Memorable stay at IBIS Cavaillon Luberon, Vaucluse

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.

From village to village, let yourself be surprised by the simple pleasures offered by this peaceful corner of the Alpilles. From the Urgonia museum, turn right. Continue on the left by the Paradis uphill then right by Jean Moulin Avenue. 1- Take the D24b on the left after the sports complex and continue until Eygalières for about 7 km. Cross the village and continue on the D24b to the junction with the D24. 2- Turn left on the D24, towards Mouriès. Continue for 2 km. 3- At the intersection with the D25, take it on the left, towards Eyguières Continue on this road for about 10 km. 4- (Caution, traffic!) Turn right on the D569, always towards Eyguières. At the roundabout, continue straight ahead for 150m. 5- Turn left in the direction of Sénas. Continue for 7 km. 6- cross the roundabout of the entrance of the city. 300 meters later, turn left on the path of "Donne", just before the level crossing. Continue to Orgon. 7- Go through Orgon by the Fontaine street then Edmond Coste street to reach the starting point at the Urgonia museum.

This route allows you to discover Orgon's geoheritage and appreciate the flora and fauna variety of the different natural environments. From the museum, climb to the arena and take the path with the windmill adjacent to the chains of the DFCI (prevention policy for forest fires) and go through the pine forest. 1 – At the direction sign, turn right towards the chapel. Let on the right and go on the left trail. Continue until about 200 m. An old quarry appair on the left. 2 – Climb the path until the viewpoint then take the trail opposite the viewpoint towards the pine forest. Go down the steps and go along a rainwater ditch bordered by drystone walls. Meet the direction sign. 3 – Turn right towards N. D. Beauregard. Climb to the cemetery going along the right side. 4 – Cross the road to the cemetery. Take the stairs and go up the little road of N.D. Beauregard. Go up to the chapel. Pass under the porch to the left and climb up to the orientation table. 5 – Go back down, pass under the porch again and take the path to the oratories on the left. Go down the steps and then turn to the right and follow the path to the reservoirs. Go down the trail towards the ruins of the castle of the Duke of Guise. 6 – Pass under the Porte de l'Hortet, a fortified gateway. Go down until the church square and take the stairs in the shape of a "horseshoe" to get to the Place de la Victoire. Continue through the Rue Jules Robert until the Porte Sainte-Anne, a fortified gateway. Pass the gateway and take the stairs on the left connected to the Urgonia Museum to end the walk.

From village to village, let yourself be surprised by the simple pleasures offered by this peaceful corner of the Alpilles. From the Urgonia museum, turn right. Continue on the left by the Paradis uphill then right by Jean Moulin Avenue. 1- Take the D24b on the left after the sports complex and continue until Eygalières for about 7 km. Cross the village and continue on the D24b to the junction with the D24. 2- Turn left on the D24, towards Mouriès. Continue for 2 km. 3- At the intersection with the D25, take it on the left, towards Eyguières Continue on this road for about 10 km. 4- (Caution, traffic!) Turn right on the D569, always towards Eyguières. At the roundabout, continue straight ahead for 150m. 5- Turn left in the direction of Sénas. Continue for 7 km. 6- cross the roundabout of the entrance of the city. 300 meters later, turn left on the path of "Donne", just before the level crossing. Continue to Orgon. 7- Go through Orgon by the Fontaine street then Edmond Coste street to reach the starting point at the Urgonia museum.

A quick and active ascent of the north side of the Petit Luberon, in a wild atmosphere between forest and scrubland. A long lasting feeling, pure thrill! From the Place de la Croix, go along the halls, keep walking and turn left on Rue de l'Ecole". Turn right and reach below the Chemin de la Fontaine (GR®). Take the road on the right. 1- At the crossroads "Poudarrigue'', continue the GR® to the right and climb the stony path. Reach a hillock (338m) and continue up to the right. After the several switchbacks, continue climbing the mount and finally reach the paved forest path. 2- Turn left and 20m further go to the right in the undergrowth (GR®). Reach the small mountain hut of Bastidon du Pradon 150m away. Retrace your steps to the point 2, turn left and take the forest track to the west (PR). 250m further, pass the crossroads "La Jassine" and continue straight, on the track. Let yourself slide over 1km. 3- At the crossroads "Les Aires de Bedoin'', turn right and follow the dirt and stone track. Continue on 400m on the plateau. 4- Be careful not to miss the path on the right (Cairn - turn around if you reach to the weather station!). Moving forward on the edge of the Barre de Fiot (markings hardly noticeable). After the Barre de Gautier, move to the right (point 601m), go 300m down and switch left into the valley. 500m further and 180m lower down, continue on the left flank of the valley, crossing several hairpin bends and come out on the trail in the foothills. 5- Turn right (GR®), descend some more then rise slightly to switch to the clearing of Combrès valley. After the vineyard, turn left at the crossroads "Combrès", then climb the old cobblestone path to the right that leads up some steps in the village of Oppède-le-Vieux.

After Mourre Nègre on the Grand Luberon, here is Mourre of Cairas, at the peak of the Petit Luberon. Not less spectacular, on the contrary! From the Place de la Croix, go along the halls, keep walking and turn left on Rue de l'Ecole". Turn right and reach below the Chemin de la Fontaine (GR).). Take the road on the right. 1- At the crossroads'Poudarrigue'', leave the GR and continue left on Chemin de la Perrière. 800m further, when at the second house, take a right (RP). Reach a flat area, join the valley and continue to the left. Cross the collar of Ribas de Pire and down the slope,take a left. 2- At the track crossroads , turn right (RP), pass more then three homes and cross the collar of Grimouret. Down the steep path, continue right and quietly up the floor of the valley. 3- At the crossroads'Poudarique' ', turn right and climb the trail to Mourre de Flamarin (RP). After a curve to the left, go forward on the flat area and reach the paved forest path. 4- Turn right and proceed 400m, pass the hilltop of the Mourre de Cairas (733m) on the right and continue on the track for 1.5km. 5- At the crossroads'Bastidon Pradon' turn to the left in the undergrowth and reach the small refuge that is 150m away. Retrace your steps to point 5, cross the forest track and go straight to "l'épaule de la Jassine" (GR). Then switch to the slope, cross several curves and reach a little collar lower down. Continue on the left, pass below the Ribas de Brécugne (climbing school site) and reach the chemin de la Fontaine. 1- Go back Place de la Croix through the path used at the start (GR).

A quick and active ascent of the north side of the Petit Luberon, in a wild atmosphere between forest and scrubland. A long lasting feeling, pure thrill! From the Place de la Croix, go along the halls, keep walking and turn left on Rue de l'Ecole". Turn right and reach below the Chemin de la Fontaine (GR®). Take the road on the right. 1- At the crossroads "Poudarrigue'', continue the GR® to the right and climb the stony path. Reach a hillock (338m) and continue up to the right. After the several switchbacks, continue climbing the mount and finally reach the paved forest path. 2- Turn left and 20m further go to the right in the undergrowth (GR®). Reach the small mountain hut of Bastidon du Pradon 150m away. Retrace your steps to the point 2, turn left and take the forest track to the west (PR). 250m further, pass the crossroads "La Jassine" and continue straight, on the track. Let yourself slide over 1km. 3- At the crossroads "Les Aires de Bedoin'', turn right and follow the dirt and stone track. Continue on 400m on the plateau. 4- Be careful not to miss the path on the right (Cairn - turn around if you reach to the weather station!). Moving forward on the edge of the Barre de Fiot (markings hardly noticeable). After the Barre de Gautier, move to the right (point 601m), go 300m down and switch left into the valley. 500m further and 180m lower down, continue on the left flank of the valley, crossing several hairpin bends and come out on the trail in the foothills. 5- Turn right (GR®), descend some more then rise slightly to switch to the clearing of Combrès valley. After the vineyard, turn left at the crossroads "Combrès", then climb the old cobblestone path to the right that leads up some steps in the village of Oppède-le-Vieux.

After Mourre Nègre on the Grand Luberon, here is Mourre of Cairas, at the peak of the Petit Luberon. Not less spectacular, on the contrary! From the Place de la Croix, go along the halls, keep walking and turn left on Rue de l'Ecole". Turn right and reach below the Chemin de la Fontaine (GR).). Take the road on the right. 1- At the crossroads'Poudarrigue'', leave the GR and continue left on Chemin de la Perrière. 800m further, when at the second house, take a right (RP). Reach a flat area, join the valley and continue to the left. Cross the collar of Ribas de Pire and down the slope,take a left. 2- At the track crossroads , turn right (RP), pass more then three homes and cross the collar of Grimouret. Down the steep path, continue right and quietly up the floor of the valley. 3- At the crossroads'Poudarique' ', turn right and climb the trail to Mourre de Flamarin (RP). After a curve to the left, go forward on the flat area and reach the paved forest path. 4- Turn right and proceed 400m, pass the hilltop of the Mourre de Cairas (733m) on the right and continue on the track for 1.5km. 5- At the crossroads'Bastidon Pradon' turn to the left in the undergrowth and reach the small refuge that is 150m away. Retrace your steps to point 5, cross the forest track and go straight to "l'épaule de la Jassine" (GR). Then switch to the slope, cross several curves and reach a little collar lower down. Continue on the left, pass below the Ribas de Brécugne (climbing school site) and reach the chemin de la Fontaine. 1- Go back Place de la Croix through the path used at the start (GR).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The Palais d'Aglaé, a 4-star hotel in Gordes, offers elegant and spacious rooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool and panoramic views of the Luberon. An exceptional location combining comfort and authentic Provençal charm.

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 Union Canal (or mixed channel) draws its water from the Durance EDF (French energy company) channel at the Mallemort dam. This canal supplies the Cabedan-neuf Canal, the Saint-Julien Canal, the Canal de l'Isle and the Carpentras Canal. It is therefore almost 20 000ha which are irrigated from the Union Canal, spread over 56 communes of the Vaucluse.

A picturesque village at the foot of the Luberon mountains, it has maintained a remarkable cultural heritage:: its church of the 18th century, the medieval Tower, the Théâtre des Carrières. In the old village, stone is used from the streets to constructions. The various dotted quarries are also the witness of a cutting stone past, hence the name of Taillades. Below, the Saint-Pierre Windmill, a former madder mill then flour mill, testifies to the industrial life of the 19th century.

Built in the late 19th century, this single-nave building seems to have never been blessed. Abandoned in the middle of the 20th century, it was renovated into an exhibition space dedicated to the history of the stone and the quarry tools and cutters. It owes its patronage to Bornarel Gens, a saint of the Monteux region of the 12th century whose miracles would have made him a rainmaker.».

Le Petit Luberon is part of the European Natura 2000 network like 8 other sites of the Luberon Park. Special efforts for the protection and management aimed at preserving the quality of the ecosystem and their remarkable biodiversity. A decree for the biotope protection since 1990 preserves the tranquillity of raptors by banning the practice of rock climbing and aerial sports (Ultralight aviation, paragliding, delta plane) as well as wildlife photography.

"Badarel" comes from the Occitan verb "badar" which means to be wide open, meaning in a broader sense crevasse, gash, hole... The Badarel falls you have just passed were developed in 1904 on city council decision to "make the passage accessible to shearers and wool cattles... ». A metal ladder, a ramp and a rope were installed and traces of iron bars show an opening with explosives.

This beautiful mountain plant is found only rarely in the southern Alps. It finds here one of the only four stations that are favourable to its development in the Luberon. Its beautiful dark blue flowers in clusters have straight spurs and do not appear until July. This plant has an impressive toxic product (delphinine) like most species belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, to which it belongs.

Saint-Véran chapel in Orgon. Located in a private property on the Chemin de Saint-Véran. This chapel is located on private property by the side of the Chemin de Saint-Véran. The quality and perfect stone-setting of this building, most of which is in ruins, make it one of the most characteristic in Romanesque Provence. It had a single nave, with a barrel vault resting on transverse arches and built around a semi-domed apse; on each side of the entrance to the apse were rubble stones decorated with foliage with plant and geometrical designs. There was a side chapel to the south. Only the eastern side of the building, including the well-preserved apse, is still standing. Built in honour of Saint Véran, Bishop of Cavaillon, the chapel was plundered and demolished by the Saracens, then rebuilt in the 10th century. It is possible to see stones decorated with Roman sculptures which were reused for its construction; the walls also feature masonry seals, including that of Pontius, the contractor for Saint Gabriel Chapel in Tarascon. Closed to visitors.

In the distance, the Saint-Jacques hill emerges from the plains, overlooking the town of Cavaillon. This is actually the continuation of the Petit Luberon massif, formed by the same limestone but separated from it by a gap created there over 30 million years after two rifts caved in. One of the two is the Salon - Cavaillon - Fontaine-de-Vaucluse rift. This is a major and active rift, with an important role in the geological history of Provence.

From the traditional practice of grazing and particular constraints of the Mediterranean and Alpine climates combined, the action of the sheep in the spring associated with bush clearing includes the extension of shrubs. Luberon lawns are home to many heritage species of plants and insects. They are also hunting areas for large raptors. Scientific monitoring of rare and sensitive species are conducted on several sites.

This plant of the Alps has developed in Provence a particular subspecies equipped with strong rhizomes which can penetrate cracks in the rock. During blossoming, its tufts have a multitude of blue flowers bells which, by dangling, clearly stand out in the white limestone walls.

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.

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.

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

Traditional cuisine based on fresh and seasonal produce.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Nestling on the southern slopes of the Luberon, this natural area comprises 25 pitches with swimming pool. Ideally located for visiting Provence, it is equipped with all amenities.

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.

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.

A hostel for overnight and longer stays, suitable for hikers, horseriders, and cyclists, but also for family weekends or big get-togethers. The hostel can accommodate up to 15 people. 2 dormitories + 1 studio. Fully equipped kitchen at your disposal, also breakfast service, half board or full board available. Please give at least 24 hours' notice before your arrival to ensure we have enough fresh produce on hand. ""Made-up Bed"" Option, with duvets, pillowcase and sheets (€5). ""Towels"" option (€5), with handtowels and bath towels at your disposal. Bed only: €21 + €0.88 daily tax - breakfast: €6.50/person - full evening meal, with starter, main course and dessert: €18.50 - per night with half board (dinner, overnight stay and breakfast): €46/person - picnic lunch: €8/person - per night full board: €54/person (by prior reservation)

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.

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.

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.