There are a few tricky sections: two walls to climb, approximately 6m and 4m high respectively, with good handholds.
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Start at the top of Chemin du Coulet, near the EDF transformer (parking available).
(S/E) Take the dirt track that descends towards the north-east. At the bottom, after about 300m, continue to the left, crossing the barrier. Follow this beautiful path, which climbs steadily for 2.2km, to the Bergerie de la Tapi.
(1) Take the path on the left, leaving the sheepfold on your right. After about 1 km, you will reach a small car park on the left.
(2) Continue for about 50 metres and take the path that branches off to the left into the undergrowth. Climb up the Vallon de l'Arc, following the somewhat random yellow markings.
After about 1 km, you will encounter a rather difficult section. Climb over the 6-7 m wall, which cannot be avoided. There are good handholds, but caution is advised.
(3) Climb over this wall and continue to follow the yellow markings. Pass a second, slightly easier section (4-metre wall, again with good handholds) and continue north to the foot of the beautiful Roque des Bancs cliff with its numerous caves.
(4) Turn right and follow the blue markings (not always very clear) which, via fairly steep steps and climbs, will take you to the Petit Luberon ridge. Along the way, enjoy the magnificent views of the Vallon de l'Arc. Continue to a three-way junction.
(5) Turn right. After about 400 metres, you will reach the tarmac road of the Forêt de Cèdres. Follow it to a crossroads.
(6) Turn right onto a wide, straight path and reach the Portalas.
(7) Take advantage of the mini orientation table and the magnificent view over the Durance valley, then continue westwards but without staying on the ridge: descend slightly to the left to find a path that descends and heads west. There is a small cairn at the start of this path.
Continue downhill and you will soon see the Arche du Portalas, the most beautiful natural arch in the Luberon, slightly below you.
(8) Pass under this magnificent arch, which seems gigantic when you are underneath it. Continue down the path, sometimes through undergrowth, sometimes over scree. This path is fairly well marked but extremely steep. Join the forest road.
(9) Go up the road on the left. At the first hairpin bend, take the path on the left and continue to the Aire de Bosse.
(10) Take theGR®97on the right, which starts slightly above the forest road. Pass at the foot of Pic de l'Aigle and reach Bergerie de la Tapi.
(1) Continue left along the same path as on the way out and join the Chemin du Coulet (S/E).
Visorando Member
Very difficult 
Moderate 
Easy 
