Hiking in Vaucluse: The Road Less Known
An unexpected gem in the south of France.
When preparing to leave the States, I felt the need to fill my remaining days with as many hikes as possible in fear that the region I was soon to be in would lack the rigor and beauty of the mountains of home. However, upon arriving in the Vaucluse region of France, I soon discovered the rich variety of hiking opportunities a two hour drive north of the French Riviera.
Uncannily similar to the Shenandoah Valley, Vaucluse's mountains mimic the blue tone of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Their rolling peaks are often juxtaposed against dramatic and steep cliff faces that fall into prosperous valleys lined with vineyards and poppy fields. These mountains provide hikes that are suitable for any stage of fitness and any length desired. Elevations in certain areas change the local forest into that of a cedar ridge line with a haunting stillness.
One such hike can be found about 10km from the town of Gordes, near Bonnieux and Menerbes. This hike is my most recommended of the region as it is a relatively challenging, day long outing that provides rewarding views. There are multiple ways to approach this particular hike but I would recommend the most visually rewarding route that also happens to be the longest.
To begin drive or catch a ride to the Lacoste village Post Office. This is attached to the Cathedral and has a parking lot at the base of the village - the rest of the village is pedestrian only. From here walk up the cobblestone path to Marquis de Sade's Chateau and take in the view and contemporary sculptures. Follow the road past the Chateau until you reach an intersection and continue along the road towards Bonnieux. This road will continue through the bottom of the valley and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the local farms and poppy fields until you reach an intersecting road that the trail head sits on the other side of. From here you will quickly gain elevation and soon there will be an abrupt transition to the cedar forest. Upon reaching the ridge line there are several trails options that branch off, if you desire to reach the cliffs then continue on the trail going straight. From here you can follow the ridge line for as far as you like, the return is simply a backtrack of your steps or if you would like to turn the hike into a loop feel free to turn right towards Bonnieux on the intersecting road at the foot of the mountain. From Bonnieux you can hike back through the valley to the base of Lacoste.
Useful Tips:
- Be weary of this hike on windy days. If it is even slightly breezy in the village expect extremely strong gusts on the exposed cliff line.
- Be weary of wild boar as they are common in the region and can be incredibly territorial and aggressive.
- Don't fall off the cliffs, you will die.
- And don't miss out on the amazing photo opportunities along the entire hike!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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