The Cedar Forest of the Petit Luberon Walk
A family friendly walk with great picnic spots
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.
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.
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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
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
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
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
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 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
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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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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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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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 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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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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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
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, 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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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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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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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, 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
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene
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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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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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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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
Price: €667
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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.
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.