New Year's Eve in the Luberon: hiking and comfort

After a short transfer, our day begins at Sénanque Abbey, a jewel of Cistercian art nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by lavender fields. Founded in the 12th century, it offers a peaceful and spiritual setting, ideal for starting our hike. We leave the abbey grounds to reach the Véroncle Gorge, a stunning canyon carved into the limestone, dotted with the remains of 17th-century troglodytic mills. The path, sometimes steep, winds between cliffs and natural pools, offering spectacular views of this wild landscape. Emerging from the gorge, we arrive in Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its cobbled streets that meander between tall buildings, built on the rock and dominated by its castle. Painters Marc Chagall and Pol Mara (whose museum is in the castle), and the Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely, among others, found inspiration here. We then resumed our journey to return peacefully to Sénanque Abbey.

After an early morning transfer from Gordes, we arrive in Bonnieux, a village perched on the northern slopes of the Petit Luberon. From there, a forest road leads us to the parking area for the Cedar Forest, located high above the village. This remarkable forest is composed of Atlas cedars (Cedrus atlantica), introduced here in 1861 from seeds brought from Algeria. Today, it covers more than 250 hectares and is a protected area, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area and part of the Natura 2000 network. We enjoy a loop hike on marked trails, alternating between sections through the undergrowth and open viewpoints. One of the highlights of the day is passing by the Portalas Arch, a geological curiosity in the shape of a natural arch, located near the ridge. The trail also offers several panoramic views of the Durance Valley, the Alpilles mountains, Mont Ventoux, and sometimes even as far as Mont Sainte-Victoire on a clear day. At the end of the day, return to the forest parking area, then transfer to Gordes.

Transfer to Roussillon for a walk through its ochre sands. We begin with a visit to the village of Roussillon, its cliffs, colorful facades, and narrow streets leading to the Castrum, where the medieval castle once stood. Then we continue along the St. John's Trail, which winds its way between old ochre quarries, while explaining the origin and extraction of this unusual material. Return to Gordes.