Nestled at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse, Cabrières d’Avignon harmoniously combines historical heritage, garrigue landscapes and Provençal charm. Between the cultivated Provence of orchards and vineyards, and the wild Provence of dry-stone walls and cedar forests, the village offers an authentic and soothing setting, typical of the Luberon Regional Nature Park.
Through its lanes lined with golden-stone houses, its dry-stone walls, bories and aiguiers (ancient cisterns), Cabrières d’Avignon tells a story where nature and human craftsmanship are one. This peaceful village, open to the hills and the scents of the garrigue, embodies the Provençal art of living in its purest form.
4 good reasons to visit Cabrières d’Avignon
Between cultivated plains and fragrant garrigue, Cabrières d’Avignon reveals the very soul of Luberon villages. Nestled at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse, it shows two faces: that of a gentle, cultivated Provence in the Calavon plain, with its orchards and olive groves, and that of a wild Provence where garrigue, bories and dry-stone walls stretch as far as the eye can see.
Its castle, which probably dates back to the 11th century, overlooks the golden-stone houses and peaceful alleys. Marked by the tragic episode of the Waldensian massacre in 1545, the village has managed to rise again and preserve its authenticity. Today, Cabrières d’Avignon stands out for its dry-stone heritage, a rare testimony to the ancestral know-how that continues to shape the landscapes of the Luberon.
The landscape of Cabrières d’Avignon owes its uniqueness to the omnipresent dry stone, a testament to ancestral craftsmanship that still shapes the village’s identity today.
Between the Calavon plain and the slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse, Cabrières reveals its full diversity: on one side, orchards, olive groves and vineyards form the cultivated Provence; on the other, the fragrant garrigue shelters bories, aiguiers and bee walls carved into the rock – reflections of ancient pastoral and agricultural activity.
As you wander through its quiet lanes, you’ll discover a remarkable architectural heritage: the medieval castle of the Adhémar family, golden-stone houses and traces of the history of the Waldensians, who left a lasting mark on the village. The walking trails around Cabrières lead through terraces and dry-stone walls, opening up magnificent views of the Luberon.
Set at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse, Cabrières d’Avignon offers a panoramic view over the Calavon plain and the surrounding hills. Between stone, nature and memory, the village perfectly embodies the spirit of the Luberon — authentic and timeless.
Beneath its modest appearance, Cabrières-d’Avignon reveals a heritage of great richness
As you wander through the quiet lanes or climb toward the upper part of the village, you gradually uncover traces of a past steeped in history. The medieval castle, overlooking the plain, bears witness to Cabrières’ defensive role and the tragic events of the 16th century linked to the massacre of the Waldensians. Every stone still seems to whisper memories of those ancient times.
Further north, the famous Plague Wall winds its way through the hills. Built in 1720 to protect the Comtat Venaissin from the epidemic that spread from Marseille, this long dry-stone wall stretching for several kilometers is now an emblematic walking site. It connects Cabrières-d’Avignon to Lagnes, offering a route where nature and memory intertwine.
Not far from there, the Cedar Forest, planted at the end of the 19th century from seeds brought back from the High Atlas, spreads its soothing shade over several hectares. A true haven of freshness, it invites you to walk, picnic and contemplate, in a peaceful atmosphere scented with resin.
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A powerful symbol of the history of Cabrières-d’Avignon, the Plague Wall crosses the village hills and stands as a testimony to a defining episode in 18th-century Provence. Built in 1720 during the devastating epidemic that came from Marseille, this long dry-stone wall was constructed to protect the Comtat Venaissin from the spread of the plague. Stretching for nearly 27 km from Monieux to Lagnes, several well-preserved sections can still be seen today in Cabrières.
Following the Plague Wall Trail, visitors discover a typical landscape of the Monts de Vaucluse, with fragrant garrigue, dry-stone walls and open views over the Luberon. This heritage walk, both moving and peaceful, invites reflection on the ingenuity and resilience of humankind in the face of hardship, while offering a unique immersion into Provençal history and nature.
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Between history and nature, the Plague Wall is one of the emblematic sites of Cabrières-d’Avignon. Following the marked trail, you walk among dry-stone walls and majestic cedars lining the path, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Luberon. Just a short distance from the village, the Cedar Forest offers a refreshing haven, perfect for a stroll or a picnic in a peaceful, fragrant setting.
The Cedar Forest of Cabrières-d’Avignon, planted at the end of the 19th century from seeds brought from the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, is one of the emblematic natural sites of the Luberon. This remarkable forest covers several hectares and offers a cool retreat beneath the majestic canopy of century-old cedars.
Numerous waymarked trails allow visitors to explore this unique forest, ideal for walking, running, or simply contemplation. Interpretation panels along the paths tell the story of its plantation and showcase the site’s biodiversity. You will also find picnic areas and viewpoints offering spectacular views over the Calavon Valley and Mont Ventoux.
Accessible all year round, the Cedar Forest is a true haven of peace where the scent of resin, the song of cicadas, and the gentle shade invite you to enjoy a nature escape with family or friends.
Starting from Cabrières-d’Avignon, this 6.1 km loop takes you through the cedar forest and along the Plague Wall, two of the Luberon’s most iconic sites. Easy and accessible, the trail alternates between shaded woodland paths and garrigue tracks while crossing a landscape rich in history.
From the very first steps, the path leads into the Cedar Forest of Cabrières, planted in the 19th century. The majestic Atlas cedars provide a shaded, peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a summer walk. This Mediterranean forest shelters a variety of flora and fauna, including holm oaks, Aleppo pines, and the great spotted woodpecker, easily recognized by its rhythmic drumming on tree trunks.
The route continues towards the Plague Wall, an impressive dry-stone structure built in 1721 to protect the Comtat Venaissin from the epidemic that spread from Marseille. Walking along the restored wall, visitors can see its shelters, watchtowers, and enclosures - all remnants of its crucial role as a sanitary barrier in Provence’s history.
Between garrigue landscapes, the cedar forest, and historical heritage, this two-hour hike in Cabrières-d’Avignon offers a perfect combination of nature and history for anyone exploring the Luberon.
The “From the Cedar Forest to the Plague Wall” hike can be enjoyed all year round. The best seasons are spring and autumn, when the light is soft and the temperatures pleasant. In summer, the cedar forest provides refreshing shade - set off early in the morning and bring water. In winter, enjoy the calm atmosphere and the clear panoramic views.
Before setting out, remember to check forest access conditions.
Villages of Luberon
Our villages in Luberon are gorgous, you will love to stroll through the cobbled streets. Take the time to visit and discover all these villages Luberon and Provence are so famous for!
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