This easy and gentle 3km walk is perfect for families as most of the route is shaded by large billowing trees with ideal spots for picnics, wondeful views and interesting forestry along the way.
The Cedar Forest of the Petit Luberon Walk
A family friendly walk with great picnic spots
With Bonnieux being the starting point of the walk you can also explore this picturesque village with cute little lanes, striking Romanesque church, and interesting nooks and crannies. Its high position on the hillside provides amazing views over the surrounding landscape. Spectacular and beautiful sights over the Luberon and the mountains from this forested environment are something not to be missed.
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 Lacoste, Luberon
Formerly owned by the infamous Marquis de Sade
Built on the heights, the Chateau Lacoste has a dominant position over the Luberon. The breathtaking view enjoyed from the castle shows this village situation at the heart of the Luberon
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Foret des Cedres, Lacoste 
Foret des Cedres, Lacoste
This cedar forest is situated in the Petit Luberon south of Lacoste
Originally from the high mountains of North Africa,these particular cedar trees were introduced in to France as an ornamental tree and as a method of reforestation.
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Pont Julien, between Bonnieux & Roussillon
Roman bridge crossing the Calavon river that dates back to 3BC
A lovely Roman bridge not far from Bonniuex, on the road towards Roussillon. It dates back to the 3rd century BC when the Romans built a road to link Italy to Hispania.
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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.
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Abbaye de Sainte-Hilaire, Menerbes
The abbey of Saint-Hilaire is a private building that has undergone substantial renovations
The remarkable architecture and sympathetic restoration work make this one of the best Carmelite abbeys in the Vaucluse region and one that is less frequently visited by tourists.
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Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon
Discover the Luberon by engaging in a range of outdoor activities
The Luberon park covers the area from Cavallion in the west to Manosque in the east.
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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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
Starting from Bonnieux, at the Cedar Forest car park, you want to follow the yellow marked trail that takes you through the forest and explores the trees planted in 1860 so they could be used for lumber. Exciting wildlife including blackbirds, squirrels, wild boar, forest mushrooms and lots of different types of flora and fauna make this walk fun for families and children, spotting the wildlife and views along the way.
