Our Top 10 Luberon hikes
Ah, the Luberon! With its sumptuous landscapes, lavender fields and culinary delights, it’s the perfect vacation destination. But it’s also the perfect place for hiking. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s something to suit every taste and gradient. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best hikes in the Luberon, sorted by degree of difficulty. All you have to do is put on your hiking boots and let us guide you.
Easy hikes in Vaucluse
1. The Luberon ochres: a fascinating spectacle
Perhaps you’ve already heard of the Colorado of Provence? Of its American-style landscapes, with their warm colors, shaped by erosion and human activity? They’re the ideal setting for family hikes in the Luberon. Or rather, places. Because it’s important to distinguish between the two sites that make up Les ocres du Luberon.
On the one hand, we have the famous Provencal Colorado, in Rustrel. As you hike, you’ll come across fairy chimneys and ancient quarries that give the landscape a canyon-like appearance. There are two routes to choose from: the Sahara (2 kilometers) and the sentier des Belvédères (4 kilometers). The choice is yours.
On the other hand, we have the Sentier des Ocres, which offers two hiking trails in Roussillon, a charming Vaucluse village. Whether you take the 30-minute circuit or the 50-minute one, you’ll be fascinated by the geology and history of the area. Walking the Roussillon ochre massif is a must in the region.
2. The climb to the village of Saignon
If you’re wondering what to do in Apt at the weekend, we’ve got the answer. The easy hike from our campsite to the village of Saignon is a well-known path for locals and campers alike. Tinged with history as an ancient Roman road, it’s an ideal spot for a walk in Apt. Once you’ve reached the Rocher de Bellevue, enjoy the panoramic view over the Calavon valley, the Montagne de Lure and the famous Mont Ventoux.
Interested in this hike? Why not book your stay at our campsite, the starting point for this breathtakingly scenic route.
3. An immersion in heritage at Gordes
Here’s another beginner’s hike in the Vaucluse that will delight young and old alike: the Jean-de-Marre mill hike. Lasting an hour and covering a distance of 4 kilometers, it’s as surprising as it is easy. As you hike through Gordes, you’ll catch a glimpse of the birth of the Gorges de Véroncle and the astonishing tufa waterfall. Of course, you’ll also discover the mill that gives its name to the trail, the first to be built in Gordes.
Trails of moderate difficulty
After this initial overview, let’s move on to discovering the Luberon, via the higher-level trails. While the ones described in the previous section were designed for strolling, the ones described here are for sporting activities. Real trails for keen hikers.
4. Touring the Oppedette gorges, between cliffs and river
Before embarking on this hike, bear in mind that it will require you to cover 7 kilometers, with a vertical drop of over 250 meters. Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the breathtaking Oppedette gorges and the Calavon riverbed. And don’t forget the incredible flora and fauna, with the great horned owl at the top of the list. One of the Luberon’s best walks, in terms of heritage.
Please note that this is the tour of the Gorges d’Oppedette. The most practicable. There is also a more difficult one, with aerial and technical sections, including a ladder climb.
5. The Régalon gorges: the narrow hike of the Petit Luberon
Claustrophobes abstain. The Gorges du Régalon hike features narrow passages between high cliffs. Located in the commune of Cheval Blanc, it is 6.5 kilometers long. We recommend walking it in summer, as the coolness provided by the rock is most welcome.
6. Beaumont de Pertuis, a discovery trail of Luberon flora and fauna
The Beaumont de Pertuis hike is designed for nature lovers… and those who enjoy physical exertion. Indeed, if you want to admire terraced fields, vineyards, messicolous flowers, Venus navels or the Citron de Provence (a butterfly), you’ll have to earn it. Because this hike is 12.5 kilometers long and has a vertical drop of almost 300 meters.
And as there’s more than hiking to do on vacation, find out how to have fun in the Luberon.
The best Luberon hikes for experienced hikers
No more strolls in the Luberon. Let’s get down to the more challenging hikes. In this section, the routes described are not suitable for beginners… especially the last one.
7. The Gorge de Badarel circuit
With a length of 12.5 kilometers and a vertical drop of almost 800 meters, this hike is best enjoyed in good physical condition. What’s more, it includes some rugged sections. The great advantage of this walking trail is that it offers a varied itinerary starting from the village of Les Taillades. On the program: the Gorge de Badarel, the Crane de Colombier plateau and the Brayette valley. It’s a great way to discover the diversity of the countryside around our campsite.
8. Le Mourre-Nègre via Cucuron
Allow a full day for this hike. With its 21-kilometer route and 850-meter ascent, you’ll need to tackle it early in the morning. But it’s well worth the effort. This great circuit will take you to Mourre-Nègre, the highest point in the Grand Luberon. You can also visit Vaugines and Cucuron, two typical Provencal villages.
9. The Cedar forest from Mérindol, for a breathtaking panorama
Here too, you’ll need to plan to get up early for this hike. With its 22 kilometers and 650 meters of ascent, this is a demanding hike, requiring up to 8 hours of walking. It’s ideal for those seeking the peace and quiet of the forest, and offers lovely panoramic views over the Durance valley.
10. Extreme hiking in the Luberon: the Dégoutau valley via the Onze heures rocks
Let’s end this list of hikes in the Luberon, with a route reserved for passionate, seasoned hikers. And yet, with its 13-kilometer length and 500-meter vertical drop, this circuit could be classed as an average hike. But there’s a but. Several, in fact. The hike is very wild; the markings are absent on some parts of the route and the trail is not always visible. The icing on the cake is a steep passage, 6 to 8 meters long, that has to be crossed with a chain. In short, the best hike in the Luberon for hikers who like a challenge.
We’ve come to the end of our Top 10 of the best hikes in the Luberon. You’ll see that, whatever your level or your taste in scenery, there’s always a hike to suit you in our beautiful region. The little extra: our mobile-homes with private Jacuzzis to help you relax, because as they say: after the effort, the comfort. Relaxation guaranteed! So go ahead and book your stay at our campsite, for a vacation of hiking and much more.