dossier

Landscapes of the Luberon Walk

LANDSCAPES OF THE LUBERON  |  WHERE YOU STAY

Hotel l'Hermitage***
Pernes les Fontaines, Days 1+8

This 19th century residence, transfomed into a hotel, feels like an old family home. It is set amidst 2 hectares of grounds bedecked with fountains, many species of trees, and an orangery.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1  Arrive at Pernes les Fontaines

Our C19 hotel is in its own grounds with swimming pool and orange grove.

Day 2  Rustrel to Apt   11km/10mi/4.5hr

We give you a ride to the starting point in Rustrel, where you can begin the day with an hour-long circuit in the Provençal Colorado, once ochre quarries and now a strange landscape of fantastic shapes and vivid colors. Today’s main walk is through classic Provençal countryside where you will see vineyards and cherry orchards, fig trees and olive groves, and neat plantations of scented lavender before continuing in to Apt.

Hotel Ste Anne ***
Apt, Days 2+3

This is a traditional Provençal hotel in the heart of the tiny village of Apt. Here you’ll get a real taste of Provençal village life.

Day 3  At Apt

Apt is famous for its crystallized fruits and traditional pottery. It has plently of shops, cafes and colorful Saturday and Tuesday markets.  Visit the Maison du Parc du Luberon and Ste Anne's Cathedral, part of which dates to the 13th c.

Day 4  Apt/Roussillon 16km/10mi/4.5hr

After a short transfer to the lovely village of St Saturnin, your walk today heads south and up through cherry orchards, vineyards and pine forests - a magnificent panorama across the Apt plain and the Luberon. After Gargas, you continue through pine forest along blood-red ochre-colored tracks, then descend in to Roussillon.

Hotel les Sables d’Ocre **
Roussillon, Days 4+5

Just a 10 minute walk outside Roussillon, this modern hotel is surrounded by landscaped lawns. The good sized bedrooms are decorated in bright primary colours and have all the modern comforts including television, telephone, air conditioning and hairdryer.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 5  At Roussillon

Roussillon, one of the most beautiful villages in France, is famous for its streaked ochre cliffs. Visit too the superb perched village of Bonnieux - lots of art galleries, pavement cafés and little restaurants for lunch.

Day 6  Roussillon to Joucas  13km/8mi/3.5hr

Today’s walk takes you through the most incredibly beautiful ochre colored countryside, as you stroll through cherry orchards, vineyards and fields ablaze with lavender . After lunch, walking with the striking “eagle’s nest” village of Gordes ahead (lots of time to explore tomorrow), you finally turn off north to Joucas - where you’ll find a warm welcome at our family-run hotel.

Hotel la Bergerie **
Joucas, Days 6+7

Joucas itself is a charming Provençal village that as yet has managed to side-step the main tourist route. La Bergerie is located on the edge of the village. The building, a restored farmhouse has wonderful views across the Luberon hills. The hotel has 20 bedrooms, all of which have air conditionning and balcony or terrace.

Day 7  At Joucas

This is a great opportunity to explore the picturesque village of Gordes, which clothes the hilltop with wonderfully photogenic houses, terraces and gardens. The village is dominated by its Renaissance château and the streets are crammed with cafés, restaurants and shops.

Day 8  Joucas/Senanque to Pernes les Fontaines 18km/11mi/5.5hr

Transfer to the C12 cistercian abbey at Sénanque where today’s walk begins. Up first through pine and oak forest, then out across the plateau de Vaucluse. Stunning views of Mt Ventoux and the jagged peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Then it’s back to Pernes les Fontaines for a final swim.

Day 9  Leave Pernes les Fontaines

Note: The village fête take place in Joucas from August 25-27, 2012. Great atmosphere but if you prefer things quiet, perhaps choose a different week.

WALKING DETAILS

Relatively easy walking, mostly along marked paths (the occasional short rocky section) and quiet country lanes. There are a couple of short ascents so walking boots are highly recommended. From early July until mid-September, the local fire authorities restrict access to forested areas after 12 noon so early starts (08:00 or 08:30 am) are advised.

For extra nights we recommend Roussillon.