Sports and leisure activities Vaucluse

The tourist office organizes several hikes:

lou Rastelet circuit, starting from the Place de la Coconnière: on foot or by mountain bike. Green markings

notre-Dame-des-Vignes circuit, starting from the Place de la Coconnière: on foot or mountain bike. Blue markings

saint-Pierre circuit, starting from the place de la Coconnière, mountain bike. Red markings.

Finally, there is a tour of the village which starts from the Place Humbert II and takes you back in time, as the site was already known in prehistoric times.

Two pools 50 m and 25 m in a good child atmosphere and from the end of June: outdoor slides, footbath and bungalow with sale of drinks, ice creams. The aquatic centre, with its indoor swimming pool and outdoor play area, allows the Bollénois to spend pleasant moments of relaxation in the sun, on the lawn. Their children can have fun on the slides and other water games at their disposal, all in a very holiday atmosphere, near the palm trees and other bamboos. This area is an undeniable tourist asset.

A wide choice of formulas for beginners and experienced players for this green just a few minutes from the city centre. Lessons and annual fees for adults and children or young people under 25 years old, group or individual lessons, hourly or daily rates... A single motto: "The few difficulties offered by the course will be perfectly overcome by all golfers who know how to show humility". "A very wise motto, by the way... A shop and a restaurant await you to comfort you.

Why this name for a pond that is no longer salty? It is because it was drained in the 19th century. But imagine that it was in the Middle Ages and that it was exploited. Today, it is mainly a reserve for birds. There are no less than 150 different species. It is a small walk to discover the biodiversity of the Vaucluse, particularly rich. The surroundings are therefore arranged so that visitors can enjoy the place while respecting the natural species that inhabit it. Visits are organized by the tourist office.

An original approach by César Magault, a state-certified sports educator, to help you discover the fauna and flora as you descend the Durance. He accompanies each group for an adventure along the water, another way of discovering the landscape and villages crossed, the fauna and flora. You will embark in canoes for 2 or 3 people. Kayaks are available for more experienced people. 2 courses, 8 km between Lauris and Cadenet for which it takes about 1h15 of navigation and 18 km from Lauris to Puy-Ste-Réparade for 3 hours of navigation.

A former soldier and skydiving instructor, Jean-Christophe Gibert set up this ultralight club in 2013 to share his passion for flying, from baptism of the air to pilot's license and introductory flights. You'll soon catch the bug, because apart from the sporting discipline, flying like a bird over the emblematic landscapes of our region and looking down on the earth from above is a pleasure without equal. An aerial photography service and incentive packages are also available. A must with a flight over the ochres of Roussillon or the Baux de Provence.

The fishermen of Grillon manage the small rivers of the Enclave des Papes, in the north of the Vaucluse, an area entirely surrounded by the Drôme. The majority of these rivers are in first category fish, and totally reciprocal. To be noted on the commune of Grillon in the heart of the Enclave, the lake of Lez, a site particularly well adapted to many animations promoting fishing. Spills of overcrowded trout. No need to go there for a family swim, it is strictly forbidden.

Located 1 km south-east of the village, this is a very pleasant place to fish. It extends over 2 hectares. Of course, trout are the main attraction. On the shores of the lake, you can enjoy picnics and beautiful walks, as this is the starting point for hikes to the Gorges de la Nesque. A GR bridle path joins the GR9, taking you to the ^12th-century chapel of Saint-Michel, which is well worth the detour. In the gorges you'll discover a world like no other. Fields of lavender, Provence's blue gold, stretch as far as the eye can see.

Thinking of following in the footsteps of Stevenson, who linked the southern Massif Central to the Cévennes? Jean-Louis invites you to meet the donkey who could be your travel companion. The association owns 7 donkeys. You'll start by brushing the animal for a first contact. Afterwards, children can take the donkeys for a one-hour ride. You'll discover that donkeys aren't all that stubborn - it's just a question of trust. And donkeys are used to other audiences: they regularly visit schools and nursing homes.

Located inside the historic Halles d'Avignon market, Cuisine Centr'Halles opens its "doors" to immerse you in the heart of the market atmosphere, but not only... Every day, except Mondays, a lunch and cooking class are offered, and chef Jonathan Chiri is on hand. You start with a "guided" tour of the premises as you shop, then get down to business. Jonathan can also come to your home and prepare an aperitif, starter, main course and dessert. Don't forget to make a reservation.

The long walks are marked out in red and yellow. Prefer the blue ones if you are with small children. You will always have a beautiful view of the vineyard dotted with forests. The tourist office of Beaumes-de-Venise will give you maps, advice and more information about these walks. But always remember to check the weather forecast, thunderstorms can be fast and very violent. Put on good walking shoes, the paths are stony, remember to bring water, in summer the temperatures rise quickly.

Take a walk, but not during hunting season! The Combe de Canaud was once occupied by troglodyte populations. A hiking and interpretation trail of the Combe (available from the Mairie and the Bédoin tourist office) has been created by schoolchildren. The trail is well laid out, with sketches of the local flora, sheepfolds, a cave and the old basin that used to capture the village's water. Walking shoes and water bottle recommended.

This club, created in 1984, is open to all age groups and covers 4 hectares, benefiting from the exceptional environment of the island of La Barthelasse. From the first, essential and not so easy, step of riding to the ultimate one - such as jumping competitions, through gallop, cross-country or dressage - you are sure to climb the ladder well supervised. During the school holidays, courses are organised by the day or over several days.

This route is entirely dedicated to bikes and walkers, and follows the old railroad line. It runs from station to station, from Sarrians to Jonquières. It's especially popular with families on Sundays. It's so easy and flat, you'll even come across rollerbladers. Yes, trains don't like hills! And it's a safe bet that many of the local children have taken off their training wheels to get out and ride their bikes like grown-ups!

Located on the heights of Saumane, this 18-hole golf course offers a lovely 6,099-meter course. Surrounded by wooded hills, it offers magnificent views of the Luberon and Vaucluse mountains. The course, with its 38 strategically placed bunkers, is quite technical, making it a benchmark in the region. There's also spacious, well-equipped residential accommodation, a bar and a restaurant: L'Élégant.

For lovers of original hiking tours in the (large) south-eastern quarter of France, but also in the rest of France, Italy, Germany, Portugal and several other European countries: Chemins du Sud is the agency for you. Created more than twenty years ago by a former shepherd mountain leader, Nicolas Dessaux, it has been able from the outset to win the confidence of many hikers and also - and above all - to remain among the leading agencies based in the South of France.

From the village square, there are many looping footpaths. Some have a bit of a history. Such is the case of the chemin des Fileuses, named after the spinners from Cabrières d'Avignon who came to work at the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse wool mill. 5 km of sometimes narrow paths through garrigue and natural caves to the old quarries of Cabrières-d'Avignon. From the village square, cross the bridge towards Cavaillon, then take the Gordes tourist route to the youth hostel.

Here's an original way to explore the Cité des Papes: by canoe! Boats can accommodate up to four people. Departures are from the Île de la Barthelasse. With a few strokes of the paddle, you'll approach Avignon's famous Pont Bénézet bridge. As you paddle along, you'll be able to admire the city's historic monuments, which are even more impressive when seen from below. For a more natural outing, you can continue along the meandering Rhône river.

A leisure area, spread over 18 ha, developed on the water with a nautical area to enjoy the joys of swimming and an environment conducive to fitness. Are at your disposal: a sailing school, courses from 11 years old from April to October, supervised swimming in July and August. Guinguette, reception room, shaded terrace. A nice place to relax to spend the day, plan the picnic, the cap and the petanque balls.

Founded in 1947, the SNA is an institution in the heart of Avignon and one of the largest rowing clubs in France. It is not for nothing that it has won the title of "^1st French Club" several times. In addition to the competition, the management team offers introductory courses. You can try out different boats, from the "skiff" (solo) to the "eight", including the "two without coxswain" and the "four scull". Rowing is a sport that can be practiced at any age

This lowland river rises at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and flows into the Ouvèze after 32 km. It is the most regular of the department's small rivers. Its waters, long used to run mills (paper, flour and madder) and spinning mills, are now used for agriculture and leisure activities such as fishing and canoeing. The clarity and quality of the water, and its constant temperature of 13°C, make it a first-category river. Its waters have long been renowned for their trout.

"Tasting is a pleasure that can be learned" is an adage that the Wine School has made its own in order to share it with wine lovers and/or the curious, from the most novice to the connoisseur. To this end, the Wine School, in partnership with the Wine University of Suze la Rousse, offers themed tasting workshops throughout the year based on the AOCs of the Côtes du Rhône and the Rhône Valley. Full programme on their website. The training courses take place in a fun and educational way in a well-designed space, maximum 18 people.

Caroline worked in the cultural and sporting events sector, while Anouk was a psycho-educational teacher. Both mothers, they dreamed of a place where children could blossom: nature with all it has to offer. They pooled their skills to create a day-care center dedicated to 6-12 year-olds. All activities take place outdoors, in small groups according to age group: pottery, watercolor painting, building huts and feeders, treasure hunts, sensory hikes, giant hide-and-seek, pastry-making and cooking workshops. Taking care of yourself, nature and others is a wonderful lesson in life.

Stéphane is passionate about photography, and the Luberon is his preferred location. He'll take you to some of the most beautiful spots in this unspoilt region for an introduction or advanced course in photography techniques. Stéphane will teach you all you need to know, whether you choose a half-day, 2 days or more, to master settings, shooting, composition, highlighting your subject and finding your style!

This 3 km walk takes you through a land dedicated to wine since the ^13th century. In the ^18th century, vines became the only crop grown in the village. The village is surrounded by the Côtes du Rhône Cru Rasteau , awarded in 2010. You'll pass through a small wood and carpets of flowers, walk on a mosaic of clays that are all signs of quality biodiversity. You'll recognize the king of grapes, Grenache. Signs and flyers guide you along the trail. Back in the village, don't miss a tasting of the famous Cru.

To the east of the village, the Périgrine andPetit Défend localities are classified as Sensitive Natural Areas . The loop of this ethnobotanical hike opens and closes at Vénasque. With children, we stay connected and the walk becomes a treasure hunt, from beacon to beacon, installed on stones. You'll learn all about the plants, trees and shrubs that surround you, and about the Périgrine farm you'll be walking alongside. It takes 3 hours 30 minutes to learn all about the wig tree, Aleppo pine, common juniper, Kermes oak... At the top, you'll fall in love with the breathtaking view, from the Ventoux to the Dentelles de Montmirail, with the village of Blauvac perched on the side of the Giant. Then a zigzagging path leads down to the bed of the Nesque, known as Fonds de Nesque. The Défend ravine impresses before the steep and rugged ascent to Vénasque.

This lake is a godsend in the region. Supervised swimming, water sports activities, waterside picnics, children's games, snack bars, pedal boats and even a fishing spot - it's all here! In July, free, no-registration sports sessions are offered for all levels! On the program: muscular awakening, pilates, adapted cardio..

For meditation, around the lake or at the top of the Dune, a remarkable landscaped site offers visitors walking and discovery trails in a preserved natural setting. All year round, you can enjoy the variations with the seasons. From the heart of the reed beds, you can watch the ballet of kingfishers in the morning, the swallows that come to drink, the cormorants that dry their feathers on the Esplanade steps... On warm summer evenings, there's even an open-air cinema and sometimes a floating concert!

Le Thor is a town that offers a variety of cultural and artistic activities. Among them, Sonograf offers dance classes for all levels. Le Sonograf also organizes dance events and shows for the general public.

Venasqu'Anes is a company offering donkey rides in Venasque, in the Monts de Vaucluse. The donkeys are certified by the national stud farms and are qualified for leisure activities. They can carry up to 30 kg of luggage or a small child. A donkey trek can accommodate up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Routes are adapted to the participants and a map is provided. Departures are from Venasque, at 316 Chemin de Chinardon. Tours can be adapted at extra cost. Tours are available from 9am to 5pm, with arrival requested half an hour before departure.

FLY SORGUE VENTOUX, a flight school located in Pernes-les-Fontaines, offers first flights in ULM autogyro. Flying over the majestic landscapes of Provence from Pernes-les-Fontaines is a rare privilege. Under the expert wing of pilot Nicolas, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux, the Nesque gorges, the typical villages of the Comtat Venaissin... Each landscape unfolds like an impressionist canvas. The thrill is guaranteed when you reach the summit of the "Giant of Provence", bathed in flamboyant autumn colors. The school also offers introductory flights.

Avignon is an ideal city for cycling enthusiasts. UltimeBike, a store specializing in cycles and urban mobility, is located in the Courtine area, next to Mc Donald's and the TGV station. They offer a wide range of bikes and equipment to suit all budgets and riding styles, from mountain bikes and road bikes to electric-assist bikes, scooters and urban bikes. Their repair shop is open to carry out all repairs and maintenance operations, even the most technical. They are also Bosch eBike Service and Shimano STEPS approved for electric-assist bikes.

The Martial Arts Academy is a martial arts school located in Châteauneuf-du-Rhône. Specializing in Taekwondo, Hapkido and self-defense, it also offers music therapy courses. The school's address is Cite Adine, 780 Route de Viviers, 26780 Châteauneuf-du-Rhône. The school also offers courses in other towns in the region, such as Bollène, Lapalud and Montélimar. The Martial Arts Academy is an association under the law of 1901, which has been in existence for 15 years, specializing for the past 6 years in teaching martial arts to people with disabilities.

This farm offers activities linked to nature and animals, as well as the sale of farm produce. But Catherine's main attraction is the walks she proposes in the company of her affectionate little donkeys; they carry children if they are tired or too small, as well as picnics and luggage. Several options are available, by the hour, half-day or full day, or by the week with a bivouac on the trails of the Monts de Vaucluse, with routes adapted to each person's ability