Access to the Luberon mountain areas in summer

Access to the Luberon mountain areas in summer

Access to the Luberon mountain areas from June 15 to September 15: check fire risk levels, restrictions, accessible zones and safety guidelines.

From 15 June to 15 September, access to the forest areas of the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse is regulated according to the wildfire risk level. Before setting out on a hike, a walk, a picnic or any other route along trails and through natural areas, always check the day’s access conditions. These restrictions help protect the forests and vegetation, which are particularly vulnerable to wildfires during the summer months.

Check the wildfire risk level

Outside the summer period, Destination Luberon no longer provides daily wildfire risk updates on this page.

The official map continues to be updated daily

The Vaucluse Prefecture continues to publish access conditions for forest areas according to the wildfire risk level.

Before setting out, check the official map for the day: it remains the reference source.

Before you set off: 3 things to know

  • The regulations do not apply only to the forest itself: they also cover a 200-metre zone around forest areas.
  • Restrictions may be adjusted, brought forward or extended depending on weather conditions.
  • Information from the Vaucluse Prefecture and instructions displayed on site always take priority.

Wildfire risk levels in the Luberon

The risk level announced each day determines access conditions for the forest areas. It helps hikers know whether the trails and routes they plan to use are open. Here is what the four risk levels mean in Vaucluse.

Risk levelAccess to forest areasWork and professional activities
Green
Low risk
Access allowed all day.Work allowed all day.
Yellow
Moderate risk
Access allowed, with outings recommended in the morning.Work allowed, preferably in the morning.
Red
High risk
Access prohibited all day, except at exempted sites.Work allowed only from 5 am to 1 pm.
Extreme red
Exceptional risk
Access prohibited all day.Work prohibited all day.

The risk level is determined each day based on weather conditions and Météo-France forecasts, then published by the Vaucluse Prefecture services.

Instructions issued by the authorities and information displayed on site always take priority over the general guidance in this table.

Sites that may remain accessible during a red risk alert

During a red risk alert, certain sites benefiting from an exemption may remain accessible. During an extreme red risk alert, access is prohibited.

Cedar Forest – Bonnieux, Lacoste, Ménerbes
Mines de Bruoux – Gargas
Okhra & Ochre Trail – Roussillon
Forest Sensation – La Tour d’Aigues

Good practices in forest areas

For your safety and to reduce the risk of starting a wildfire, follow a few simple rules during your outings.

Do not smoke and never discard cigarette butts.
Do not light any fires and follow the instructions displayed on site.
Respect access restrictions when a forest area is closed due to wildfire risk.
Never block tracks, paths or access routes needed by emergency vehicles.
Before setting out, always check the access conditions for the day and adapt your plans if necessary.

In case of a wildfire

  • Call the emergency services immediately by dialling 18 or 112.
  • Give your location as precisely as possible and describe the nature of the fire.
  • Move away from the area safely and follow the instructions given by the emergency services and authorities.

Official information from the Vaucluse Prefecture and instructions given on site always take priority.

Camping, bivouac and vehicle access in forest areas

Camping & bivouac

Can you bivouac in the forest areas of Vaucluse?

From 15 June to 15 September, bivouacking and wild camping are prohibited in the forest areas of Vaucluse. Exceptions may apply to certain professionally supervised bivouacs on authorised sites.

Vehicle access

Can you drive in the forest areas?

From 15 June to 15 September, motor vehicle traffic and parking are prohibited on unpaved tracks serving the forest areas concerned, except where an exemption applies. In the Petit Luberon, this restriction also applies to the paved roads of Vidauque and Trou du Rat.

These rules help protect the forests, landscapes and natural areas of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, while allowing visitors to enjoy the trails and forest areas safely.

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