Montagne de Lure
An easy high altitude walk just north of Banon
This is a short and easy high altitude walk great for all seasons.
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.
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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
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 Meouge, near Sisteron
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
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, 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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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.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
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
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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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.
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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'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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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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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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.
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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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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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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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.
Price: €979
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
Price: €1,498
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Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault
This B&B has unbroken views of the mighty Mont Ventoux and is decorated with a charming mix of old and new fixtures and fittings.
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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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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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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
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.