In the surroundings
2412 Route de Pertuis – RD 09
84240 Cabrières-d’Aigues
In the area surrounding Les Chênes Verts Campsite and Cabrières-d’Aigues, the hardest part is choosing between going for a walk or staying by the water. Right next door, Étang de la Bonde is the perfect place to stop for a swim, a picnic in the shade of the pine trees or a leisurely stroll. And if you have your walking shoes handy and feel like exploring the area with your family, the southern Luberon around Pertuis is a great playground: Provençal villages, trails, charming bastides, viewpoints… enough to fill your days before coming back to relax at the campsite. So, ready to follow the guide? Let’s go!
Discover Cabrières-d'Aigues & La Tour d'Aigues: between walks, old stones and swimming in the heart of nature
Perched on the foothills of the highest part of the Luberon, in Cabrières-d’Aigues (whose centre is only 2 km from the campsite), the idea is to enjoy a Provençal village on a human scale and a setting that makes you want to spend the day outdoors: short walks from the village, paths between scrubland and pine forests, and breaks where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings (yes, that counts as an activity). And when the thermometer decides to climb, the nearby Étang de la Bonde lake becomes a must: swimming, picnics, reading in the shade… the perfect programme for alternating between invigorating walks and relaxation. And you’ll discover a truly gentle way of life! A little further away, near La Tour d’Aigues, the scenery changes with the ruins of the Renaissance castle, ideal for a gentle family visit (and which immediately adds a touch of ‘culture’ to the day). Afterwards, stroll through the centre, and if you happen to be there on a Tuesday morning, the Provençal market is well worth a visit: you’ll find everything you need for an aperitif/picnic that everyone will enjoy… And frankly, the setting is worthy of a postcard and typical of the Luberon landscape!
A refreshing break in the heart of nature: welcome to the Etang de la Bonde
Looking for some refreshment? We think we have just what you need… The Étang de la Bonde (located just 200 metres from the campsite) is a refreshing escape in the southern Luberon: a large lake surrounded by pine trees where you can come when you want to slow down. Once there, the programme is simple (and that’s exactly what we like): swimming when it’s hot and in all seasons, relaxing on a towel in the shade, and picnicking by the emerald waters of the lake. You can also take the opportunity to stroll around, take the time to observe nature, or just sit back and enjoy the sunset at the end of the day in this pretty corner of Provence. In short, it’s the perfect spot to alternate with hikes and village visits: here, you can simply recharge your batteries! And don’t forget to take a few souvenir photos…
Getaway in the Luberon: the most beautiful hikes not to be missed...
In the area surrounding Les Chênes Verts Campsite, the Luberon and Vaucluse regions are a real playground for hiking at your own pace: short morning loops or long day-long excursions. For a feast for the eyes without any hassle, head for the Sentiers des Ocres (Roussillon): a short hike, very accessible for families or beginners, with incredible colours (a little tip: avoid wearing shoes that are too light in colour, as the ochre gets everywhere…). In the same vein of ‘scenery that transports you’, the Colorado Provençal (Rustrel) is well worth a visit, with its landscapes of cliffs and red earth that make you feel like you’re far away… when you’re actually right next door. And if you fancy a more ‘classic Luberon’ hike – trails, viewpoints, hilltop villages in the background – you’ll find a multitude of marked routes to suit your desires, on foot or even by bike for a change of pace.
The art of Provençal leisurely strolls: heading for Pertuis
In Pertuis (7 km from the campsite) – capital of the Pays d’Aigues – it’s easy to combine a stroll through town with a trip to the countryside, which is just a stone’s throw away. Start by wandering through the historic centre: narrow streets, Provençal façades, small squares, and that ‘Luberon town’ atmosphere where everything is within walking distance. For a real local immersion, the best plan is to visit the Provençal market on Friday morning: you can put together a simple and effective picnic (and leave with two or three extra items, ‘just to try’). Then, as soon as you feel the urge to get back out into the open air, Pertuis is a great base for setting off on the Luberon trails, which you can explore on foot or by bike, with landscapes that vary rapidly between hills, scrubland and viewpoints. And if you enjoy breaks at ‘estates and pretty gardens’, there’s also plenty to enjoy a gentle outing around the gardens and vineyards of Val Joanis. And during your stopover in Pertuis, don’t miss the Bastide de la Loubière (listed as a Historic Monument)!
The Luberon: a life-size playground
There is no shortage of outdoor activities in the area surrounding Les Chênes Verts campsite, offering a wide variety of options: Mountain biking on the trails and paths of the Luberon, alternating between woodland, gentle climbs and scenic viewpoints; climbing on the local limestone cliffs to get a bird’s eye view; and even a ‘family adventure’ option with tree-top adventure parks in the Vaucluse, perfect for letting off steam in the shade of the pine trees between visits. And for those who enjoy fun activities, some local centres/operators also offer mountain bike hire and outdoor experiences that allow you to discover the landscape in a different way, for all levels. And of course, the campsite awaits you at the end of the day to help you recover from all these exciting activities!
Take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride: see the Luberon from above!
Around Pertuis, hot air balloon rides are a wonderful way to discover the Luberon ‘from above’ in a timeless atmosphere, especially at sunrise when the light is at its softest. In practice, you usually set off early, watch the balloon being inflated (which is a spectacle in itself), then take off to fly over hills, hilltop villages and patchwork fields, depending on the wind and flight plan. The experience depends on the weather (wind, visibility), so let’s hope the sun is shining! In terms of locations, departures are from the Luberon: flight bases are mentioned in particular from Forcalquier to fly over the Luberon, and also in Roussillon (ochre sector), with the idea of a flight lasting about an hour after a briefing. In any case, remember to book your activity in advance, often in small groups, for a unique and lasting memory: silence, space, and that moment when everything seems close… and very far away at the same time.
A timeless journey: discover Provençal Colorado and its picture-postcard scenery
About 40 kilometres from Les Chênes Verts campsite and Pertuis, head for Rustrel, known as the Colorado of Provence, for a walk that offers a complete change of scenery: a palette of ochre colours ranging from pale yellow to bright red, pine trees all around, and sculpted reliefs that give a little ‘Wild West’ atmosphere in the heart of the Luberon. Once there, the idea is simple: park in the car parks and explore on foot, following the footpaths that lead to viewpoints overlooking the colourful cliffs and typical rock formations, including the ‘fairy chimneys’. It’s the perfect half-day outing: take your time, alternate between wooded areas and open spaces, and stop often… because the landscape naturally calls for photos (and you can brag about it to your colleagues later). On the practical side, it’s best to come equipped with walking shoes and water (the trails can be dry and bright), and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, as the ochre easily stains. In summer, bear in mind that crowds can affect access: if the trails are full, car parks may be closed even if there are still visible spaces. And to keep things pleasant (and the light at its best), it’s a good idea to go early in the morning or late in the day, when it’s cooler.
The iconic villages of the Luberon: must-see destinations during your stay in Provence
After all these hikes, it’s time for some cultural visits! In the Luberon, the most beautiful villages are best explored at a leisurely pace: stone alleyways, small squares, viewpoints and little terraces for a break in the sun. Among the must-sees, Gordes impresses with its houses clinging to the hillside and its panoramic views, especially at the end of the day when the light warms up. Roussillon offers a very different, more colourful atmosphere, with its ochre-coloured facades and an artistic atmosphere that invites you to stroll around. For a more peaceful interlude, Ménerbes and Oppède-le-Vieux are perfect: very authentic, with quiet corners and superb views of the valley. And for a hilltop village that can be visited almost like a stroll, Bonnieux and Lacoste are worth a detour, with their stairways, narrow streets and landscapes of vineyards and garrigue.
Were are
we heading to next?
Did you love your stopover in the heart of the Vaucluse in the Luberon and its unique landscapes, but didn’t have time to see everything? Don’t worry! We suggest you continue your journey to the Hérault region and set up camp at Camping Les Vailhés (3 hours’ drive away), on the shores of Lake Salagou. With direct access to the lake and swimming, this family-friendly campsite invites you to unwind on its shaded or sunny terraced pitches, surrounded by a picture-postcard ‘lunar’ landscape. And for added comfort, discover our family accommodation with views of the stunning lake… So, ready to hit the road again? Let’s go!
