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
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
This 80 hectare farm and distillery was originally created in 1978 and now welcomes visitors from around the world.
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Gorges de la Nesque, near Sault
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 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
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, near Malaucene
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
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
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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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, 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, St Cyr Sur Mer
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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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
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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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
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, Frejus
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
Hotels in Provence
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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
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La Garance Hotel, Bedoin
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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La Madelene B&B, Malaucene
This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
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.