Destination:Provençal Colorado

Marvel at the Ochres of Rustels

Open your eyes wide!

If you are passing through the Luberon massif, you cannot miss this exceptional beauty spot! Discover the multicoloured remains worn down by erosion, and shaped by man, when working the ochre quarries. Go in search of the Provençal Colorado, with walks ranging from 1 to 5.5 km, during which you will be able to admire the famous fairy stacks (large columns made from friable rocks some reaching 30 metres in height). You can also walk up and down the footpaths thanks to a guided visit of the site.
Guided visit of the Les Barriès site: adults €6 - children €3/paid parking: from €2 to €10/obtain Information on (00 33) (0)4 90 04 96 07

A culinary getaway in Gordes

Combining the practical and the delightful

By stopping in Gordes, you’re not only visiting one of the most beautiful villages in France, but you will also discover a remarkable Michelin-starred hotel-restaurant, laid out in a former Provençal mas (farmhouse), which has been fully renovated. The chef, Xavier Mathieu, perfectly revisits recipes which use locally-grown produce: pistou soup (including white and green beans, tomatoes, summer squash, potatoes and pasta), cushion of veal with dried fruits, duckling fillets with cherry chutney…A real treat! You may even extend this moment of delight, by allowing yourself a body treatment at the hotel Spa. Yours to discover

Cycle through the Luberon Natural Park

Some 236 km by bike - that wears out your trainers!

Set out to conquer Provence and its hilltop villages with your bicycle, through this hike which can to last up to 8 days (the less courageous are able to content themselves by simply completing a day’s loop). Take the Véloroute, a bicycle route of 236 km, entirely waymarked in both directions which will enable you to discover the magnificent landscapes of the Luberon massif: from Cavaillon to Forcalquier, via Apt, and many other little villages…

Take a dip in the Étang de la Bonde lake

After exertions, comfort is all yours

Located in the vicinity of Cabrières d’Aigues, the banks of the Étang de la Bonde lake willingly lend themselves to walking. Under the watchful eye of the lifeguards, and laid out over a 100 or so metres, sandy beaches or patches of lawn offer you a favourable setting to bask in the sun, or in the shade of umbrella pines.

In addition, the lake’s water temperature is 25°C all throughout the summer: this is a good reason to put in several lengths!

Contemplate the view from Mont Ventoux

The giant of Provence

Reaching in excess of more than 1,910 metres in altitude at its highest point, this mythical mountain is unmistakable to everyone, thanks to its summit covered in limestone scree. Classified as a UNESCO biosphere reserve owing to its exceptional greenery, the Mont Ventoux mountain offers onlookers an exceptional panorama over the Gorges de la Nesque (Nesque gorges), the Sainte Victoire mountain, the Rhône valley, and other sites. Highly sought-after by both sportsmen and sportswomen, its ascent is renowned for being one of the hardest! By car, by bike or on foot - its your choice as to how to climb this imposing summit. A word of advice: keep your eyes wide open!

Come lunchtime, stop for a picnic by the river. Along the path, a multitude of natural pools invite you for a swim. Oscillating between 20 and 25°C, the water temperature offers you the perfect cool down.