Explore the source of Le Riou that winds its way down the hillside eventually flowing into the mighty Durance
Source de Mireille & Bastide du Bois
Stroll along a shaded river bed and an open ridge
What to bring
This walk can be found on IGN map 3243 OT
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Chateau de la Tour d'Aigues
Chateau de la Tour d'Aigues
Impressive ruins of a large Renaissance castle
This castle was first built in 1550 by Baron Jean-Louis-Nicolas de Bouliers and parts of its huge walls and intricately carved stonework still survives to this day.
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Musee des Arts & des Metiers du Vin
A mighty museum of the Chateau Turcan , from vine to wine
This wine museum situated just outside of Ansouis is a must for all wine lovers, and a fascinating for all amateurs.
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Chateau d'Ansouis, Ansouis
Grandoise castle in a pretty Provencal village
The Chateau d'Ansouis was originally a fortress back in the 12th century and become one of the grandest mansions in Provence during the Renaissance.
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Musee Extraordinaire de Georges Mazoyer, Ansouis
Musee Extraordinaire de Georges Mazoyer, Ansouis
One man's impressive collection from the sea & inspired artwork
Georges Mazoyer was an accomplished diver and a talented artists. In 1975 he was inspired to create a museum full of his most treasured souvenirs from the sea and as a gallery for his own art.
Read more about Musee Extraordinaire de Georges Mazoyer, Ansouis
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Musee Marc Deydier, Cucuron
Musee Marc Deydier, Cucuron
Small museum with Roman, neolithic & local cultural exhibits
This small museum can be found in the centre of Cucuron and houses the collection of a local photographer & prehistorian, Marc Deydier who lived from 1845 to 1920.
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Fort de Buoux, Apt
Ruined fort with great views of the Luberon
The ruins of Fort de Buoux lie on top of hill at the head of the Apt valley. This defensive stronghold was used to protect the surrounding towns and land from Lourmarin to Silvergues and the ruins you see today date from the 13th century.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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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.
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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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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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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
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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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark situated in the heart of 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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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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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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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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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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
Charming guest house in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault
A restored stone farmhouse with great views of Mont Ventoux
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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Enquire
Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene
Small guest house in beautiful surroundings with an outdoor pool
Located just 2 kilometres north of the village of Malaucene, this charming B&B has great views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
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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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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.
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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
A four room B&B with outdoor pool and jacuzzi
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
Directions
Parking your car at the mark on the map ( North east of the hamlet of Le Plan, at the 409m mark at the bend in the road), follow the river north west for 200m then take the path on the right. This path never strays too far from the rivers bank. Continue up stream for 20 minutes to reach the Source de Mirail.
The Source de Mirail is locked behind bars, but continue along the river bed heading slightly right. About 10 mins along the dry river bed it splits into two. Take the path that is between the split. Follow this path until it hits a large forest road at the 638m point. On this path you will pass the ruins of a small house on the right, and you will have fantastic views of the Luberon. When you reach the forest road, turn right, and follow it to the Bastide du Bois.
The return follows the yellow marked forest road straight south to the car park.



























