Cool summer activities and outings in the Luberon

We offer entertaining and informative guided tours through some of the most iconic sites in the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse. Discover the area’s heritage and natural environment while avoiding the heat of the day.

Wander along traditional cobbled lanes, learn about the history of our characterful villages, observe local wildlife and gaze up at the constellations. These evening tours combine culture, discovery and cooler temperatures, whether you are visiting with family, friends, as a couple or on your own.

Organised in small groups, the tourist office’s evening guided tours offer a different way to explore the villages and historic monuments of the Luberon.

An unmissable wine tourism experience in the Luberon, the Sunsets Vignerons offer a sensory journey where vineyards bathed in the final golden rays of the sun meet the flavours of the local terroir.

An immersive journey through the local history and craft traditions of the Luberon, in the heart of an underground Gordes hidden from view beneath the village lanes.

When the days are hot and you are longing for somewhere cool, the Bruoux Mines in Gargas offer a particularly refreshing underground escape. This remarkable site takes you into the fascinating world of the former ochre quarries, where tunnels and galleries gradually reveal their secrets.

This impressive underground labyrinth contains almost 40 km of galleries, excavated by workers from the 19th century onwards. The tour covers approximately 650 metres, passing between vividly coloured walls that rise to heights of up to 15 metres.

Accompanied by a guide, you will learn about the history of the site and the techniques once used to extract ochre. This natural pigment was used in the production of paints, coatings and numerous industrial products.

The Bruoux Mines also offer a genuinely refreshing experience. With a constant temperature of around 8 °C, the galleries provide a welcome cultural break during hot summer days. Visitors are therefore advised to bring warm clothing, even in the height of summer.

Ideal for families or groups of friends, this tour provides a better understanding of the history of ochre and reveals an iconic part of the Luberon’s industrial heritage. Europe’s last working open-cast ochre quarry is still operating in Gargas and is managed by the Société des Ocres de France, based in Apt.

When the days are hot and you are looking for somewhere cooler, the banks of the River Sorgue provide a particularly pleasant setting for a picnic surrounded by nature. The Partage des Eaux, located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, is a peaceful haven surrounded by greenery.

Bordered by the river’s clear waters, the site is ideal for a refreshing gourmet break. Around fifteen picnic tables and a spacious grassy area provide plenty of room to settle in comfortably, while children can enjoy the open space and stretch their legs.

Fill your picnic basket with local produce such as goat’s cheese, seasonal fruit, prepared salads and chilled drinks. It is a simple and convivial way to enjoy the flavours of the area in a natural setting.

Other picnic spots beside the River Sorgue can also be found in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, particularly near the Hôtel du Poète, as well as close to the footbridge in Le Thor.

After exploring the lanes of the picturesque village of Cabrières-d’Avignon, follow the road leading to the impressive Cedar Forest. This extensive woodland is an ideal place to take a break surrounded by nature.

The paths wind beneath the majestic canopy of century-old cedar trees, offering welcome shade and pleasantly cool temperatures, even during the hottest hours of the day.

Designated areas with picnic tables provide a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a peaceful meal in a natural setting made for relaxation.

Easy to reach, the Cedar Forest invites you to slow down. Bring your picnic, take the time to enjoy your meal and perhaps have a short nap beneath the trees: in Provence, an afternoon siesta is all part of the experience!

Located in Cabrières-d’Aigues, the Étang de la Bonde offers a pleasant setting for a day by the water. Surrounded by nature, it is an inviting place for both swimming and relaxation.

During the summer season, swimming is supervised in part of the lake. It is a popular destination for cooling off on the hottest days, whether you are visiting with family or friends.

An outdoor snack bar and refreshment stand are available during the high season. You can also bring your own picnic and settle down beside the water to make the most of the natural surroundings.

The western beach, partly shaded by trees, is particularly pleasant for families. Combining swimming, relaxation and a tasty break, the Étang de la Bonde is an excellent choice for a summer outing in the Luberon.

Located in Le Thor, close to the Luberon, the Thouzon Caves provide a naturally cool retreat. With a constant temperature of around 13 °C, they are a particularly pleasant place to visit during hot summer days.

Recognised as a natural ecomuseum, the cave is a veritable archive of the Earth’s geological and biological history. The route follows the fossilised bed of an ancient underground river, whose waters gradually shaped the galleries and mineral formations.

The guided tour reveals a unique geological environment and provides a better understanding of the natural processes behind the formation of the site. Stalactites, mineral deposits and water-sculpted walls bear witness to several thousand years of evolution.

Suitable for visitors of all ages, this underground walk offers an educational and refreshing journey through time, sheltered from the sun.

Located in Monteux, Wave Island is a water park entirely dedicated to water slides and aquatic activities. With five hectares of tropical adventures, it is the perfect place to cool off and enjoy a day with family or friends.

The park features 32 water attractions and activities designed for different ages and thrill levels. Fun pools, spectacular slides and interactive play areas allow everyone to enjoy the park at their own pace.

Younger visitors can enjoy their first sliding experiences in specially adapted areas, while more adventurous guests can take on the park’s most impressive attractions. For a more relaxing break, sun loungers, shaded areas and waterside relaxation zones are also available.

The experience continues into the evening with Sunset Island. From Thursday to Saturday, these festive, family-friendly evenings combine artificial waves, tapas, cocktails, music and entertainment in a lively summer atmosphere.