Historic Walk - The Plague Wall in Cabrières-d’Avignon

Page updated on 07/10/2025

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On the trail of the Wall of the Plague: dry stone & memory Overview of the hike Highlights and itinerary Prepare your hike Nearby Photo gallery

On the trail of the Wall of the Plague: dry stone & memory

✔ Loop

✔ Distance: 7.5 km

✔ Waymarking: GR® · GRP® · PR

Overview of the hike

Plague Wall linking Lagnes to Cabrières-d’Avignon, Luberon

View of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse from the Plague Wall trail

Dry stone tower of Cabrières-d’Avignon castle along the trail

Between heritage and nature, the Plague Wall offers a unique walk on the heights of Cabrières-d’Avignon. Built in the 18th century to protect the Comtat Venaissin from the epidemic that spread from Marseille, this long dry-stone wall remains a witness to a significant past and to the ancestral skills of Provençal builders.

The trail crosses through fragrant garrigue filled with thyme, rosemary and wild lavender. Dry-stone walls, oratories and stone huts line the path, reminding visitors of the rural roots of the land. The contrast between the mineral aspect of the stones and the gentle Mediterranean vegetation creates a unique atmosphere.

Along the way, superb views open over the plain of Gordes, the Monts de Vaucluse and, in the distance, the majestic silhouette of Mont Ventoux. A hike both contemplative and memorial, where the Luberon reveals all its natural and cultural wealth.

Best time to go?

The Plague Wall trail can be enjoyed all year round, but the best seasons are spring and autumn. The garrigue is filled with Mediterranean scents, temperatures are mild, and the light enhances the relief and landscapes of the Luberon.
In summer, plan to set off early in the morning to avoid the heat and check the forest access conditions.

Highlights and itinerary

Access and parking

Road access: 12 km northeast of Cavaillon via D2, D110 and D148.
Parking: Car park below the town hall of Cabrières-d’Avignon (southern entrances of the village).

Practical information

Start: Town hall car park, Cabrières-d’Avignon
Elevation gain: +262 m
Duration: around 2h45
Level: Easy

Highlights along the way

The Plague Wall, an impressive 18th-century dry-stone structure
The Mediterranean garrigue, filled with the scents of thyme, rosemary and wild lavender
Dry-stone huts and oratories scattered along the trail
Magnificent panoramic views over the plain of Gordes, the Monts de Vaucluse and the distant Ventoux

Discover the full itinerary

Belvedere of Esperacons in Lagnes with a view over the cliffs and the Luberon forest, along the Plague Wall

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Prepare your hike

Practical advice

Hiking shoes recommended: some sections are very rocky, beware of your ankles.
Bring enough water, especially in summer.
Protect yourself from the sun (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) and avoid the hottest hours.
Caution at the natural viewpoint: cliff edges are unprotected.
A short section runs along the road: stay alert.
Do not climb on the dry-stone walls to preserve this fragile heritage.
Pastoral zone from early May to late July: if you encounter guard dogs, stay calm, do not interact with them and go around the flock. Personal dog not advised (otherwise keep on a leash). Learn more.

Fire prevention & safety

The trail crosses a sensitive natural area: fires and smoking are strictly prohibited.
From mid-June to mid-September, access to the forests may be restricted depending on the fire risk.
Check the daily map: risque-prevention-incendie.fr/vaucluse
In case of emergency, dial 18 or 112.

Nearby

Extend your walk!

Just a stone’s throw from the Plague Wall, discover another remarkable natural site: the Cedar Forest of Cabrières-d’Avignon. This unique Mediterranean-style woodland offers a peaceful, shaded trail, perfect for complementing your hike and enjoying varied landscapes of pines, cedars, and dry-stone walls.

See hikes in Cabrières-d’Avignon

Photo gallery