Discover Velleron, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

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.

Remarkable area: Colline de la GrailleThis hill is a blend of natural and agricultural landscapes, offers a 270° view of Avignon and Mont Ventoux. The vegetation is typically Mediterranean, with holm oaks, pines and aromatic plants (juniper, cade and thyme). Find out more about our Greater Avignon nature trails at our Tourist Office reception desk.

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.

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.

"Distance: 23 km - Duration: 3h - Car park: Quai de l’Ouvèze in Bédarrides. Waymarked." "This ride through the magnificent Provence countryside takes you from Bédarrides to Courthézon along a small peaceful route along the banks of the refreshing Ouvèze river. One variation will take you across the Ouvèze grain-growing plain to discover the town of Jonquières, famous for its arts and crafts shops. Get the map and details of this ride at any Tourist office in the region or download it from the website https://www.provence-a-velo.fr/"

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.

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 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.

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.

In Sarrians, at the heart of Vaucluse, the Fontaine du Clos Estate has been in the Barnier family for 4 generations. Our 50 different grape varieties allow us to propose 15 different wines under the Vacqueyras, Côtes du Rhône and Vin de Pays de Vaucluse labels. A family estate for 5 generations now, the Barnier family has seen its business evolve over time, from silkworm cultivation, livestock farming and market gardening, to finally specializing in vine growing with the Fontaine du Clos estate and wine nursery. Marie and Léon Barnier have managed to grow the business by maintaining this diversity, while always keeping a foothold in viticulture. Under the impetus of Nicole and Jean, a new direction was taken with the creation of the wine nursery in 1980, followed by the private winery in 1990. The estate has never ceased to evolve, thanks in particular to the work of Céline and Jean-François, who took up the torch in the 2000s following their studies in viticulture and management. Their first experience was in the field, when they joined the nursery team. This experience enabled them to understand and master the entire viticultural cycle, from the production of raw materials for the vine to the elaboration and marketing of their wines. The estate as we know it today boasts 50 different grape varieties. This palette, combined with the work of each member of the company and the BARNIER family, is the strength of our wines today, which are both atypical and gourmet, with IGP Vaucluse, IGP Méditerranée, AOP Côtes du Rhône and AOP Vacqueyras.

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.

In 1994, Bernard Castelain founded La Chocolaterie in the heart of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. The union of chocolate and wine gave birth to his first chocolate, Palet des Papes: a perfect balance between dark chocolate and Marc de Châteauneuf du Pape. Committed to the quality of its products, the chocolate factory makes top-of-the-range chocolates every day, selecting quality raw materials and adding traditional know-how that honors French gastronomy. The "Chocolat de France" label, ECOCERT certification, launched the first chocolates in 2000, and the "Charte Pur Beurre de Cacao" reinforce the company's commitment to quality. Every day, a passionate and welcoming team contributes to the success of Chocolaterie Castelain, which now has 3 stores in Provence. All year round, the company offers video projections (in F, GB), tastings and workshops for young and old alike. Free all year round: - Video projection on the history of chocolate and cocoa farming (25 minutes, in F, GB) - visit to the 200 m2 "Gourmet & Gourmand" boutique: chocolates, direct sales from the factory and free tasting of specialities: Palet des Papes & Picholine. Specialties and products from Provence: nougats, calissons, tapenade, candied fruits, syrups. Wines and spirits, selection of wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Ventoux, Vins doux naturels, liqueurs de Provence. - Chocolate mold decoration workshop for children aged 3 and over - Price: €18 for individuals - 1h Fabrication workshop (making a mold and sweets) - Price: 39€ for children and adults - Atelier Fabrication 2h (making a mold, a gourmet tablet and sweets) - Price: 75€ per adult - Wine and chocolate pairing introductory workshop with commentary - 1h on reservation - Price: 29€. You can round off your visit with another gourmet break at the Bar à Chocolat, where you can enjoy hot chocolate and other treats (menu and prices on site).

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

The monumental residence of the pontiffs, a symbol of the Church's influence on the Christian West in the 14th century, is the largest Gothic palace in the world! The Palais des Papes is one of the 10 most visited monuments in France. The residence of the pontiffs in the 14th century, it was built in less than twenty years from 1335 onwards, mainly by two papal builders, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. There are 25 different areas to visit: state rooms, chapels, cloisters and the pope's private apartments, all decorated with priceless frescoes by Italian artist Matteo Giovannetti. The monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Babies and strollers: strollers may not be used inside the monument and must be left at the cloakroom. Baby carriers available on loan. TICKETS: Avignon Tourisme invites you to book your visit online by choosing your time slot. Reservations at www.avignon-tourisme.com Tickets can be purchased on site and at the tourist office for slots that are not fully booked. HISTOPAD: an immersive digital tour to go back in time and see the invisible! With the Histopad (digital tablet), step back in time and relive the splendors of the pontifical court in the 14th century in multimedia immersion. Thanks to augmented reality, you can visualize many of the rooms in the Papal Palace as they might have been in the 14th century. The Histopad allows you to take a virtual tour of 9 of the palace's main rooms, which have been re-imagined in their 14th-century settings using augmented reality. Included in the price of admission, until April 2026. THE PALACE GARDENS Recently restored, the gardens are a new attraction for visitors, providing a space for relaxation and a better understanding of the Palace of the Popes as a whole. The Jardin du Pape and the Jardin du Palais join the Verger Urbain V, inaugurated on September 14, 2018, and freely accessible to the public, to complete the triptych of the Jardins du Palais des Papes. This redevelopment is structured into two zones: the Jardin du Palais (or Jardin Benoît XII, 1250m2) and the Jardin du Pape (662m2). The 14th-century hydraulic network was chosen as the structuring element for the design of the Palace Garden, delimiting the large rectangles where Mediterranean plant species attested to in the 14th century in these pontifical gardens are planted. The Jardin du Pape is an intimate garden, with direct access from the papal apartments. The redevelopment of the garden has restored its precious character, with the re-creation of the griffin fountain and the surrounding flower meadow. The famous and imposing Roma building, of which only a trace remains on the ground, has been reconstituted in the form of a monumental pergola, which will eventually be entirely covered with plants. Restoration work has been undertaken by the City of Avignon and Avignon Tourisme with the support of the French government, the DRAC, the Southern Region, the Crédit Agricole Foundation and the L'Occitane Foundation. The gardens can be visited on their own, or combined with the Pont d'Avignon or Palais des Papes. Free for Avignon residents every day of the year, upon reservation and presentation of proof of address. Tours close 30 minutes before the monument closes. IH : Due to a large number of steps, the tour of the Palais des Papes is partially inaccessible to wheelchair users. However, we are happy to assist you with your personalized visit. All our teams are mobilized to accompany you and provide you with a "tailor-made" experience at the heart of the greatest Gothic palace. Your visit will take you through the main areas of the monument, allowing you to discover the history of the Popes, armed with your Histopad. Bonus: access to the Sant-Martial chapel. Visits available all year round, by reservation only, up to 24 hours in advance: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm*. Length of visit: 2 hours. Free admission for you and your companion (guided tour recommended). Reservations required on 04 32 74 32 74 or by e-mail: officetourisme@avignon-tourisme.com * Dates subject to change, to be confirmed with the Avignon Tourist Office team. Numerous guided tours of the monument are offered throughout the year. Information and reservations at www.avignon-tourisme.com The boutique-library is open all year round. See the store video: youtu.be/17jxnfkn7cc Pets are not allowed (except guide dogs). The Palais des Papes has been awarded the "Accueil vélo" label. Subject to change without notice.

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.

The green Oak (Quercus ilex) is an evergreen tree of the Fagaceae family. It can reach 5 to 20 meters high, as well as a longevity of 200 to 2000 years. It is sometimes called "false holly" oak in reference to its leaves that resemble those of holly. The Green Oak is an emblematic species of the French Mediterranean south and is the dominant tree species of scrubland formations. ;

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.