La Sorguette: Escape to the Heart of L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Nature walks in a farming environmentDeparture Parking Avenue de l'ancienne gare Pass under the bridge (D31) and follow the "Avenue des Sorgues" towards the "Canal du Moulin de Crillon", 500 m away. At the gas station traffic circle, turn right onto "Chemin de la Garonne" and continue along this road for 300 meters. Then turn right at the "Sentier du canal de Crillon" sign. Follow the signs for "Sentier du canal du moulin de Crillon" for about 1.5 km. Turn right onto the path, staying on "Chemin de Castane" for 600 m. Continue on the paved "Chemin de Blancas" to the left, then head due south for 300 metres and take the first road on the left, "Chemin du Receveur". Follow the unpaved "Chemin du Receveur". Opposite the equestrian center, turn right onto "Chemin de Castane". Once on this road, head south to join "Chemin de la Garonne" (tarred). Turn left and follow the road for 1.5 km to the gas station roundabout. Then turn left onto "Avenue des Sorgues" and follow it back to the "Marché agricole" parking lot.

A world of stones, dry stone walls, nature and silence but not only! From the car park, reach the Avenue Jean Giono and take a left. Continue to the right on Grand Rue to the center of the village ("Mur de la peste" arrow). Pass the church. In front of the fountain, go left onto the Rue du Château. Pass the wash house, go straight and take the Chemin de la Pourtalette. At the calvary, go straight and 50m further, continue across on the Chemin de Muscadelle ("Mur de la peste" arrow). After the paved path, climb straight onto the stony path and the mountain pass (Croix de Lagnes), continue on the path opposite to the Plague wall. 1- Take a sharp right and go along the Plague wall. Upstream, the path deviates somewhat from the wall and goes along it again. Reach under the pines, the crossroads "La Peithe". 2- Turn left, pass through the forest track and at the signpost "Citerne", take the road to the left (GR ®). At the two successive croissing trails, continue straight and head to the valley. Pass one well rocky section and head down again. At the crossroads "Vallon des Esperacons", leave the GR® and climb the left trail (PR). 3 - At the intersection ''Esperacons'', continue on the balcony trail to the right (PR). Pass an edge (panoramic viewpoint at 20m to the right) and continue the path to the left. 4- At the crossroads "Le Soldat" take a left and 50m further, continue to the right. At the Y (point 285), follow the right track. Pass a hairpin bend and descend. At the entrance of a right turn (large pine tree), rush on a path to the left. Below after a right turn, stay on the right track. At the track, reach the D100 to the left. Take the road to the left for 150m and reach the parking area. 5- Take the track that starts to the left along the parking lot. 300m further, leave the trail leading to a house and embark on the path in front. Go down and reach point 1 at the Plague Wall. From there, return to Cabrières d'Avignon through the same route used to go.

Destination by bike, the Luberon! A combination of long-distance cycling routes near Calavon and small winding roads between perched villages. Opposite the old railway station (now a cultural centre), go to the left, take a right and then a left to reach the actual starting point of the long-distance cycling route at the end of the Tourail avenue. Take the EV8 to the centre of Beaumettes and reach the underpass on the right. 1 - Leave the long-distance cycling route and go onto the D29 across. Cross the Calavon, go straight at the 1st and 2nd junctions towards Ménerbes. 100m further, turn left on the Heyrauds path. At the next crossroads, plunge to the right on the Roumiguier path and then go up to the left. Opposite a large stone house, turn left, then 75m further, turn right on the Grande Bastide path. Come out on the D103, take it on the right for 300m then 2 lefts, go under the cemetery, through two hairpin bends and up to the end of the long ramp. Enter straight into the streets of Ménerbes. 2 - At the stop sign, turn right and then left onto the Marcelin Poncet avenue.  Follow the marked route"Autour du Luberon à vélo'' and glide to the D3. Go down to the right then take a lower turn to the left on the D188 towards Oppède. After 1.7km, exit the D188 and go straight. Go down to the right, pass the covered wash house, then continue. At the next junction, take the rise across then switch to the right, then after a banked turn, come out on the D178. Climb to the left and reach the centre of Oppède-le-Vieux. 3 - Pass the village square and down the road from the car park below (caution, one way road except for bikes).!). Turn left at the Soulevan hamlet. Take the paved path of La Blaque. Continue to the right on the Vertu path, then do not miss the Ara path to the left which comes out on the corner of the cemetery of Maubec. 4 - Turn left and after the church, climb the slope of the old village. At the top, turn left. Turn and go down to the right. Continue straight on 1km / less than a mile then turn left on the Peirou path. Come out on the Marronniers path after the cemetery of Robion. 5 - Take a sharp left, go up the path and continue left on the Luberon avenue. Pass in front of the sylvan theatre and take a turn until the church square. Turn to the left, pass the town hall and down the Oscar Roulet street. Continue straight until the traffic light. Cross the D2 and continue across. At the roundabout, turn right at "Avenue de la Gare". Shortly after crossing the Carpentras canal, enter right onto the long-distance cycling route. 6 - Take the EV8 to Coustellet and thus return to the starting point.

Let yourself be tempted by a tour on signposted roads at the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, a protected area since 1977, recognized as a "Biosphere Reserve" and a "Geopark" by Unesco. From valleys to hills on secluded roads, you can explore the varied landscape of the Luberon and Haute-Provence: perched villages, castles, ochre cliffs, vineyards and orchards, as well as traditional and farmers’ markets, stone dwellings…The marking in both directions makes it an ideal itinerary for one or seven days, with friends or family.

A short but singular stroll between cliffs, balms and ledges of the west end of the Petit Luberon. With your back turned to the town hall, take the CHemin de Robion on the left and pass the cemetery. 1 - At the next intersection, continue straight on the road. Pass the Saint-Gens chapel, then 400m further, turn right on the Chemin de Boulon. Turn left on the edge of the woods. When reaching the big clearing of Boulon, go up the paved road for 200m and turn right. 2 – At the pole'Boulon', go down the gravel path and at the mouth of the field and the source of Boulon, turn left and, 50m higher, climb to the right on the path (steep at the beginning). Stay on the right until you reach the foot of the cliffs. Weave through the large balms while enjoying passages of cliff ledges. After the circus of Boulon, pass below the large face of the rocks of Baude. Cross the rock shelter and climb to the breach of Castellas avoiding the steps that descend towards the foot of the massif (the marking is tricky). Cross the breach and switch to the gorges of Badarel. Careful, the trail is quite steep and stony. 3 - At the bottom of the ravine (pole:'The Castellas'), turn right and start the descent of the gorges of Badarel. Caution, it is narrow, steep, rocky and it includes a short passage with a ladder. Continue through the bottom of the valley and reach a track. Head across, then at the first houses, cross a barrier and continue until the Chemin de Robion. 4 - Turn left to return to the starting point.

Hiking and history, following the footsteps of the members of the Resistance from Gordes (1942 - 1944) At the Place du Château (roundabout), go along the north wall of the castle, continue on the left when reaching the Y junction, pass in front of the post office, then continue straight on the Saint-Pons street until the entrance of the cemetery (GR®).). Retrace your steps, pass under the car park and come out on "Route Neuve" (D102). Go up the Baptistin-Picca street on the right. 1 - Near the castle (tourist office), rush into the Rue de l'Eglise. Pass Saint-Firmin's church gate, turn right 20m after the Porte-de-Savoie street and go down the Jean-Deyrolle street to the left (GR®).). Pass the hairpin turn and go up the Bel-Air path. At the top, continue straight, cross the Cavaillon road (D15) and weave in between two walls. Slope down gently and keep going straight. 2 Leave on the right the path leading to the Village des Bories and just after the turn, take a right. Go down to the end of tar and continue straight on the cobblestone path (GR®).). At the bottom of the valley of Sénancole, turn left and then take a quick right. Leave behind the flat path on the left and climb the gravel path across. Pass a house and continue on the track to the left. 3 - At the top, turn left (RP). After the car park of the Village des Bories, go onto a trail along an olive grove on the left. Pass along a large stone wall and continue on the ridge to the right. After two narrow hairpin turns, continue the descent to the bottom of the valley and continue upstream (RP). 4 - At the crossroads "la Senancole", cross the ravine to the left and go up the trail of Grande Combe to the right. Leave a trail on the left (RP) and advance 130m further. 5 - Turn right, leave the valley and climb a rocky path. Once on the plateau, reach the old farm of Débroussède. Continue to the right on a poorly marked trail for about 80m and take a quick right then a left in the valley of La Sénancole. Cross the ford and reach the Senanque Abbey. 6 - Climb the path on the right going above the car park. Turn right and go up the road (GR®).). Go down the road (D177) for 100m and go onto the trail on the right (GR®).). Keep descending straight. Reach a small road. Follow it to the left and reach the Sénanque road (D177). 7 - Take the road (D177) on the right 220m further, then at a lamppost under an oak, turn left and get onto the Gordes road (D15). Turn left, pass the big curve and return to the castle (GR®).).

This hill, reaching 134 m in altitude, offers a 360° view of the Durance valley, the Alpilles Alpilles, Mont Ventoux and Caumont.This "sensitive natural area" is also renowned for its renowned for its high biodiversity of birds and and vegetation. Find out more about our Greater Avignon nature trails at our Tourist Office reception desk.

Les Bories, a 5-star spa hotel and restaurant, welcomes you to an 8-hectare estate of olive trees, cypresses, green oaks, lavender and aromatic gardens. 34 rooms, spa, heated indoor and outdoor pool, tennis, fitness room, restaurant and pool club in season.

This characterful early 19th-century mansion, with its dry-stone walls, is home to a charmingly comfortable 3* hotel with swimming pool, terraced garden and cosy rooms.

Les Terrasses de Gordes invites you to stay in the heart of the Luberon Park, in a Provence bathed in sunshine and bursting with scents and flavors. Enjoy a charming and relaxing stay in this superb stone residence surrounded by evergreen oaks. Have breakfast between the two gardens, relax under the oak or olive trees, isolate yourself in the south garden for a quiet read or a simple sunbath, savor the views of the Alpilles and the Luberon by the pool (heated), admire unforgettable sunsets, play pétanque by the laurel and lavender trees. The heated pool (11mx4.5m) benefits from a salt treatment system that makes bathing natural and pleasant. Swimming is comfortable from April to November. Les Terrasses welcomes you all year round in a quiet, traditional setting, but equipped with all modern comforts to take full advantage of the light and scents in the heart of one of Europe's most beautiful regions.

The Domaine du Camping des Sources is located 2 km from Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, and offers exceptional panoramic views of the Luberon.

The tone is set as soon as you enter, by the singular, century-old cypress trees that guide your gaze towards an imposing dry-stone residence, and gradually descend into a natural setting of olive trees, vines and almond trees.

Nestled in a green setting on the Gordes plain, this former 18th-century farmhouse has been completely renovated and transformed into a charming hotel.

Nestled at the foot of the Luberon in an 18th-century farmhouse, you'll appreciate the calm, comfort and authenticity of our two rooms, as well as our warm, friendly welcome.

Gîte for hikers and cyclists. At the foot of the Luberon, close to hiking trails, shared pool, fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower, sink and toilet.

In the heart of Mérindol, a small village at the foot of the Luberon, Sébastien and Mathieu offer a menu of wood-fired Provencal specialities. A modest stone house, a terrace shaded by fig and mulberry trees, antique furniture and a wood-fired oven: it's in this rustic Luberon atmosphere that you'll be welcomed at La Terrasse des Cigales. In the heart of the old Vaudois village of Mérindol, in the southern Luberon between Lourmarin and Mallemort, Mathieu and Sébastien propose uncompromising Provencal recipes: aïoli, monkfish bourride and lamb shoulders cooked over a wood-fired oven. In summer: an intimate terrace bordered by the stones of the region's traditional bories; in winter: authentic dishes served by the warmth of the wood fire. Recently settled in this small village, Mathieu and Sébastien play the local game and select their products from the most local producers: beer and apple juice from the neighboring fields and orchards, lamb from the Alpilles and oil from the ancient village mill.

Below a limestone cliff of several hundred meters, is the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse which owes its name to the source of Sorgue. Kart spring, the largest in metropolitan France and the fifth largest in the world, comes from an underground basin of 1,100 km2, recovering the waters of Mount Ventoux (visible in the distance), the Vaucluse mountains, the Albion plateau and the mountain of Lure. La Sorgue, strongly protected, joined the Ouvèze then the Rhône after several subdivisions.

Conifers of majestic and imposing appearance, the cedars are distinguished by their bluish or silver color. These large cedars were planted in 1860 to the north of the village and extend over five hectares on the slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse. It is an important forest species, its fine, light and aromatic wood is used in woodwork or as a framework.

A limestone formation with an original topography is characterized as karstic, characterized by underground drainage which causes corrosion of the rock. Here we see a lapiaz. This surface geological formation is created by the runoff of rainwater that dissolves the rock or by cryoclasty (freezing and thawing of the water infiltrated in the rock). It is what forms this impressive rocky entablature traversed by faults and fissures.

In August 1989, the fire started from the bottom of the Oule valley located a little further north, and ravaged 338ha of forest in Cabrières d'Avignon and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Here, some islands of cedars from the Algerian Atlas still bear the scars of that fire, but most have resisted. Others were replanted in 1991.

The wild rabbit lives in colonies in burrows which forms what is called a warren. A grass eater, it can eat away the bark of young trees in winter when grass is scarce. The wild rabbit is able to reproduce 4 to 6 times per year with 3 to 8 kittens per litter, this explains its reputation as "horny bunny". Its population has declined sharply in the Luberon from diseases such as myxomatosis or VHD (Viral Hemorrhagic Disease).

From 1723, the wall no longer had any sanitary utility and the stones were re-used for other constructions. Since 1986, a campaign of restoration and valorization is in place through the association "Pierre sèche en Vaucluse". You can see the wall here, between Cabrières-d'Avignon and Lagnes, as well as in Murs. Today, nearly 6 kilometers have been restored.

There are constructions on either side of the wall. Regularly spaced, guardhouses (semicircular huts) were used to house a sentry in the event of inclement weather and were certainly covered with a roof in branches or tiles. The huts attached to the wall, housed the units but also the equipment and provisions. On the most isolated places of the plateau, the pens served as warehouses for food and fodder for mules transporting water and provisions.

In August 1721, the plague was declared in Avignon, whereas apt got rid of it! The roles were now reversed: French troops are positioned on the wall to protect the Provence. After making more than 7000 victims in the Venaissin County and at least 83,000 in Provence, the disease became extinct in January 1723 and the wall was forgotten. Today registered under the Historic Monuments, it is the subject to regular restoration campaigns.

This wall of about twenty kilometers went from Monieux to Cabrières passing through Methamis, Venasque, Le Beaucet, Saumane and Lagnes. It was built in just a few months, between March and July 1721 by 500 men, masons and laborers. This sanitary barrier had watchtowers, guard-houses, food and fodder supply storehouses. The wall was guarded by a thousand men who had orders to shoot anyone crossing the wall without permission.

Two months after the docking of the ship Le Grand Saint-Antoine on May 25, 1720 in Marseille, the plague spread, reached the working-class areas of the city to then spread along the coast upto Toulon; after passing the Durance, it reached Pertuis, Cucuron and Apt. For a better protection of the Venaissin County and the State of Avignon, two papal lands, it was decided to build a wall of dry stone of about 2m high.

Home-cooked Provencal cuisine, served in front of the fireplace in winter in the large, bright dining room, and on the large, shady terrace in summer. Ample free private parking in front of the restaurant.

Charming restaurant in a stone farmhouse. Fresh home-made cuisine. Romantic decor, garden and terrace for sunny weather. Private parking.

Awarded with a Michelin star, the gourmet restaurant Les Bories will awaken the taste buds of all gourmets and epicureans. The chef of the restaurant at Les Bories & Spa likes to attach himself to the richness of the region and to the wonderful products offered by Provence. A beautiful terroir that the Chef likes to revisit by diverting from classic dishes, while retaining the essence of each product. Tastes and colors combine like beautifully drawn paintings. The number of places are limited, it is necessary to reserve in advance.

Bistro-style restaurant, terrace with view, cosy, modern interior.

Facing the castle this Italian trattoria is an institution in Gordes. Enjoy Napolitan pizzas, antipastis and excellent pasta on its terrace or in its traditional dining room.

Traditional cuisine based on fresh and seasonal produce.

Nestled in the heart of the village of Gordes, La Casa Rosario offers Italian specialties on its shady terrace or in its charming Luberon dining room.

Charming hotel located in a country stone farmhouse, a few kilometers from the centre of the village of Gordes. The hotel is quietly set in a Mediterranean garden. Swimming pool, heated in season, Spa (Sauna, Hammam) and massage services are also offered. The hotel also has a restaurant and offers the possibility of half board. Buffet breakfast by the pool.

Les Bories, a 5-star spa hotel and restaurant, welcomes you to an 8-hectare estate of olive trees, cypresses, green oaks, lavender and aromatic gardens. 34 rooms, spa, heated indoor and outdoor pool, tennis, fitness room, restaurant and pool club in season.

This characterful early 19th-century mansion, with its dry-stone walls, is home to a charmingly comfortable 3* hotel with swimming pool, terraced garden and cosy rooms.

Nestled in a 1.5-hectare park planted with lavender, thyme and rosemary, Le Jas de Gordes becomes your pied-à-terre during your stay in the Luberon.

Les Terrasses de Gordes invites you to stay in the heart of the Luberon Park, in a Provence bathed in sunshine and bursting with scents and flavors. Enjoy a charming and relaxing stay in this superb stone residence surrounded by evergreen oaks. Have breakfast between the two gardens, relax under the oak or olive trees, isolate yourself in the south garden for a quiet read or a simple sunbath, savor the views of the Alpilles and the Luberon by the pool (heated), admire unforgettable sunsets, play pétanque by the laurel and lavender trees. The heated pool (11mx4.5m) benefits from a salt treatment system that makes bathing natural and pleasant. Swimming is comfortable from April to November. Les Terrasses welcomes you all year round in a quiet, traditional setting, but equipped with all modern comforts to take full advantage of the light and scents in the heart of one of Europe's most beautiful regions.

Charming bed and breakfast 600 m from the center of Gordes. A haven of peace just a 5-minute walk from the center of Gordes. A bubble of calm and serenity that will enchant you with its typically Provencal garden and carefully decorated rooms.

In the very heart of Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched on the rocky slopes, La Bastide with its somptuous decors, offers an exceptional view over the Luberon valley and the Alpilles. This ancestral residence reflects the 18th century in all its glory. Over 2 000 art work pieces unearthed from the most prestigious antique dealers all enhance this structure carved into the rock itself. All the 34 rooms and 6 suites invite to a time travel. Christophe Tollemer’s interpretation of the ancient Provencal style is definitely an ode to Provence: the warmth of a beautiful region combined with an amazing attention to details. Airelles Gordes, La Bastide is a destination in itself.

The Domaine du Camping des Sources is located 2 km from Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, and offers exceptional panoramic views of the Luberon.

Danièle and Jean-Philippe welcome you to their stone Provencal farmhouse in Gordes, in the heart of an olive orchard, for a relaxing stay in the heart of nature. Maison d'hôtes Le Verger en Luberon offers three rooms in a calm and relaxing environment: Located on the first floor of the farmhouse, the elegantly decorated Le Pigeonnier guest room can accommodate up to 3 people (1 double bed, 1 single bed) and has independent access. It features air-conditioning, bathroom, toilet and private terrace with unobstructed views of the Luberon. On the first floor, the Fleur d'olivier guest room is a suite that can accommodate up to 3 people (1 double bed, 1 single bed) with independent access, and an outdoor area with a stone table and benches. Air-conditioned, it also has a private bathroom and toilet. View over the countryside. You can also take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool to cool off and relax in the heat of the day, to the song of the cicadas.