LAURIS - Portalas and biodiversity on the trail

Between the Durance and the Petit Luberon, a nature immersion

Between the Durance River and the Petit Luberon, this hike starting from Lauris takes you to the heart of the massif, following the traces of a preserved and generous nature. The loop trail winds through the southern slopes, revealing all the ecological and landscape richness of the area. Between fragrant garrigue, green oak forests and wide panoramas over the Durance valley, each step tells the story of a land shaped by wind, water and time.

From the very first meters, nature takes over. The scents of rosemary and cottony rockrose accompany the gradual climb towards the wooded heights. The trail crosses various environments: garrigue, pine forest, evergreen oak woods and dry grasslands, a mosaic of ecosystems hosting exceptional biodiversity. Lauris has also been recognized for its commitment to nature conservation through its Municipal Biodiversity Atlas, developed in partnership with the Luberon Regional Nature Park.

As you ascend, the scenery opens onto a mineral and luminous landscape. The trail leads to the Portalas viewpoint, offering a sweeping view over the wooded valleys, the fertile Durance plain and, in the distance, the Alpilles range. Below, you can admire the spectacular Portalas arch, a natural rock formation sculpted by water over thousands of years, a striking testimony to the power of erosion.

On the way back, the path winds between rocks and green oaks, punctuated by subtle discoveries such as a dry-stone borie or the underground water gallery of the Luberon, an engineering structure dug at the end of the 20th century to irrigate the Calavon valley. A beautiful escape through wild landscapes, rural heritage and living biodiversity.

Route and practical information

Access and Parking

• By road: 27 km southeast of Cavaillon via the D973 and 19 km northwest of Pertuis via the D973Y.
• Parking: Recaute road car park, located 3 km north of Lauris, at the foot of the Combe de Valbigonce.
  
  

Practical Information

• Start: Recaute road car park, Lauris
• Elevation gain: +545 m
• Duration: Around 4 h 30
• Level: Moderate
  
  

Highlights Along the Way

• The Portalas viewpoint with its panoramic view over the Durance plain and the Alpilles
• The natural Portalas arch, a spectacular rock formation carved by erosion
• The diversity of natural environments: garrigue, pine forests, oak woods, and dry grasslands
• Iconic species of the Luberon such as the Egyptian vulture and Bonelli’s eagle
• Traces of rural heritage: stone bories, dry-stone walls, and the Luberon underground water gallery
  
  

Discover the full itinerary

Prepare for your hike

Nearby Trails

Want to keep exploring?

From Lauris, other trails invite you to discover the southern Luberon landscapes.
The loop "From the Vallon de Recaute to the Combe de Sautadou" offers an easier walk, perfect for enjoying shaded valleys and the scents of the garrigue.

From Lourmarin, the hike "From One Château to Another" connects two emblematic villages through vineyards and hills, with stunning views.
Near Mérindol, the trail "Between Garrigue and Durance" immerses you in a Mediterranean atmosphere among pine forests, dry-stone walls, and panoramic views of the valley.

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