Discovering the Luberon Park

Tag 1: Lauris

ITALY / LAURIS / MERINDOL (-/L/D)
We found ourselves in the area where the departments of Vaucluse, Drôme, and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence meet. The Luberon Regional Park is a stunning area, also known as the "Provençal Colorado", thanks to its ancient ochre quarries that create a striking, cinematic landscape—often used as film sets. The park stretches from Cavaillon to Villeneuve, across the Luberon mountain range, offering nature lovers a rich network of trails shaped by geological heritage and no less than five distinct ecosystems.
A legend from the village of Rustrel tells of how the soil turned red from the blood spilled by Sirmonde, who threw herself off the cliffs after her fiancé left her for his lover. In truth, these formations date back over 200 million years, shaped by rainfall altering sandy sediment layers. Ochre deposits have been mined since the 1700s, and today’s rock formations are the result of both erosion and human excavation over time. What will surprise you most is the intense green of the pine forests, which strikingly contrasts with the ochre tones of the cliffs—sculpted by centuries of wind and weather.
Along the way, we’ll also discover charming Provençal villages like Lourmarin.

Self-arrival and meeting point at Mas de Recaute in Lauris by 9:00 AM.
After horse assignment, we set off into the heart of the Petit Luberon. We ride up the Recaute trail, lined with holm oaks and pine trees. Above us, the cliffs of the Luberon tower over the path. We then descend to the Tapi refuge deep in the forest for a picnic stop. In the afternoon, we continue exploring the Petit Luberon, riding down to Mérindol, where we can visit the historic Vaudois village. From there, we head to our overnight lodging: a large dormitory (20 beds), nearby showers, and a swimming pool available in summer.

Tag 2: Maubec

MERINDOL / MAUBEC (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we ride along the northern side of the Petit Luberon, following the Carpentras canal. We reach the village of Robion and eventually arrive in Maubec, where we have dinner and overnight stay at Mas de l’Estang.

Tag 3: Bonnieux

MAUBEC / BONNIEUX (B/L/D)
Today we continue riding along the northern flank of the Petit Luberon, stopping at the ancient village of Oppède le Vieux, then Lacoste—home to the famous castle of the Marquis de Sade—before reaching Bonnieux, where we will camp for the night.

Tag 4: Buoux

BONNIEUX / BUOUX (B/L/D)
We ride across the Claparèdes Plateau, with its lavender fields, dry-stone walls, and old stone huts. We then descend into the Aiguebrun Valley, where we spend the night at the Auberge des Seguins.

Tag 5:

BUOUX / LAURIS / ITALY (B/L/-)
Today we return to our starting point, passing through picturesque villages—the homeland of Albert Camus. From Lourmarin to Lauris, we ride along the edge of the Luberon, through orchards and vineyards. We return to the stables in the late afternoon, followed by independent departure.

Note: The itinerary described above is indicative and may be subject to change due to weather conditions or other factors beyond our control.
Trip Details

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Difficulty Level: °°° (Intermediate)
Accommodation: Simple rural lodgings (mas-style)
Tack: Trekking saddles
Horses: Arab, Arab-Berber, and Camargue breeds – docile and accustomed to the terrain
Daily Riding Time: Approx. 5 hours/day – riders must be comfortable at all three gaits
What to Bring: Riding apparel, protective helmet, waist pouch, water bottle
Minimum Age: 12 years
Maximum Weight: 85 kg
Type: Point-to-point trek with hotel accommodation

Accommodations
Night 1: Les Argiles
Night 2: Mas de L’Estang
Night 3: Camping Le Vallon
Night 4: Auberge des Seguins
Basic but clean mixed dormitories with shared bathrooms. Picnic lunches along the route; dinners feature traditional cuisine and local wine. Dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodated upon request.

Guaranteed Departure Dates (min. 3 participants):
April 19–23
May 28–June 1
June 1–5
June 16–20
July 5–9
August 23–27
September 27–October 1
October 18–22
Participants: Min. 3 – Max. 4

Supplements and Reductions
Single Room Supplement: Not available
Departure with only 2 riders: On request
Transfers to/from Marseille Airport or train station: On request