Cool summer activities and outings in the Luberon
Night tours, canoeing on the Sorgue, caves, swimming spots or chilled tastings, discover the best activities to cool off in the Luberon this summer.
Night tours, canoeing on the Sorgue, caves, swimming spots or chilled tastings, discover the best activities to cool off in the Luberon this summer.
Sommaire
The Luberon, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, hilltop villages and sunny climate... Yes, it's hot in the Luberon, with the thermometer flirting with 40°! If you're looking for something refreshing to do during this heatwave, here are a few ideas for making the most of our region. Daytime or evening, take your pick!
Take part in the night-time guided tours
Until 22 August, we're offering fun and cultural guided tours of iconic sites in the Luberon and Monts de Vaucluse. Discover our heritage and nature while avoiding the heat of the day. Stroll along the cobbled streets, discover the history of our typical villages, observe the wildlife and watch the constellations!
Our night-time tours combine culture, discovery and refreshing evenings out with family, friends, lovers or on your own!
The Office's night-time guided tours are a real invitation to explore the beauty of this wonderful region, in small groups, away from the crowds and the heat of the day, and discover the historic monuments of our small villages.
Don't miss this unique gastronomic experience to discover the Luberon from a new angle. Book now and get ready to experience magical moments in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon! A must-see this summer and a great opportunity to discover our destination in a new and original way.
The Sunsets Vignerons en Luberon
Book your next summer evening out! How about meeting our passionate winemakers in the Luberon?
Every Tuesday evening until September 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., winemakers open the doors of their wine estates to share their world with you through the wines of AOC Luberon, Ventoux, and Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Gadagne. You'll talk about wine, terroir, grape varieties, cultivation, appellations, winemaking, local products, food pairings...
Enjoy a warm and friendly evening in the heart of the vineyard. Taste red, white, or rosé wines!
Each evening features three highlights:
Choose your estate based on the evening's theme: olives, aromatic plants, Luberon flavors, tomatoes in all forms, charcuterie, and cheese.
A must-do wine tourism experience in the Luberon, this is the evening you don’t want to miss! Enjoy a truly sensory journey where sun-kissed vineyards meet the rich flavors of the local terroir...
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink responsibly.
Discover the Palais Saint-Firmin cellars
A semi-troglodyte site built by man and dug into the rock, visit the Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin for a cool cultural experience! A treasure trove hidden beneath the picturesque streets of one of France's most beautiful villages, Gordes, a hilltop village in the Monts de Vaucluse.
Explore the underground passageways of a place steeped in history, a witness to the village's craft activities in the Middle Ages (olive oil mill, silos, vats)! This tour will take you on a timeless journey to the heart of the Luberon's history and craft traditions.
Discover a labyrinth of underground galleries dug into the rock, and three levels of cellars that were once used for crafts. These underground passages will plunge you into the little-known life of the village, revealing secrets and well-buried treasures!
An immersion in local history and a highly original visit to the village of Gordes, as you've never seen it before.
What to expect:
A documentary at the start of your visit on the restoration of the Caves, introducing the history and context of the site.
A 3D video taking you back in time, with a reconstruction of the working oil mill.
At the end of your tour, you'll discover a small museum displaying objects (found during the restoration work) that bear witness to the different uses of the cellars.
Practical information:
Canoe descent with Kayak Vert
Imagine yourself, paddle in hand, slowly drifting along a river with emerald reflections and crystal-clear waters, nestled in lush greenery. The air feels cooler, almost invigorating — like a refreshing summer pause. Welcome to the Sorgue in the charming village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse!
Departing from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Kayak Vert invites you on a timeless journey along one of Provence’s most beautiful rivers. The water temperature never exceeds 13 °C.
The 2-hour descent alternates between calm stretches and gentle thrills, all in a peaceful atmosphere where only the sound of water, birdsong, and cicadas break the silence. Along the way, take time to observe the wildlife: ducks, herons, fish, even beavers...
After about 2 hours of paddling, you’ll return by shuttle bus. All that’s left to do is enjoy the surrounding nature and this precious moment of freedom.
Practical information and participation conditions:
Enjoy a good ice cream
Treat yourself to a comforting and refreshing ice cream break! Treat yourself to one of our Luberon ice-cream makers, who make it a point of honour to showcase the region's riches using local, seasonal produce. Yes, it's very hot in the Luberon... So we're dreaming of freshness, aren't we?
From lavender to Provence honey and Luberon cherries, find the perfect scent to delight your taste buds!
As well as savouring these icy delights, you'll be charmed by the decor of the Luberon's tearooms and ice cream parlours.
Whether in the heart of a medieval village, in a shady garden or on a terrace with a panoramic view, the atmosphere and ambience that reign in our villages are conducive to relaxation. You can sit back, enjoy your ice cream and take in the wonderful scenery of the region.
Our ice-cream parlours offer a wide range of classic and innovative flavours. And for even more freshness, why not indulge in a good sorbet?
We've selected for you the ice-cream parlours loved by our Destination Luberon team...
Visit the Mines de Bruoux
On hot days when you're dreaming of coolness, the Mines de Bruoux in Gargas offers the PERFECT cool escape! This exceptional site plunges you into the fascinating world of the ochre quarries, a former mining site where tunnels and galleries reveal their secrets.
This incredible 40km underground labyrinth, dug by workers in the 19th century, takes you through 650m of galleries. The coloured walls of the galleries, up to 15 metres high, offer a breathtaking visual spectacle.
Guided tours give you the chance to find out more about the history and techniques used to extract ochre, a colouring matter used in the manufacture of paints, coatings and other industrial products. This site was discovered thanks to man. Without it, ochre would have remained a secret.
Les Mines de Bruoux is also a fresh experience. At a constant temperature of around 8 degrees, these underground galleries offer a welcome refreshing cultural break on hot summer days.
Take advantage of this visit with family or friends to discover a unique heritage of the Luberon. The Apt-based company Ocres de France operates Europe's last open-cast ochre quarry at Gargas.
Practical information:
Picnic on the banks of the Sorgue
On warm summer days, nothing beats the refreshing shade of nature for a relaxing picnic. In the Vaucluse, you'll find idyllic spots like the Partage des Eaux along the Sorgue in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a peaceful haven surrounded by greenery and the crystal-clear waters of the river. Around 15 picnic tables and a large grassy area let kids run free while you enjoy a delicious break in the cool air. Pack your picnic basket with local delights: goat cheese, seasonal fruits, fresh salads and chilled drinks.
Don't forget to respect nature and take your waste with you. Want to discover other picnic spots along the Sorgue? Head to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse near the Hôtel du Poète, where shaded tables await you at lunchtime, or cross the bridge in Le Thor.
Fill your picnic basket and enjoy this peaceful haven in the heart of Vaucluse.
Picnicking in the Shade of the Cedar Trees
After wandering through the charming streets of Cabrières-d’Avignon, follow the road leading to the impressive Cedar Forest. This vast green haven is the perfect spot for a peaceful break in nature.
The trails wind through the majestic canopy of centuries-old cedar trees, offering welcome shade and coolness—even during the hottest hours of the day. Designated picnic areas with tables allow you to settle in comfortably and enjoy a meal in a calm, soothing setting.
Easily accessible, the Cedar Forest invites you to disconnect and unwind. Bring your picnic basket, take your time, and fully embrace the serenity of the place.
And don’t forget to enjoy a little “pénéquet”... yes, we love taking naps in Provence!
Bins are available on-site: a simple gesture to help preserve this remarkable natural setting.
Refresh yourself at the Etang de la Bonde
The Etang de la Bonde (FR) in Cabrières-d'Aigues (FR) is a magnificent setting for nature lovers. Its clear waters invite you to relax and swim! Part of the lake is supervised in summer.
There's also an outdoor snack bar and a refreshment bar open in high season. And if you want to bring your own picnic, that's also possible! The west beach, shaded by trees, is an ideal spot for families!
So what would you say to combining relaxation and refreshment with fun in the heart of this soothing, natural setting? It's time to make the most of nature in Provence.
Visit the Thouzon Caves
In Le Thor, near the Luberon, the Thouzon Caves offer a true haven of natural coolness. With a constant temperature around 13 °C, this cave is now recognized as a natural ecomuseum — a precious "library" revealing Earth's geological and biological history.
The tour follows the fossil bed of an ancient underground river, where water has shaped remarkable galleries and mineral formations.
The guided tour takes you through a unique geological environment, offering a journey through time that fascinates both children and adults — all while enjoying a cool break away from the sun.
Practical information:
Ride the Waves at Wave Island
Wave Island, located in Monteux, is THE ultimate 100% waterslide theme park in Provence! Spread over 5 hectares of tropical adventure, it’s the perfect place to cool off and have fun with family or friends. On the agenda: 32 water attractions and activities for all ages — from splash pools to thrilling slides and interactive play zones.
Little ones will enjoy their first sliding sensations, while thrill-seekers can take on some of the most unique attractions in Europe. And for those who prefer to relax, sun loungers, shaded areas, and chill-out spots by the water await you.
In the evening, extend the fun with the Sunset Island events: festive, family-friendly nights from Thursday to Saturday with artificial waves, tapas, cocktails, music, and entertainment. Kids will love meeting mascots, playing interactive games, foosball, billiards, virtual reality, pumptrack, obstacle courses, and pedal-free karts — all in a vibrant summer atmosphere!
Adventure, laughter, and splashes guaranteed!
Practical information:
Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun and stay well hydrated during your activities in the Luberon.
Enjoy your stay! :)
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