Mourre de Cairas: Summit of the Petit Luberon from Oppède-le-Vieux

Mourre de Cairas: Summit of the Petit Luberon from Oppède-le-Vieux

Through forests, limestone ridges, historic trails and spectacular views, this 11.3 km loop takes you to the wild heights of the Petit Luberon, starting from the hilltop village of Oppède-le-Vieux.

84580, Oppède

Page updated on 20/05/2025

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Aerial view of Oppède-le-Vieux and the ridges of the Petit Luberon

Paved and flower-lined alley in Oppède-le-Vieux

Hikers climbing a forest trail in the Petit Luberon


A wild and rugged immersion

✔ Loop trail

✔ Distance: 11.3 km

✔ Waymarking: GR® + PR

 

Starting from the Place de la Croix in Oppède-le-Vieux, this loop trail begins in a setting steeped in history, through the cobbled alleys and medieval heritage of the village. The path quickly climbs through a landscape of holm oak forests and garrigue, offering views over the valleys and slopes of the Petit Luberon.

Following the PR then GR® waymarks, you cross wooded passes, follow limestone ridges and reach the Mourre de Cairas, which rises to 733 metres in altitude. This discreet yet emblematic summit offers a wild and rocky atmosphere, typical of the massif's crests.

The descent then leads you to the Bastidon du Pradon, a small forest shelter nestled among the pines, before crossing the limestone plateau of the Hautes Plaines, where the path becomes more subtle. Here, cairns guide the hiker across lapiaz, those characteristically eroded slabs of rock.

Finally, you reach the climbing site of Brécugne, well known in the region, before gently descending along the Chemin de la Fontaine to complete the loop back to the starting point, in the enchanting setting of Oppède-le-Vieux.

Practical information

  • Start point: Place de la Croix, Oppède-le-Vieux
  • Elevation gain: +658 m
  • Duration: around 4 hours
  • Level: Difficult (steep slopes, technical sections, lapiaz)

What you’ll discover

  • The summit of Mourre de Cairas (733 m)
  • The limestone ridges of the Petit Luberon
  • The Bastidon du Pradon shelter
  • The Brécugne climbing site
  • The old village of Oppède-le-Vieux

Two hikers on a ridge trail in the Petit Luberon

View the full itinerary:


Why not extend the adventure?

For a more accessible yet equally refreshing experience, try the Chemins des Traversiers between Maubec and Oppède-le-Vieux. This 6.9 km trail immerses you in an authentic Provençal atmosphere: cobbled lanes, viewpoints over the château, wooded valleys, and paths winding through pines, cypresses, and cedars. A beautiful alternative to discover the Luberon’s nature and heritage without tackling the ridgelines!

For a wilder, more forested immersion, choose the hike to the Bastidon du Pradon. This small shelter, accessible on foot year-round, awaits you in the heart of a majestic cedar forest. With wooded crests, peaceful silence, and rural heritage, this loop is perfect for escaping to the north side of the Petit Luberon.

Practical tips

  • Bring sturdy hiking shoes suitable for rocky paths.
  • Carry enough water, especially in warm weather.
  • Avoid hiking during the hottest hours in summer (12pm – 4pm).
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • If hiking alone, inform someone of your itinerary.
  • Download the hiking sheet before you leave.

Fire prevention & safety

  • On the ridgelines (between points 4 and 5), pastoral zone: do not approach guard dogs and bypass the herds.
  • After point 5, the waymarking may be faint: follow the cairns and stay alert on the trail.
  • High risk of falling on limestone areas (lapiaz): watch your footing.
  • From June 15 to September 15, access to the massif is regulated.
  • Check the risk map: www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/vaucluse.
  • In case of fire, call 18 or 112.


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Practical information on Mourre de Cairas: Summit of the Petit Luberon from Oppède-le-Vieux

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