botanical trail, drystone shelters, Provençal farmhouses, dry-stone walls, lavender fields, etc.

A very beautiful hike starting from Lumière Goult car park under the cliff at Lumière.

Hike in the Petit Luberon, after visiting the Sainte Cécile garden and the old medieval village. The first part is very steep with a tricky section on a ledge, but it is doable and should not be attempted in wet weather.

Pleasant circular walk where you will discover the magnificent village of Oppède-le-Vieux and its vestiges.

Starting from the medieval village of Oppède-le-Vieux, this circuit allows you to discover the wild Combrès valley and magnificent views of the surrounding plain.

Starting from Saint-Pantaléon-de-Gordes, where you mustn't forget to visit the small Romanesque church with its rock necropolis, this is an easy little circular route that winds through the undergrowth and between traditional Provençal dry stone walls. Numerous drystone shelters line the route, some accessible, others on private property. Walkers can also discover the remains of an old Jas and, well hidden in an oak forest, the longest drystone shelter in Provence, which is in perfect condition. A private path is available for the respectful use of hikers and cyclists, excluding all motor vehicles. The app's GPS is highly recommended on this route.

This circuit on the upper slopes of the Luberon leads to the Forêt des Cèdres, then passes at the foot of the Roque des Bancs before descending through the Vallon de Cavède.

A hike on little-known tracks in the districts of Lacoste, Goult and Ménerbes. An overview of nearly ten centuries of history, comprising the chapel, the old abbey and the castle.

This circular walk allows you, with a bit of effort, to see various geological features (caves, rock shelters and natural arches) in the Petit Luberon.

Visit a low peak offering remarkable views of the Lower Durance basin before it joins the Rhône.

One of the most beautiful hikes in the Luberon, starting from the Forêt des Cèdres in Bonnieux, allowing you to discover several superb sites such as the Roque des Bancs, the Baume des Résistants and the Grande Arche, while enjoying almost constant splendid views of the South Luberon and the Durance valley. Steep descents and tough climbs require good physical fitness. Please note: from (2) and (3), the trail is closed from March to September (bird protection).

A short but challenging hike in the Bonnieux Cedar Forest.

This walk begins in the undergrowth and involves an almost continuous descent to the Combe du Sautadou, offering a beautiful mix of valley-floor vegetation typical of the Vaucluse heath. You may spot short-toed eagles flying overhead, as they nest on the heights of the Petit Luberon in summer. The cedars are encountered towards the end of the route.

An easy hike offering splendid views of the villages of the Luberon and then the southern slope of the massif. Arrive in the Cedar Forest to complete your knowledge of the Luberon on the botanical trail.

In April 1545, nearly 3,000 Waldensians from Provence, who had converted to Protestantism, were hunted down and almost all exterminated on the orders of the Parliament of Aix-en-Provence. Mérindol was the first village targeted by this crusade against 24 villages in the Luberon, which were pillaged and burned. A memorial to the Waldensians of Provence has been erected on the site of the former fortified castle of Mérindol.If, like us, you don't immediately see any connection between Mérindol and Pic de la Mirandole, perhaps a little philosophical and purely personal reflection will help you make the connection... or not! 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐮 𝐑𝐞́𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧 Due to rockfalls, access to the Régalon Gorges is prohibited until further notice as a safety measure. An assessment will be carried out shortly to evaluate the situation.𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐝e 𝐑𝐞́𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧

A beautiful hike with magnificent views of the Durance valley.

Hike in the hills above Robion with beautiful views of Cavaillon and its valley.

Excellent walk with an amazing uphill trail to "Les Rochers de Baude" leading to the ridges of the "Luberon plateau"

Loop around Gordes and its dry stone dwellings, through the valley of Sénancole and its unique Sénanque Abbey.

A lovely circular loop between Cabrières-d’Avignon and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, taking you through varied landscapes and offering magnificent views of the Sorgue.

A short route to discover the history and remains of the Plague Wall.

A pleasant circuit, partly in the shade of the forest, to discover many very well-preserved stone huts (“bories”) and splendid olive groves.

A lovely circular loop with no particular difficulties in the hills above Cabrières d'Avignon. The end of the walk follows the Plague Wall. Best avoided during periods of high heat as there is little shade.

This is a beautiful circular route that takes you along wide, shaded paths to the summit of Mourre de la Belle Étoile, which rises above Fontaine-de-Vaucluse at 673 m. The return journey can be combined with two other hikes, depending on whether you want to return as directly as possible or continue exploring the region's rich history.

A short trail to discover the hidden attractions of the upper part of Cabrières d'Avignon: the distinctive architecture of the village houses, porticos and dry-stone walls, fountains and wash-houses, the cedar forest. It also includes Léopold Truc's "paradise", stone shelters ("bories") and olive groves.

A short trail to discover the hidden attractions of the western part of Cabrières d'Avignon: olive groves, vineyards, hills, cedars, the Plague Wall (the "Mur de la Peste")

From Cabrières-d'Avignon, this is a nice circle route leading to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse going along the Wall of the Plague (Mur de la Peste) and passing by Fontaine-de-Vaucluse castle.

The plague wall was built in 1720 to protect the Comtat Venaissin from the plague that was ravaging Marseille. This 27 km long dry stone wall was guarded day and night. Guard posts can be seen all along the wall. For 17 months, the plague did not cross this wall.

A lovely walk sheltered by the trees and cliffs of La Sénancole.

Bonnieux stands on the northern slope of the Petit Luberon, facing the village of Lacoste. The village is situated on the northern side of the Combe de Lourmarin, which was – and still is – the only road crossing the Luberon. This hilltop village boasts an exceptional panorama stretching from the Petit Luberon to Mont Ventoux, via the Monts du Vaucluse. The village, dominated by its old church flanked by centuries-old cedar trees, offers visitors a wide variety of natural and historical sites. As you wander through its steep, winding alleyways, remarkable mansions, the remains of ramparts, fountains and wash houses come into view.The Tourist Office has set up a heritage route featuring fifteen information panels that trace the history of the village. The route suggested here does not follow it exactly, and the GPS signal was disrupted by the village’s unique layout.

A very pretty hike offering beautiful views of the northern and southern Luberon, with a passage through a wild ravine.

This walk, mainly under the oak trees of the Luberon, will allow you to discover the numerous stone walls that line the route, a sign of past occupation. You will see an old shell-shaped bridge, the Philippe tower (named after a utopian), a Gallic village, and of course the Grand Luberon with the Mourre Nègre, the Combe de Lourmarin, the Ventoux, the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, and the view of Bonnieux with its two churches.

The route leads up the Véroncle canyon then down the south-facing slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse.

A varied hike from the village of Les Taillades, through the Gorge de Badarel to the Crane de Colombier plateau, then down to Robion via the Vallon de la Brayette – an opportunity for a short detour to the cave of the same name. The return journey is via the Rochers de Baude ledge and the Brèche de Castelas. Please read the description carefully before embarking on this hike. Be careful of (3), (5) and (10), for example.

On the southern slope of Le Petit Luberon, this trail is for experienced hikers due to two steep rises and randomly waymarked trails.

This route on the southern slope of the Petit Luberon takes you through two very wild valleys, with a passage through the famous Forêt des Cèdres in between.

A very wild hike on the southern slope of the Petit Luberon. The lack of signposting and paths on certain parts of the circuit means that access is restricted to experienced hikers.

A beautiful, easy hike that takes you to some of the most beautiful sites in the Luberon, including the villages of Gordes and Les Bories and Sénanque Abbey.

Hike on the southern slope of the Petit Lubéron starting from Mérindol. A beautiful climb up to the Forêt des Cèdres, offering wide panoramic views of the Durance valley.

Hike on the famous Baude rocks, climbing up the winding and charming Colombier valley. At the end, you can visit the old village of Taillades. All in all, a multifaceted hike.

A fine loop starting from Les Taillades. You will walk through varied scenery such as the Source of the Boulon, the cliffs of the Petit Luberon, the Rochers de Baude cliff and the Badarel Gorge, the Carpentras Canal and the old village. This walk is not recommended for people suffering from vertigo. See the “Useful information” section.

Superb cliff-side walk. Views of Les Taillades, Robion and Cavaillon.

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.

A beautiful circular route that takes you from the Durance valley up to the Luberon ridges and under the impressive Portalas arch, with a very steep descent after the arch.

A fairly challenging hike on little-used trails in the Petit Luberon. You will admire the Vallon de l'Arc, the Durance valley and pass under the Arche du Portalas, the most beautiful natural arch in the Luberon. There are a few tricky sections: two walls to climb, approximately 6m and 4m high respectively, with good handholds. Please note: a municipal by-law prohibits access between2 and 5 February and from the end of August. Please respect these instructions.

This is a classic hike that can become very difficult in bad weather and when there is water. You are entering the Luberon State Biological Reserve and National Geological Nature Reserve. This site is extremely fragile and difficult to access in some places. Please respect this area. (see practical information). 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐮 𝐑𝐞́𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧. Due to rock falls, access to the Régalon Gorges is prohibited until further notice as a safety measure. An assessment will be carried out shortly to evaluate the situation.𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐝e 𝐑𝐞́𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧

A beautiful hike on the southern slopes of the Luberon and along the ridge paths.

The walk starts near Gordes (listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France) and passes through the Véroncle gorge to Murs and its castle. A very pleasant, energetic walk in the ravine of the Véroncle gorges, discovering the remains of old mills from different periods along the way. There are a few ladders and ropes, and an old sluice shaft that cannot be avoided.

Close to the Gorges de Régalon, the Gorges de la Peine are an easy way to discover this part of the Luberon.

Global warming makes us seek out the cool shade of our tree friends. The deep valleys form veritable tunnels of greenery and coolness. As you leave the Vallon de la Sapine, you’ll come across the sheepfold and its beautifully restored cistern.

Climb up the Colombier valley to reach a place called "Les Aires de Bedoin" and descend via the forest track with magnificent views of the Durance valley.

A pleasant little hike offering breathtaking views of the Luberon landscape.

A hike with many points of interest, from its geography and variety of landscapes to the remains of two largely unknown castles and the discovery of the typical village of Lagnes. A break on the banks of the Sorgue will allow you to enjoy a most welcome moment of tranquillity.

A circular walk from the pretty village of Lagnes through the Vaucluse hills to the Plague Wall. The walk alternates between tracks and woodland paths, following a GRP® or GR® route throughout.

Route between Lagnes and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse along typical Provençal paths.

A pleasant trail, largely in the shade of the forest, to explore Lagnes, its landscapes and points of interest.

Hike starting from Lagnes, which runs along the plague wall throughout the climb, then descends towards Cabrières d'Avignon with its drystone shelters and dry stone walls, and returns to the plague wall as you return to the starting point.

Climb alongside the plague wall with beautiful views of the Luberon, then descend into the Fontaine de l'Oule valley to return to Lagnes.

Discover beautiful cedars and a stunning viewpoint.

The seventh stage brings this week-long hike through the enchanting Luberon region to a close. The route leads to the village of Gordes, perched on a rocky outcrop, where the dry-stone buildings, winding paved slanting streets and its proud, imposing castle reveal all the charm of these Provençal villages that have weathered centuries of conflict. It then heads to the magnificent Sénanque Abbey, peacefully nestled in a valley; its simple Romanesque architecture, built of grey limestone, is set off by the contrast of a vast field of lavender. Through the woods of the Vaucluse Plateau, he visits the charming little village of Saumane-de-Vaucluse, perched on a rocky outcrop and protected by its fortified castle, now converted into a bastion. He then descends to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to admire the mighty resurgence of the Sorgue de Velleron, before returning to the car park where he started.

Circular route north of Gordes with a viewpoint overlooking Sénanque Abbey.

A very pleasant short hike on good paths, surrounded by abundant and varied vegetation, including a cedar forest. Extensive view of the Calavon valley with the Luberon as a backdrop.

An easy walk between two magnificent villages in the Monts de Vaucluse, Joucas and Murs.

A magnificent hike around Fontaine-de-Vaucluse with beautiful views of the rocky cliffs and valleys. On the way back, a detour to the Gouffre de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a must.

Largely wooded, the Luberon attracts tourists with its ochre quarries, steep-sided gorges, monuments and hilltop villages with paved slanting streets that evoke the Provence of Daudet, Giono and Pagnol. The first three stages take place in the Luberon Regional Nature Park through the woods on the southern slope of the massif, visiting the medieval village of Oppède-le-Vieux and those of Mérindol, Cucuron and Vitrolles-en-Luberon. The fourth stage crosses over to the northern slope, passing through Céreste, Pont de Baou, the Priory of Carluc and Oppedette. The fifth stage explores the Gorges d’Oppedette, the medieval market town of Viens, and the ochre quarries of Rustrel and Villars. The sixth route crosses Gargas then Roussillon to explore its ochre quarries before setting off to discover the Gorges de la Véroncle. The final route heads to the beautiful village of Gordes, the Abbaye de Sénanque, Saumane-de-Vaucluse and the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

This first stage of the Tour du Luberon offers beautiful, unspoilt Provençal landscapes through the rocky hills and valleys of sparse woodland bordering the Coulon Valley. The highlights of this route include the remains of the Plague Wall, built during the plague of 1720, the little Chapel of Saint-Eusèbe, the medieval village of Oppède-le-Vieux perched on a rocky outcrop, its church of Notre-Dame d’Alidon which offers a beautiful view over the valley, the Galère valley, the old village of Mérindol, its church of Sainte-Anne and its Reformed church.

The Gordes Maquis Trail is a suggested walking route between Gordes and Sénanque, commemorating the local activities of the Secret Army during the Second World War… all set against an exceptional natural backdrop. A few information boards are dotted along the route. As well as its historical significance and natural beauty, a brief stroll through the narrow streets and sights of Gordes, together with the magnificent setting of Sénanque Abbey, make this a must-do walk.The term ‘revisited’ in the title simply means that the route is not exactly the one suggested by local organisations, as it is here in the opposite direction – starting from Sénanque rather than Gordes – and does not follow the suggested route exactly. The detour via Les Dilais offers a splendid view of the Gorges de la Sénancole.

A beautiful walk, mainly through the woods (so shaded), with some lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Part of the walk is not signposted, so I recommend following your GPS, especially when taking the small path that leads to the farm, and then for the section between leaving theGR® and rejoining the wide track after the lavender field.

A very pleasant loop in a varied and, in places, wild landscape, offering beautiful views of Sénanque Abbey and Mont Ventoux.

A very, very beautiful circular hike (technical in places) through wild gorges with varied and pleasant paths that alternate between woodland, a hamlet, pools in the Véroncle riverbed and mills in picturesque gorges. At the request of some hikers, I have classified this hike as ‘difficult’ Allow 5 hours for this hike, not 3 hours 45 minutes as indicated.Do not attempt this with a dog, nor in or after rainy weather, nor in excessively hot weather. Read the reviews.

A very beautiful and dynamic hike through the Véroncle Gorges and its four famous water mills. Climbing up these gorges, sometimes with the help of ladders or knotted ropes, is a real pleasure. The exit from the gorges leads to a sunny, stony plateau where you can take a well-deserved break. The return from Murs to Joucas via Notre-Dame du Salut will round off this original hike that you will certainly never forget.

A pretty circular route, without any major technical difficulties, providing access to the ridges of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and offering panoramic views of the Monts du Vaucluse and the village.

A circuit on old cart tracks with ruts worn in the stone (“rodans”), then along the Carpentras Canal and over the Galas Aqueduct. Splendid views over the Sorgue and an opportunity to visit the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

The Sorgue, one of the most beautiful rivers in the Vaucluse department, springs from the foot of a cliff some 240 m high, at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. This walk takes you along paths that are not exposed to the drop, up to the ridge above the spring, where you can enjoy an exceptional view. On the way back, you’ll pass by the ruins of the Château des Évêques (also known as the Château de Pétrarque or the Château de Vaucluse) before returning to the village and the spring.

A circular loop that takes us to the terraces that were once cultivated and the ancient oppidum of Bondelon.

Discover the dry stone buildings, large and small, scattered around Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

A circular route on sometimes demanding terrain, starting from the ridges above Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and ending at the Hermitage of Saint-Gens. Crossing wild valleys and the Vallon de Valescure (arch and karstic cave). Beautiful panoramic views of the Vaucluse mountains and Mont Ventoux.

Circuit on either side of the Sorgue in the footsteps of Vaucluse pastoralism.

A demanding route that climbs up to the crests above Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, where you will have unrivalled views.

A very pleasant walk, but difficult at the start to reach the castle. The view of the Sorgue and the village is very impressive from the castle.

A circular loop of around twenty kilometres with lovely views of Mont Ventoux and the Luberon mountains, and 600 m of elevation gain. A fairly gentle climb but some lovely descents! There is a more challenging section during the descent to Fontaine de Vaucluse (hence the difficulty rating); otherwise, the difficulty remains moderate, particularly as there is a slight climb.