Visit the Luberon Regional Natural Park: a complete guide

In the Vaucluse, take a walk in this natural paradise! Here is a complete guide to help you visit the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon!

Isolated between the massifs of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Vaucluse, the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon is a natural space with exceptional fauna and flora. The site is perfect for an outdoor excursion to relieve daily stress. Indeed, many activities and leisure await you in its protected woods. For more information, see below the full guide that Wanderlix has prepared you to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon.

The Regional Natural Park of the Luberon in a few words

If you're on your way to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur , make a detour to Manosque and head to this gigantic preserved natural space. The Regional Natural Park of the Luberon covers two departments, the Vaucluse and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Located on a low mountain range, the park is renowned for its natural, cultural and agricultural heritage.

On the programme, dry lawns, plateaus, cliffs, gorges, forests and alluvial plains make up the extraordinary natural environment of the park. Its plant and animal populations are also at the rendezvous. You can cross on your way 1,800 plant species, 135 bird species and 2,300 butterfly species, all protected by the site’s sustainable ecosystem.

Contact this wildlife area with the many activities proposed by the park. With its multiple partners, there are several opportunities for discovery and outdoor sports.

1. Hiking

The Regional Natural Park of the Luberon and the hike were destined for each other. The many trails scattered on the park's reliefs will let you discover the three massifs of the Luberon at your own pace. Indeed, you will have the embarrassment of choice to explore this preserved environment:

• Provencal Colorado: On colorful trails lined with ochre chimneys, cross this rocky massif in the heart of a lush greenery about 10 km d’Apt;
• The Gorges du Regalon : At the gates of the commune of Cheval-Blanc, this hike 2:30 take you on a course 6 km inside two large cavities;
• The Cedar Forest of the Petit Luberon: This course1.2 km is less intense. It will let you discover the beautiful cedars of the park, flora and local pastoralism.

2. VTT circuits

Taking a holiday is also an opportunity to spend yourself physically! And what is more ideal than a mountain bike outing to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon.

Many circuits marked in the Vaucluse or on the three mountains of the Luberon will offer you exits for half a day or for several days.

Terms and rates

• You can rent one or more bikes in Sun-E-Bike in Châteauneuf-de-Pape or Vélo Luberon in Pertuis;
• For a day, renting a bike will cost you 20 € ;
• The price can decrease up to 17 € based on number of days and bicycles rented.

3. A horse ride

The rocky trails of the Luberon Park can be exhausting for the smallest. Fortunately for you, the region is filled with equestrian centers open to the public.

Each of them offers horse rides in the Luberon for a few hours. For the most adventurers, start in equestrian hikes on several days, with bivouac, in the forest massif.

Terms and rates

• At the stables of the Luberon, a one-day internship for a licensed rider will return you to 78 € ;
• Alternatively, a particular course will cost you 40 €.

4. The Géocaching

Addressed to the youngest, this activity is perfect for taking care of children through adventure and exploration.

Geocaching is a treasure hunt in the heart of the park. A "gear" conceals small boxes containing bibelots. Then he specifies their coordinates by GPS. This modernized track game will help children to visit the Luberon Regional Natural Park while stimulating their imagination and coordination.

Terms and rates

• For an expedition 2h, the rate for 2 players returns to 26 € per person ;
• For 4 people, the price will rise to 38 € ;
• The minimum age required is 8 years. Up to 14 years, the players must be accompanied by an adult.

5. Golf

18 holes scattered on a large lawn covered with dew, an alveole ball on a plastic ankle; Do you have the image? The Regional Natural Park of the Luberon offers three international golf courses to initiate or perfect its game!

Terms and rates

• The rental of the equipment will be between you 32 € and 44 € ;
• In summer, the courses are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ;
• It is strongly advised reserve equipment in advance.

6. The routes hook up

Located in the middle of the ochre cliffs of the park, the Ventoux Aventure base offers a great escape moment!

With age- and level-appropriate access routes, small and large will be able to practice through zip lines, Tarzan jumps and much more.

Terms and rates

• For a child, the entry price varies from 8 € to 13 € ;
• The rate for an adult is 20 € ;
• The minimum age accepted is 3 years. Any child below 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

7. The climb

The Regional Natural Park of the Luberon is also home to many cliffs. These dizzy escarpments make the happiness of climbing enthusiasts.

The cliffs of Buoux, among other things, are frequented each year for its marvellous rectilinear walls with a height of 120 m. They are also the rendezvous point of great names of international climbing.

Terms and rates

• For a person, a session returns to 30 € ;
• It is compulsory book in advance ;
• Courses can collect up to 4 persons maximum ;
• The minimum age required is 8 years.

8. Speleology

Visiting the Luberon Regional Natural Park is also going to discover its vast underground world.

Counting among the most important karst massifs in France, give yourself to the speleology at the Plateau d’Albion in the Vaucluse. Its 450 cavities can descend up to 980 m depth!

Terms and rates

• The entrance fee for a child is 35 € ;
• For an adult, the price goes up to 40 € ;
• The authorized mimimum age is 6 years.

9. The swimming

At 1h30 by car from the Mediterranean Sea, the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon can appear low in swimming options. For your greatest happiness, many water and lake plans are open to the public.

• Lake Prato-Plage: In the commune of Pernes-les-Fontaines, this small water point allows to take a refreshing break. You can also relax at the restaurant "Le Prato-Plage";
• The pond of the Bonde: Open to swimming all year round, this neighbouring pond of Cabrières d’Aigues and the Motte d’Aigues is easy to access, with a pay parking nearby;
• Lake Vannades: This water plan offers a supervised swimming area as well as an ideal setting for a walk, sailing or rowing.

10. Canoe-kayak

The rivers of the Luberon and Vaucluse, such as the Sorgue, seduce by the enchanting serenity of their water. Visit the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon in an original way by taking a canoe expedition!

Through an initiation course or a simple excursion, a guide will bring you to the region’s terrestrial and aquatic fauna. Observe a silhouette, a trout or sometimes even a beaver on the quiet current of the Sorgue.

Terms and rates

• The child rate for an internship is 11 € ;
• For an adult, the internship will cost 21 €
• Up to 16 persons may participate in the visit;
• It is compulsory know how to swim.

11. The water ski lift

For ski enthusiasts, take a water-plant tour from Lamotte-du-Rhône to Vaucluse and test your agility at Exo 84.

Its water skiing, bi or mono board, kneeboard, wakeboard or wakeskate, will make you slip through obstacles, springboards and ramps.

Terms and rates

• Only sessionsOne hour are accessible;
• For teenagers, the rate is from 20 € ;
• For adults, the rate is 23 € ;
• It is necessary to know how to swim.

12. Fishing

The exceptional natural heritage of the Luberon Regional Natural Park also resides in its water points, ponds, lakes and open rivers for fishing. In fact, these waterways are fed by the inhabitants of the territory.

Tricks, carps, gardones, you can go fishing without eating fish. Catches are unlimited and local species are protected.

Terms and rates

• Rental of equipment costs 10 € children under 10 years ;
• For an adult, the rate is 25 €.

13. Overflight in paragliding

To capture the breathtaking size of the region, take a dose of adrenaline with a paragliding flight from Mont Ventoux.

Accompanied by a teacher, you can discover or rediscover this sport with strong sensations during an initiation, progression or development course.

Terms and rates

• The adult rate of an internship is 70 € ;
• For a five-day internship, plan 520 € ;
• There are also baptisms from 5 years

14. The balloon

Floating over the Luberon Mountains, it is an unforgettable experience to live with family or friends.

At 40 minutes by car from the park, the Luberon Vol-Terre base Roussillon You're waiting for an hour to fly. After the briefing, the flight plan and the swelling of the balloon, the colorful landscapes of the region will reveal to you during a light and singular ride.

Terms and rates

• A flight for a person returns to 230 € ;
• For 2 people, the price rises 450 € ;
• A session is only possible with one prior booking.

15. Cooking lessons

In the Vaucluse, the kitchen is a separate art. Become a real blue cord with gastronomic courses!

The chefs of the Capelongue Bastide will accompany you during your lesson and share their passion and know-how. Discover the pillow, the truffle-brouillade, the subtlety of aromatic plants, the combination of dishes and wines... Conviviality and greedy are at the rendezvous!

Terms and rates

• Together with the team of Edward Loubet, a cooking course for 2 people will cost 480 € ;
• The offer is valid on reservation only and on availability, July and August.

16. The wines and vineyards

Travel your taste buds with the prestigious Vaucluse floods. Worldly known, the wines and vineyards of the region depart in a map of famous wines: Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venice...

Three appellations share the territory: Côtes du Rhône, AOC Ventoux and AOC Luberon . Scents and aromas of their wines will add a tasty touch to your stay. Here below are museums and sites to visit to discover the wines and conclude this guide:

• La Maison de la Truffe et du vin du Luberon : in a special hotel of the 17th century, this informative and playful space will also offer you Oenology formations;
• The Museum of Arts and Wine Trades: Within the estate of the Turcan Castle in Ansouis, this museum will plunge you into the world of wine, from its elaboration to its consumption;
• The Citadel domain: located Mergers, you can visit the garden of the vines, the cellar and the corkscrew museum.

The Provencal wonders of the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon will no longer have secrets for you now!