When you want to get some air!
The activities we have that are great for getting a breath of fresh air in Vaucluse.
You will definitely be aware that the days are getting longer! And I find that the time has come to get out of cocooning mode and take time to reconnect with breathing the air outside. Here’s a look round the Vaucluse to stock up on Vitamin D through hikes, walks thinking about things, bike rides or sporty experiences.
AROUND THE VENTOUX
This is a ride I highly recommend: that of the Font Margot discovery trail (FR), looking out for wild fauna. I was lucky enough to do it when it was snowing but it can be enjoyed in any season thanks to the sculptures and installations that are dotted along the circuit.
Heading in a different direction, I also really like power walking in the Dentelles de Montmirail starting from Gigondas (#fandesDentelles 😊) or hiking (FR) the path leading to the old château perched on a hill at Fontaine-de Vaucluse.
Finally, you have a walk on the Puy Bricon hill (FR), which is quieter but just as charming. It is right by Pernes, and offers an orienteering trail that strollers and those who are more sporty all enjoy.
NEAR AVIGNON
The city of the popes also has a nice lot of opportunities to get out in the great outdoors. One in particular catches the eye: the île de la Barthelasse, and the strange feeling of getting time back that’s found there. I go there by bike to do a circuit on the banks of the Rhône or pedal through the cultivated fields. You can also try out paintball. On the other bank, get to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, its St André fort and the Les Mourgues hill, from which the view takes in the whole of the Abbey plain. Finally, anyone from 7 to 77 will enjoy doing the recreational sports in the Plaine des sports or the watersports stadium in Avignon (FR).
Note
You can also do micro-adventures (FR) that I’m going to try out this year setting out from Avignon.
IN THE LUBERON
Fall in love…
And what would you say to a flight in a hot air balloon? Talk about getting some air, in the air!
Ah, Luberon! Its hilltop-perched villages, its Regional Nature Park…
Its gems like ochres that provide many paths for any level of hiker (FR), that are perfect for walking in the open air as well as opportunities for colourful (FR) outings! As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing like diving into the scents of the Cedar forest for getting immersed in nature! And if you like going for bike rides, Vaucluse also has many circuits and itineraries in Luberon, like the secured walking and cycling path of the Calavon (perfect for a family outing) or circuits (FR) all around Gordes, Les Beaumettes…
IN THE HAUT-VAUCLUSE
Hikes, horse-riding, treasure hunts (FR)… There are many opportunities here too. A bike ride along the Via Rhôna gives you a wonderful ride between the mediaeval villages of Mondragon, Mornas and Piolenc, Orange as far as Caderousse. At Bollène, I’ve planned to do the heritage tour of the old town, which is full of townhouses from the 17th and 18th centuries. There is also a historic circuit in the lower city and a mediaeval circuit in the upper city (brochures available at the TO).
Fall in love…
In the Enclave des Papes take the Papal boundary marker path at Visan, which is a history-laden circuit starting out from the Valréas TO.
