This is a short and easy high altitude walk great for all seasons.
Montagne de Lure
An easy high altitude walk just north of Banon
A beautiful walk over rolling hills that offers you fantastic views in all directions. You can see Mont Ventoux in the west, the Alps to the north and the Luberon mountains to the south. The walk is never too steep and receives sun throughout the day, however there are plenty of shaded areas to stop for lunch.
What to bring
This walk can be found on IGN map 3240 OT Banon Sault
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 Meouge 
Gorges de la Meouge
A large limestone canyon great for hiking and swimming
The Méaouge canyon is classed as a biological reserve thanks to its diverse flora and fauna, some of which come from as far away as north Africa and Iberia.
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Chateau de Sauvan, Luberon
Grand mansion with ornamental gardens
This is an impressive 18th century mansion with beautiful gardens that allows visitors a chance to explore elegant rooms decorated in the style of the time. Th gardens contain ponds with swans and ducks, peacocks, lavender fields and terraces. The chateau also produces its own honey courtesy of 25 bee hives.
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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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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.
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
Heading north from Banon follow signs for le Contadour, and then once in the village you can continue past the WC and large parking for another 1.7km to avoid an extra hours walk. After the 1.7km you will see a yellow signpost for 'La Bouscale' taking you off this road and onto a dirt road. Park here and continue down the dirt road into the woods.
You will soon be out in the open and follow the Ravin du Fond-Brune for 25 minutes. At the cross roads (large green steel tank) take a right and climb up the hill, still following yellow markings. Once at the 1322m point take a left, then after only 60m, take another left following the yellow markers for Le Crete. Following this path for 35 minutes you will see some large cairns and a ruin on your left, continue on for 40m then take the left (marked with yellow).
After 30 minutes the path leaves the ridge, going slightly to the left, marked for Jas des Terres Roux. After only 15 minutes you take the signposted left turning and follow on southwards to the old Bergerie (another 30 mins). The old building at the Bergerie have been amazingly restored and are a must see on the route. After leaving the Bergerie, still on the yellow and red marked signposted trail for 'Tinette'. You reach Tinette in about 25 minutes and continue along the main road for another ten minutes to reach the car park.
