Trou du Rat Trail via Mayorques

Trou du Rat Trail via Mayorques

Explore the Trou du Rat trail in Cheval-Blanc, a spectacular long hike through the wild landscapes of the Petit Luberon, combining pastoral scenery, rich biodiversity and stunning panoramas.

84460, Cheval-Blanc

Page updated on 21/11/2025

Sommaire


✔ Loop

✔ Distance: 14.1 km

✔ Marking: Yellow PR

 

Overview of the hike

“What a pleasure it is to walk through the Petit Luberon Biological Reserve, to observe the raptors, spot the small wildlife and breathe in the scents of dry grasslands, broom, lavender and garrigue. A fragile environment that deserves our full respect.”

Fabrice Teurquety - Travel Advisor, Destination Luberon

Hiker on the heights of the Petit Luberon near La Roquette in Cheval-Blanc

Limestone cliffs and narrow rocky landscapes in the Trou du Rat sector of the Petit Luberon

Open landscapes, garrigue and dry grasslands on the heights of the Mayorques in the Petit Luberon


This "Trou du Rat" hike leads you into the heart of the Petit Luberon, one of the wildest and best-preserved areas of the massif. Starting from the hamlet of La Roquette in Cheval-Blanc, the route forms a 14 km loop ideal for discovering the unique atmosphere of the Petit Luberon Biological Reserve.

The gradual ascent first passes through typical oak woods and undergrowth before opening onto the wide open spaces of Mayorques, a historic pastoral area. Here, stony plateaus, dry grasslands and garrigue create a bright and contrasting landscape inhabited by remarkable wildlife: Egyptian vulture, Bonelli’s eagle, short-toed snake eagle, Mediterranean warblers and even the elusive ocellated lizard.

The path then reaches the Trou du Rat sector, where an educational trail circles the former forest house. This section helps visitors understand the ecological richness of the massif and the actions carried out by the National Forest Office (ONF) to protect the natural habitats of the Natura 2000 area “Petit Luberon”.

The descent through the Roque Rousse combe plunges into a more mineral, narrow environment, offering a privileged refuge for raptors and small mammals. The loop then gradually opens onto the foothills landscape before returning to the hamlet of La Roquette.

Points of interest & itinerary

Access & parking

  • Road access: From Cavaillon, reach Cheval-Blanc via the D973, then follow signs to the hamlet of La Roquette (Petit Luberon).
  • Parking: Small parking area located in front of the former school in La Roquette, the official starting point of the hike.

Practical information

  • Start / Finish: La Roquette, Cheval-Blanc (former school)
  • Elevation gain: 522 m
  • Duration: 4 h 40
  • Difficulty: Difficult

Highlights along the way

  • Crau des Mayorques: open landscapes shaped by pastoral activity.
  • Petit Luberon Biological Reserve: outstanding wildlife (Egyptian vulture, Bonelli’s eagle, ocellated lizard…).
  • Trou du Rat Discovery Trail: interpretation panels around the former forest house.
  • Pétrossi ruins: agro-pastoral remains (aiguier, terraced walls, orchard).
  • Diverse landscapes: green oak woods, dry grasslands, garrigue and limestone cliffs of the Petit Luberon.

Discover the full itinerary

Trou du Rat Trail in Cheval-Blanc, wild landscapes of the Petit Luberon

 

 

Prepare your hike

When to Go?

This hike can be done all year round, but spring and autumn offer the best conditions: pleasant temperatures, soft light and particularly active wildlife in the Petit Luberon Biological Reserve.

In summer, start early: there is no water available along the route.

Before leaving, check the forest access conditions, regulated from 15 June to 15 September.

QR code – Forest access conditions in Vaucluse

Practical Tips

  • No water point along the way: bring enough supplies, especially in summer.
  • Hiking shoes recommended: rocky sections between the high points.
  • Respect the pastoral zone (15 March – 15 June): walk around flocks, do not touch livestock guardian dogs.
  • Stay discreet where raptors nest (Egyptian vulture, Bonelli’s eagle).
  • Download the hiking sheet and GPX track before starting.

Fire Prevention & Safety

  • You are in the Petit Luberon Biological Reserve: dogs must be kept on a leash, no picking, no gathering of wood.
  • Fires and cigarettes are strictly forbidden all year round in the massif.
  • From 15 June to 15 September, forest access is regulated depending on fire risk. Check daily: www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/vaucluse
  • Emergency: 18 or 112.
anonyme
anonyme
anonyme
anonyme
anonyme

Practical information on Trou du Rat Trail via Mayorques

Opening times and periods

Aucune information disponible

Price(s)

Free of charge.

Informations

<