Climate
Far from preconceived ideas, the climate of the Vaucluse is no picnic. Of course, there's the picture-postcard image of brilliant sunshine all year round - we'll give you that - and muted heat in summer. But that doesn't take into account the violence of the thunderstorms that break out without warning. September and autumn are often the scene of short but sometimes torrential rains. Tiny streams turn into torrents, causing flooding. Then, suddenly, the sun comes out in full force, offering a delicious Indian summer before... winter. It's often said that here, nothing is done for the winter season. It's as if we wanted to forget the mistral wind, which regularly blows at over 100 km/h and chills everything. Not even the ever-present sun can do anything about it. And suddenly, the almond trees are in bloom! It's the start of a spring in which sleet (sometimes hail) and beautiful days battle it out. And the sun always wins!
Two seasons
To sum up the region's climate: there are only 2 seasons here, a very cold winter and a very hot summer. The best times to visit are: April, May, June, September and October. Avoid August, when the mercury can reach 43 degrees.
The relief
Mediterranean vegetation.
The vegetation of the Vaucluse region consists of garrigues and sparse forests (often pine forests). There is also a cedar forest in the Petit Luberon: the cedar grove was planted in 1861 using seeds from the Algerian Altlas. It extends over the communes of Bonnieux and Lacoste. It's a little paradise for hikers - with a botanical trail, 30 min 1 km D+: 11 m, easy - but also for cyclists who appreciate its coolness. Another small cedar forest has been planted in Lagnes and runs alongside the famous plague wall. Access: 8 km from Bonnieux on the D36 and 15 km from Lourmarin on the D945, D36 and route des crêtes de la forêt des Cèdres du Petit Luberon.
The regional nature parks of Luberon and Mont Ventoux (the most recent) are classified as Unesco Biosphere Reserves. The region's strong agricultural and wine-growing tradition is reflected in a landscape of market garden and tree crops, lavender fields on the Plateau de Sault and, of course, a large number of vineyards and olive groves.
Rivers and valleys.
Of course, the Rhône and Durance rivers are the department's natural borders. But other rivers and streams have carved their way through the limestone rock to create magnificent landscapes such as the gorges of the Nesque, Toulourenc and Combe de Lourmarin.
The Sorgue rises in Fontaine de Vaucluse, and is a popular river for canoeists of all levels. From Isle-sur-la-Sorgue onwards, it divides into three branches: the Canal de Vaucluse, the Sorgue d'Entraigues and the Sorgue de Velleron, which are themselves subdivided into ten or so streams, all of which join the Ouvèze at Bédarrides. The Canal de Vaucluse ends its course in Avignon, where it joins the Rhône from the Rue des Teinturiers (the only part of it visible).
One of the oldest canals in Vaucluse, the Carpentras Canal is 69 km long. It irrigated 10,600 hectares, making the department a major agricultural hub.
Plateaux.
The Sault plateau, located downstream from the Ventoux, is renowned for its lavender and spelt crops. Herds of goats and sheep also graze peacefully.
Plains.
The most important is the Comtat. It surrounds the Ventoux to the south and west. In fact, it's the most densely populated part of the département. It is extremely fertile, and is home to much of the country's early produce.
Summits and passes.
Also known as "le géant de Provence" or "le mont chauve", Mont Ventoux rises to a height of 1,909m. On clear mornings, it greets the Drôme Provençale, the Vercors, the Southern Alps, the Rhône Valley, the Cévennes and the Mediterranean Sea. Unmissable, bucolic and sporty, its summit is classified as a "biosphere reserve" by Unesco. A rare wealth of flora and fauna is protected here. At the very bottom, the Toulourenc valley is a true paradise, a small, impetuous, wild river occasionally blocked by collapsed boulders: the best bathing spot in the department.
Just 400 metres below the summit is the Mont Serein ski resort, with its five Nordic ski runs (one of which is black) and endless hiking possibilities.
The department's cliffs also offer a high-level sporting challenge. There are no fewer than 10 climbing sites in Vaucluse. In the north, in the Dentelles at Gigondas and on the Ventoux at Malaucène and Saint Léger du Ventoux. But the best-known are in the vicinity of the town of Apt, particularly Buoux. The Via Ferrata in Cavaillon, on the hill overlooking the town, is a safe introduction to the thrill of climbing. But the best-known are around the town of Apt, and in Buoux in particular. You can also try out the thrills in complete safety with the Via Ferrata de Cavaillon, set up on the hill overlooking the town. For further information, call ✆04 90 71 32 01.
Geology
125 million years ago, the sea covered most of southeastern France, leading to the fossil-rich formation of the Luberon, Mont Ventoux and Vaucluse ranges. Around these massifs undulate low hills that encircle Quaternary valleys and plains.
And then there's the little geological miracle of Roussillon and Rustrel with its ochre. The largest and most spectacular, with its multitude of colors, is in Rustrel. It's called the Colorado.
Lakes and water bodies
Not all lakes are natural, like the Salettes lake in Mormoiron, the Rustrel lake or the Apt lake, which are man-made lakes. It's not always possible to swim in them, or even fish in them, as the water in most of them is undrinkable and used for irrigation. On the other hand, the Monieux lake offers swimming and eating facilities, as well as relaxation on the banks... In Caromb, it's the fishermen who have the time of their lives.
