Rocher de Baude via the Colombier valley

Park in the town hall car park.

(S/E) From the car park, do not head towards the château, but take the Chemin de Saint-Ferréol on the right. Go up the cemented section and pass through a gate. Enter the forest via a path, staying on the left-hand side of the valley and continuing straight ahead. There are many paths: stay on the widest one and continue through the valley until you reach the main track. Don't worry, all these small paths follow the valley.

(1) Follow the track to the right for a few metres, then as soon as you start to descend, take a path on the left, marked sometimes in yellow (PR®) and sometimes in orange, to descend to the Combe de Vidauque.

(2) Take the track on the left in the Combe de Vidauque to enter the Petit Luberon Biological Reserve.

(3) Turn left towards the Colombières sheepfold. Please note that it is forbidden to continue straight ahead, as this part of the reserve is closed to the public. The path narrows as it enters the Colombières valley. There is no reason to get lost, just stay in the valley.

(4) Continue straight ahead. At the end of a bend, you will come to a sheepfold with a small shelter and a cistern. Continue for a few metres

(5) Turn left to climb, staying sheltered by the trees, and you will arrive at a plateau.

(6) Take the path on the left and stay on the edge overlooking the valley.

(7) Turn right and begin to descend. Caution: some sections are quite steep: you may need to use your hands.

(8) Climb up on the right to reach the Col de la Gnôle (or Brèche de Castelas), which is easily identifiable by a large cairn. The path then changes sides and continues downhill, sometimes steeply. Caution: in winter, this section is often in the shade, making the ground slippery. Once the descent levels out, the path passes under the famous Rochers de Baude.

(9). At the esplanade, take the track on the left, which leads to a car park.

(10) After the car park, leave the track by climbing up the hill on the left, continue straight ahead, then switch to the other side.

(11) When you reach a small tarmac road (see alternative route in practical information), climb slightly opposite. The small path passes through private property where pedestrians are allowed (mountain bikes are prohibited) and ends on a small tarmac road.

(12) Go up to the left on the tarmac road. Once at the top, cross over to the other side and go back down into the woods, passing by a water reservoir and continuing downhill. The path leads directly to the quarry (now the Théâtre des Carrières) and the old village, which is definitely worth visiting on foot. Then head back down to the car park (S/E).

The hike passes through the Petit Luberon Biological Reserve, part of which is known as the "integral" Petit Luberon, a natural environment that is freely evolving: access is prohibited to the public.

(11) Alternative route: if you want to avoid the small paths, continue straight ahead and you will return to the car park via a marked trail

The village of Taillades is worth a visit.
The hike starts at the gates of Cavaillon.