Top Things to do in Vaucluse
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What to do and see in Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Vaucluse, France including Mont Ventoux, Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon, Rocher des Doms, Parcours de L'Art, Colorado Provencal, Le Sentier des Ocres, Ile de la Barthelasse, Les Gorges de Regalon, Gorges de la Nesque, Sentier Vigneron d'Oppede.
Restaurants in Vaucluse
1. Mont Ventoux
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,252 reviews
Reviewed By johnmN5785EK - Lyon, France
Mont Ventoux (‘windy”) is a barren mountain rising a steep 2,110m (over 6,000 ft) into the sky, near Carpentras and nicknamed the “Giant of Provence”. Worth checking out if you're in the Provence region and also if you're a Tour de France cycle race fan, as it forms one of the stages of La Grande Boucle, as the race is nicknamed in France. It was originally forested but was stripped of most trees from the 12th century on to supply the shipbuilders of Toulon. Some areas have been reforested since 1860 with a variety of hardwood trees (oaks, beeches) as well as coniferous, such as cedars and larches. A little higher, junipers are common. The drive was spectacular when we did it by car, but the vast numbers of discarded energy gel wrappers was noticeable. This is a challenging climb for all cyclists especially due to the gradient, the lack of hairpins on what is largely a straight road up a mountainside, and the moonscape after leaving the treeline. The weather can change very rapidly, from 30-degree at the foot where one enters the oak trees, to five degrees and low cloud whipped by winds across the limestone between the twin summits, named Col des Tempêtes (Hill of Storms). We entered the cloud just after the memorial to Tom Simpson, an English cyclist who died during the ascent of Mont Ventoux, during the Tour of 1967. Lots of cycling paraphernalia are deposited on his polished granite memorial which recalls “an Olympic medallist, a world champion, a British sporting ambassador”. it was hard to find parking once we got to the peak, as it was a bit crowded – we admired the stunning vista of Provence. A touching and memorable experience, especially for fans of the Grande Boucle.
2. Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon
3. Rocher des Doms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,765 reviews
Reviewed By jazzfang - Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada
This wonderful park is filled with spots to sit in the shade on a warm day, breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes of the Provencal valley and even has a cute cafe seated near a fountain ! Don’t miss the porcelain graphic representation of the views (local towns and mountains) and the sundial in the middle of the park. You can also contemplate the effects of WWII at the jewish memorial (a mural commemorating those lost in the war).
4. Parcours de L'Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
5. Colorado Provencal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,722 reviews
The Colorado Provencal is a former ocher quarry . Indeed, the first sod it was given in 1871. The last wash of ocher was held in 1993 with Roger Arnaud.The Colorado website The site is part of the private domain, both the Mayor of Rustrel and some 150 owners , heirs of ocher! Fully shaped by the hand of ocher workers. Thus you will discover the working face, basins, pipes conveying water, motors. These are all remnants of an industrial past . The association Colorado Provencal Rustrel The combination of the Provencal Colorado Rustrel is manager of this exceptional site. Ranked under the 1930 Act of Historical Monuments . This is why the association is located on two marked trails throughout the year.
Reviewed By PhilippeF1149
A relatively easy trekking experience amidst beautiful ochre colors. The vistas are what postcards are made of. Note that you have to be in adequate physical shape to visit the site. It's not a demanding exercise, but there are several inclines that can - literally - take your breath away. Also, good shoes are in order.
6. Le Sentier des Ocres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,702 reviews
Reviewed By Fijnproevertje
It's like walking trough a red sand canyon, very pleasant and great with kids. It's best to ware closed shoes as the red sand sticks on your feet & shoes.
7. Ile de la Barthelasse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
Reviewed By anagP6520XJ - Sydney, Australia
This is a great little town with lots of history and great photo opportunities. This is a lovely place to just hang out and enjoy the view. Lovely atmosphere.
8. Les Gorges de Regalon
9. Gorges de la Nesque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By 475ricke - Roussillon, France
A regular visit for me, as a local cyclist. The best views are to be had from the viewpoint at the highest point of the gorge, a few km west of Monieux. A must see if you are in the area. Make sure you meet the tame "wild boars", also at the viewpoint, not to mention their fascinating guardian, a retired Texan gentleman, who lives in the house opposite the viewpoint. A very well travelled man, he has decided to spend his later years here, with neither internet, television or electricity, and only shortwave radio to keep abreast of news. He is often at the viewpoint, happy to talk to visitors about his life, and of course his boars, which he neither sells, nor eats! Note that the gorge is long, and will talk a half hour or more to travel its length by car. If you are visiting from the Sault end, you may wish to turn back early, as the gorge is most impressive at the viewpoint, and becomes less interesting the further west you go (in my opinion).
10. Sentier Vigneron d'Oppede
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