Luberon Park
The Luberon Regional Nature Park is a magnificent expanse of 185,145 hectares spread between Vaucluse and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, definitely worth a detour. Its 1000 colours will never cease to amaze, between the red of the cliffs and the ochre of typical Provençal villages. At the heart of these breathtaking landscapes, you will find hundred-year-old trees nestled in a cedar forest.
Location of the Lubéron Regional Natural Park
The Luberon Regional Nature Park is a vast, mountainous area which takes its name from three massifs, namely: the Eastern Lubéron, the Grand Lubéron and the Petit Lubéron. This park is bordered to the north by the Coulon-Cavalon and Largue Valleys. To the south, the Luberon is bound by the Durance basin and the Pays d'Aigue. From east to west, the park stretches from Cavaillon to the start of the Verdon Regional Nature Park.
Territory and relief of the Parc du Lubéron
Although geographically incorporating 85 communes, the Park officially covers only 77 communes that have approved and signed the Park Management Charter. Other signatory communes include those of the North and South Luberon, the southern part of the Monts de Vaucluse, the Cavalon valley, Manosque and Forcalquier.
As far as the landscape is concerned, it is rugged with wide valleys. In the south, the park is bordered by a valley through which the Durance flows. To the north are the Vaucluse mountains. To the east of the park, the landscape is made up of rounded hills dominated by the summit of Bellevue. The plains of Joucs and Coustellets, the hills of Goult and Roussillon make up the landscape to the west of the park.
The Luberon, a UNESCO World Geopark
Since 2015, the Luberon Regional Nature Park has been classified as a UNESCO World Geopark for the protection and promotion of the earth's heritage. This distinction was awarded because of its 60 geosites, which reflect the history of geology and the relationship between man and the earth.
The Provençal Colorado at Rustrel
This geological curiosity is well worth the diversions, and you can't come to the region without stopping off at this expanse that looks a bit like the United States. In the heart of the Colorado Provençal, wander through a landscape that has come out of nowhere, with its stunning colours (red ochre and orange), sometimes in the shade of a pine forest. Let yourself be charmed by this sometimes lunar landscape bearing witness to an industrial past.
The Lubéron and its hilltop villages
While the Lubéron is renowned for its natural beauty, it also makes a lasting impression with its sublime Provençal villages. Take to the road to stop off at some of the region's many typical villages.
- Roussillon: its ochre colour makes this perched village one of the best-known in the region.
- Gordes: a perched village with unrivalled authenticity. Explore the Abbaye Notre Dame de Senanque, a must-see in the region.
- Ménerbes in the heart of a wild and peaceful natural setting
- Village des Bories: listed as a Historic Monument in 1977, its built heritage is an emblem of the landscape you will discover in Provence.
Our tips for organising your getaway in the Luberon
- Distance from campsite: 1h15
- Location: 84 400 Apt France, but you will find different starting points depending on your wishes
- Additional information: https://www.parcduluberon.fr
- Suitable for all
- Local activities: hiking, outdoor activities and cultural visits
- Our tip: for a rock-climbing session, head for Buoux, where the summit offers breathtaking views of the Luberon Regional Nature Park.
