Traveling Responsibly in the Luberon
Explore the Luberon differently: take your time, travel responsibly, and fully immerse yourself in the authenticity, beauty, and serenity that Provence has to offer.
Explore the Luberon differently: take your time, travel responsibly, and fully immerse yourself in the authenticity, beauty, and serenity that Provence has to offer.
The Luberon is a gem of nature and heritage in the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, doubly recognized by UNESCO: a biosphere reserve and a Global Geopark.
Imagine strolling through the cobbled streets of a picturesque village, surrounded by stone houses, fields of poppies in spring, lavender or sunflower fields in summer, golden vineyards or olive groves in autumn... Welcome to the Luberon, a corner of Provence where time seems to stand still, where traveling slowly truly makes sense...
Traveling at a leisurely pace, discovering every corner, savoring each moment: here in the Luberon, taking your time comes naturally. Bucolic landscapes, villages steeped in history, and local traditions invite you to slow down, immerse yourself in everyday life, and create unforgettable memories. This region is a true concentration of beauty and authenticity (we invite you to come and discover it for yourself!). You’ll feel good here, you’ll feel at peace. So, get ready to explore the Luberon in a different way!
Getting around the Luberon
Take the train to the Luberon! The train is one of the most eco-friendly modes of transport. By choosing this mode of transport, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint. In doing so, you help preserve the Luberon’s exceptional natural environment!
The main train stations serving the Luberon, such as those in Avignon, Cavaillon (Cavaillon Mobility Hub: train/bus and bike route in the same location), L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Le Thor, and Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, are well connected to the national rail network. Once you arrive, you can easily reach the Luberon villages by bus (ZOU regional bus network) or by bike! Ride peacefully on pleasant small roads and enjoy panoramic views. Plus, you’ll avoid the hassle of traffic and parking.
Accommodations in harmony with nature
One of the keys to a successful eco-friendly or slow travel experience in the Luberon lies in choosing accommodations that respect the environment and blend seamlessly with the local landscape. By staying in these places, you'll immediately feel connected to the essence of the Luberon, as if you were at home.
Ideally located in Maubec, Maison Magnarelles is an 18th-century Provençal farmhouse, consisting of two gîtes (classified "3* Furnished Tourist Accommodation") and two guest rooms (labeled "Reference Bed & Breakfast"). Once a wine estate, then a silkworm farm dedicated to silk farming, which was widely practiced in Provence during the 19th century, this house has been restored with respect for its ancient stones.
Surrounded by vineyards, lavender fields, and truffle orchards, Maison Magnarelles retains traces of its rich history, its rural character, and its authenticity. The atmosphere is relaxed but above all warm, thanks to a carefully chosen décor: the accommodations combine contemporary style with traditional materials.
The farmhouse's inner courtyard is a must-visit meeting and exchange place, especially in the morning during delightful breakfasts. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some quiet and green time...
Accommodation labeled Accueil Vélo and marked with Valeurs Parc!
Located in Cabrières-d'Avignon, the Provence & Nature Gîtes are an invitation to relaxation, discovery, and connection with an exceptional environment.
The Provence & Nature Gîtes are housed in a charming 17th-century stone building, located in the heart of the village of Cabrières d'Avignon, offering an ideal starting point for hiking and cycling routes.
The property includes 8 independent gîtes, classified as "2* or 3* Furnished Tourist Accommodation," surrounded by a leafy, well-shaded garden.
For those seeking an active holiday, many activities are at your fingertips: hiking in the Monts de Vaucluse and the Luberon, horseback riding (...).
It’s the perfect place to spend time with family, friends, or for sporting stays. A great way to reconnect with nature!
Accommodation labeled Accueil Vélo, FFRP 84 companions, and marked with Valeurs Parc!
The Mas des Grès, located in Lagnes, is a charming Provençal home offering an authentic and warm experience. The house, rooms, and suites have been renovated with authenticity and charm, using Provençal materials and antique furniture to bring comfort and serenity.
For the owners, conviviality and the gentle way of life in Provence are very important: "at Mas des Grès, you arrive as a tourist and leave as a friend; it’s not a place to pass through, but a place to meet at the heart of the Luberon."
Committed to sustainable tourism for over 10 years, Mas des Grès offers an electric vehicle charging station, a mini recycling area for guests, composting of vegetable waste, solar panels for water heating (...). So, if you want to enjoy a green stay, think of Mas des Grès.
Accommodation labeled Accueil Vélo, Hotel au Naturel, Clef Verte, and marked with Valeurs Parc!
L'Oustaou du Luberon, located in Villelaure, invites its guests to slow down and reconnect with the surrounding nature. A charming village of gîtes, classified as a 3* holiday village, L'Oustaou du Luberon welcomes you for a peaceful holiday and promises you a dream stay in the heart of nature, where well-being reigns: a perfect symbiosis between simplicity, comfort, tranquility, and conviviality.
Cécile and Michel invite you to themed stays or weekends! Electric biking, gourmet stops on circuits, wellness or culinary stays, yoga and meditation retreats in the green (...). An ideal place to recharge and disconnect.
By staying at L'Oustaou du Luberon, travelers discover a different way of experiencing their holidays, taking the time to appreciate the region's treasures while respecting the environment. So, if you want to combine pleasure, discovery, and slow living, choose L'Oustaou du Luberon!
Accommodation labeled Accueil Vélo
The Luberon is the perfect destination for a disconnection stay in the heart of nature during autumn and spring for starry stays.
Savoring the local flavors
The Luberon is a true paradise for food lovers in search of authenticity. Traveling responsibly is not just about taking your time, it's also about consuming consciously and respectfully of the places you visit. Eating local is an integral part of this. Therefore, prioritizing local products while supporting local producers is a true invitation to discover the region through its authentic flavors, all while respecting the environment and contributing to the local economy.
L'Atelier l'Art des Mets, located in the village of Les Taillades, is a bistronomic restaurant that combines fresh seasonal products, flowers, and wild plants freshly picked by the chef, Romain Dumas. He offers refined and passionate cuisine with authentic, sometimes lesser-known flavors...
Additionally, the chef aims to raise awareness among his customers about the richness and diversity of nature by organizing cooking workshops, highlighting what nature has to offer! Start with the picking, and then it’s time to reveal a few little secrets during his cooking class... A stop to add to your list during your next Provençal getaway.
Restaurant marked with Valeurs Parc
The Bistro les Poulivets is located in the heart of the charming village of Oppède and welcomes you to its beautiful terrace shaded by a century-old plane tree. Here, the chef takes great care in selecting local products.
The cuisine, both simple and flavorful, reflects the richness of the local flavors. Whether during musical evenings, spelling bee contests, card games, or summer concerts, the Bistro les Poulivets welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere. A special meeting place!
Restaurant labeled Bistrot de Pays and marked with Valeurs Parc
La Guinguette in Puget is a bar, restaurant, tea room, and a true haven of peace where you can relax and enjoy delicious local dishes in complete tranquility.
With a commitment to working with local producers and adapting the cuisine to each season, La Guinguette offers delicious Provençal recipes made with love.
In the heart of their beautiful countryside, in a bucolic setting, you can enjoy these dishes and unwind.
Restaurant labeled Bistrot de Pays
Local markets are full of fresh, seasonal products, soaked in sunshine. You can discover the flavors of the region, such as truffles, olive oil, herbs, goat cheese (...).
A true must-see for those who wish to immerse themselves in local life and discover the authentic flavors of the region. The markets of the Luberon, the beating heart of the villages, also represent an immersion into the local way of life. Here, you take the time to wander between the stalls, chat with the producers, and enjoy tastings of fresh products.
A simple yet authentic way to discover Provençal culture!
The vineyards of the Luberon are a must-see for wine and nature lovers. Located in the heart of preserved landscapes, these vineyards beautifully combine tradition and respect for the environment.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to taste exquisite wines while sharing a special moment with passionate winemakers eager to reveal the secrets of their land. Each visit is a true immersion into the authenticity of the Luberon.
On your next getaway to the Luberon, visiting the olive oil mills is an enriching experience you should not miss! These historic sites immerse you in the heart of the region's olive-growing traditions. By discovering the process of making olive oil, from harvesting the olives to pressing them, you will have the opportunity to taste exceptional oils.
How about immersing yourself in the art of truffle farming? These passionate land stewards will introduce you to the mysterious and fascinating world of truffles, a culinary treasure of the region. You will have the opportunity to watch truffle hunting alongside truffle dogs and learn about the traditional methods used to cultivate this black diamond, an exceptional product.
Discovering candied fruits is a delightful experience that will delight your senses! The artisans of the region carry on a traditional craft, transforming local fruits into true sweet jewels, while respecting production methods. Each bite of these candied fruits, which have made the region famous, is an invitation to fully savor Provence!
Confiserie Saint-Denis in Beaumettes
La Maison du Fruit Confit in Apt
La Roumanière jams, true delights of the Luberon in Robion, capture the essence of this sunny region, rich in flavors and traditions. Renowned worldwide for their artisanal craftsmanship and unparalleled quality, they are made from fresh, locally sourced fruits, meticulously selected. Each jar embodies excellence and offers an explosion of flavors that reflect the generosity of the Provençal terroir.
La Roumanière, a social enterprise (Establishment and Service for Work Assistance), employs 83 people with disabilities to support their professional and social integration. This human dimension adds invaluable value to their delicious products! If you want to discover this flavorful world through guided tours to learn about the production process and enjoy free tastings, it’s also possible! So don’t wait to discover this committed enterprise.
Activities in the heart of nature
Exploring the Luberon on foot invites you to slow down and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this Provençal region. Hiking allows you to take the time to marvel at each landscape, at your own pace, and connect deeply with the surrounding nature... You can already picture yourself there, can’t you?
The Luberon’s hiking trails are varied and accessible to all levels, from beginner walkers to seasoned hikers. Walking through these paths is an opportunity to discover breathtaking panoramas, lush green landscapes, and vibrant forests.
The Luberon is rich in biodiversity: along the way, you may encounter a variety of local plants and animals. The scents of thyme, rosemary, and lavender fill the air, while the sound of birds or cicadas in the summer accompany your walk.
Off to a breath of fresh air! The Cedar Forest of Cabrières-d'Avignon offers an idyllic setting for a family hike. This forest, accessible from the top of the village of Cabrières-d'Avignon, is the perfect place to recharge, take your time, admire the towering cedars, listen to the birds sing, BREATHE! The sunbeams filter through the cedar foliage, creating light patterns that add magic to the place.
A 3 km botanical trail, taking around 1.5 hours, will allow you to discover the richness of the local fauna and flora (garrigue, cedar grove), with the main species marked along the trail.
*Please do not pick the plants and flowers you find along the way.
At the end of your hike, you can stop for a family picnic in the designated area at the entrance of the forest.
*Please respect and take care of this place; there are trash bins available for your use.
Have you ever taken the time to stop, listen, and observe the nature around you? The Merindol Ornithological Observatory, in the heart of the Luberon, offers you this rare opportunity in a peaceful and preserved setting, freely accessible on the banks of the Durance River.
For slow tourism enthusiasts, this is a must-do activity that combines contemplation, learning, and connection with nature while taking a stroll. Did you know that the Luberon is a true paradise for birds? You will be able to observe a wide variety of species (no less than 243 species!) in their natural habitat.
So imagine, binoculars in hand, admiring these beautiful creatures in the soothing silence of nature... Complete disconnection guaranteed!
I discover the observatory trail
Every year, Destination Luberon offers both locals and visitors original hikes and tours that allow you to discover the Luberon, its nature, and its terroir.
Accompanied by an experienced nature guide, you can explore the area in a new way, fully immersed, combining sensory pleasure with the exploration of breathtaking landscapes. These friendly walks allow you to traverse the picturesque paths of the Luberon and its heritage.
Gourmet walks are also regularly offered: you will have the chance to taste iconic regional products directly from local producers: wines from the Luberon or Ventoux, honey, olive oils, candied fruits, truffles, goat cheeses (...). These walks are also an opportunity to meet passionate producers and exchange knowledge about their expertise!
I discover guided hikes and tours
Discover the Luberon by bike, sounds good, doesn’t it? Imagine yourself pedaling through breathtaking landscapes, breathing in the fresh Provençal air, and enjoying each moment at your own pace. Exploring the Luberon by bike is a must-do experience for fans of slow and eco-tourism. Here’s why you should hop on your bicycle for an unforgettable adventure!
The paths of the Luberon are perfect for cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re into long, peaceful rides or passionate about mountain biking challenges, you’ll find routes that suit your desires. Each pedal stroke brings you closer to nature, offering stunning views of the mountain ranges and charming villages of Provence.
Are you environmentally conscious? Biking is the ideal mode of transport to explore the Luberon responsibly. Reduce your carbon footprint while fully enjoying the landscapes. Traveling by bike is a way of adopting an eco-friendly approach, embracing the art of living in the Luberon while taking your time. What if this philosophy became your new way of traveling?
Wondering how to prepare for your biking adventure? Then, choose routes that match your level and interests.
Travel the Calavon Cycle Route, part of the Mediterranean by bike (EuroVelo 8) in the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park. Starting from Cavaillon, it offers cyclists a route through one of the most beautiful regions of Provence (yes, really, just that:))! This route, which spans about 45 km, follows the old railway line connecting the picturesque villages and bucolic landscapes of Vaucluse. Accessible to all, this cycle route is a true invitation to gentle exploration, combining the pleasure of biking with the discovery of Provençal heritage.
Remember to bring water and some energy snacks. Take regular breaks, admire the landscapes, and uncover the hidden treasures of the region (because yes, that’s also what biking in the Luberon is about—stumbling upon unexpected treasures!)
So, are you ready to hop on your bike and discover the gems of the Luberon?
Located in the heart of the Saint-Jacques Hill in Cavaillon, the Via Ferrata offers an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Nestled in the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, this activity combines sport, discovery, and personal growth.
The Via Ferrata of Cavaillon offers two routes: the Via Natura and the Via Souterrata. The Via Ferrata can be accessed in 20 minutes on foot from the Tourist Office via the César de Bus ascent. Participants, equipped with a harness and helmet, navigate a marked route that includes ladders, suspended bridges, and more technical sections for the more daring.
A family-friendly section called "Via Natura," reserved for participants over 1.30m tall, allows the discovery of the activity and the life of the cliffs from observation terraces and interpretations of the local fauna, flora, and heritage.
A second, more athletic section called "Via Souterrata," reserved for participants over 1.50m tall, offers an athletic dimension with its geological features and thrilling equipment, crossing the Colombier caves before passing the Beaumes de Combarelles with spectacular equipment.
Equipment rental: AB Cycles Outdoor, Cyclix
Guides/Instructors
The Luberon is a true haven of peace for those seeking well-being. This region, bathed in light, provides the ideal setting to recharge. The calming pace of life and the generous nature invite relaxation and reconnection with oneself, making the Luberon a privileged destination for well-being and relaxation.
In a calming and welcoming environment, Coralie welcomes you to her practice in Pertuis and offers her expertise to guide you towards natural and sustainable well-being:
Sessions are conducted with great care, and Coralie ensures follow-up, paying attention to all your needs. Wellness workshops are also often offered. So, if you need some time just for yourself, don’t wait any longer :) Join us for the "De(s) connexions" weekend from November 8th to 10th in Monteux.
Some Tips for a Green Stay
Slow down to discover better... See you soon in the Luberon :)
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