Théâtre de Verdure walks

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 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.

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.