Le Bois de Defends
Explore the protected woods of the 17th century Lord
The surrounding woods of Sault were protected in the 17th Century under Colbert. The grazing of animals was prohibited to ensure the best wood to build the royal fleet. Colberts legislation on the woods regulated the exploitation so that the resinous trees could be used for the masts and the oak planks used for the hulls.
What to bring
This walk can be found on IGN map 3240OT
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Lavender farm & conservation garden, Sault
A garden & nursery with over 200 varieties of lavender
The lavender collection is certified by French National Conservatory for specialist plant collections, and is located on family land on the Route du Mont Ventoux, near the village.
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Aroma Plantes lavender farm & distillery, Sault
A family run lavender farm on the slopes of Mont Ventoux
This 80 hectare farm and distillery was originally created in 1978 and now welcomes visitors from around the world.
Read more about Aroma Plantes lavender farm & distillery, Sault
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Gorges de la Nesque 
Gorges de la Nesque
A beautiful gorge not far from the base of Mont Ventoux
The gorges de la Nesque is an impressive and wild canyon of around 12 kilometres in length, scoured out by the river at its bottom.
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Mont Ventoux
The highest peak in Provence, famed stage of the Tour de France
The highest point in Provence at 1,912m, Mont Ventoux is most famous as the killer-climb stage in the Tour de France. It's a mecca for cyclists and hikers, with three routes available for cyclists and a number of trails for walkers.
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Chateau St Saturnin Les Apt 
Chateau St Saturnin Les Apt
Medieval castle ruins & 17th century windmills
Built on a rocky bluff at 400 metres above sea level is the remains of a Medieval fortress which offers great views of the surrounding Vaucluse and Alpilles mountains.
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Gorges du Toulourenc 
Gorges du Toulourenc
A river gorge fed by waters from Mont Ventoux
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
One of the finest restaurants in Arles with two Michelin stars
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant 
L'Epice & Love Restaurant
Charming homely restaurant serving delicious dishes at fantastic prices
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux 
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Good value small restaurant with great food for non fussy eaters
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Small friendly restaurant with a great selection wines & cheese dishes
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Beautiful courtyard & local French cuisine in an unusual, magical setting
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour 
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Ideal for truffle lovers who are looking for a gourmet experience
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
11 super water slides, rapids & a flying boat, great for the family
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Enjoy cycling in Provence with experienced local guides, premium electric bikes and a choice of guided tours or independent rides. From tailored cycling experiences and wine-tasting tours to Mont Ventoux climbs, there are options for different abilities and interests, with convenient bike delivery to your accommodation also available.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
The largest waterpark in France not far from Avignon
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
Aquatic leisure park within a 5star campsite close to Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
Small hotel with a bar restaurant, popular with cyclists
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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La Garance Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a swimming pool and a view of Mont Ventoux
Set in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, the hotel has 16 bedrooms with a choice between queen-size or twin beds.
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
A 3 star hotel with a swimming pool at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a restaurant at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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La Bastide des Bourguets B&B, Sault
A quiet little B&B with a swimming pool overlooking the village of Sault
Perched on a small cliff, this B&B enjoys great views of the village of Sault below.
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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
Impressive B&B in a great location with plenty of outdoor space
Located a 5-minute walk from the heart of Bonnieux, this charming guest house features 3 comfortable rooms suitable for families as every room has a mezzanine for 2 children.
Directions
Parking at the Defends horse raceing track just to the north of Sault, take the pebbly road to the north west. After passing Le Defends continue on towards the Roumane intersection. From here follow a stoney path on the right and pass La Rouyere intersection to reach Mougne pass. Go along the path to the right, take the first path on the right then after 200m take the trail to the left. After another 80m you will reach the Defends cave.
Continue straight on, then take the wide road on the right to the Loutar-du-Doup intersection, take the path on the left and come to the D950 at the Hermitage. Cross the road, then continue along it on the left, followed by the first path on the right. This trail makes a wide loop and reaches the Curni ravine. On your left, take the dirst road which starts off flat then rises to reach the Trou de l'Eimine. Continue along this stony route towards the Pourraches woods, then go down the road, crossing the shooting range on the right and 200m back up the trail to Mougne. Follow the trail in the same direction, cross the D950 and return to the starting point.
