The Gorges de Régalon, a Sensitive Canyon to be Preserved
Due to the difficulty of accessing them, the Régalon gorges are one of the last ecosystems of the Petit Luberon that has been little or less profoundly modified by humans. Nature has shown ingenuity for thousands of years adapting to the harsh living conditions. But, nonetheless, it remains fragile. In order to protect this exceptional site and allow biodiversity to flourish in complete peace, it is important for the responsible visitor to respect a few rules.
Remember
- No smoking
- Fire prohibited
- Camping and bivouac forbidden
- Quiet zone: remain very quiet to avoid disturbing the different species of birds.
- Take your waste away with you
- Don’t climb on rocks
- Pedestrian access only
- Don’t walk on plants
- Gathering / picking prohibited (including collection of dead wood)
- Excavation and sampling prohibited
- Dogs not allowed
In the Event of Rain or Water in the Stream
Don’t Go Into the Gorge
The route is difficult: many rocky ledges require that you use your hands. The rock is worn and slippery. Visiting the Gorges is not recommended for young children, people with mobility difficulties and people with unsuitable shoes. No human safety interventions are in place. You are in a natural site which, as such, presents risks.
Access to the Forest Massifs
Access and movement in the forest massifs of the Vaucluse are regulated for your safety and the preservation of sites sensitive to forest fires.
FIRE RISK: REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
Every year from 15 June, access to certain forest areas is regulated according to weather conditions and the risk of fire.
To find out the level of fire risk on the day, call 04 28 31 77 11 or go to www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/vaucluse (fr)
BIVOUAC AND WILD CAMPING
Bivouac and wild camping are prohibited from July 1st to September 15th in the Vaucluse forests.
Régalon, the Classified Site of the Luberon Geological Nature Reserve
The Régalon gorges are dug into the massive limestone of the Petit Luberon. At the end of the Tertiary era, about 6 million years ago, the lowering of the level of the Mediterranean Sea, combined with the uplift of the Luberon, caused the rivers to gradually sink. Thus was born the Régalon canyon, a spectacular notch dug by a small stream. From 5.3 million years ago, when its level rose, the sea occupied the canyon. The only evidence it left were two small areas of sand preserved in the shelter of two caves, 600 metres from the entrance to the gorges. The entire gorge is protected by the Luberon National Geological Nature Reserve: it is forbidden to extract and collect rocks and fossils. Ministerial Decree No. 87 – 827 of 16 September 1987.
Biodiversity to Protect
A varied and rich fauna, particularly ornithological fauna, lives in this exceptional setting.
The walls and cavities offer favourable nesting sites for several species of birds, some classified as “endangered” on the national red list of endangered species. All these species are sensitive to noise, shouts and disturbance. Repeated disturbances lead to serious reproductive failures. In this narrow space, some of the largest ivy in France is also found, growing a trunk sixty centimetres in diameter and remarkable box trees.
The Régalon Gorges are included in the Petit Luberon State Biological Reserve, managed by the ONF, in order to protect its habitats and remarkable species.
The Gorges de Régalon are part of the Petit Luberon State Biological Reserve, managed by the National Forestry Office, in order to protect its habitats and remarkable species.
