The most beautiful natural sites to discover Provence

The Luberon, majestic mountain, a millennial world of human life and history, has remained virtually intact. The massif stretches gently over 60 km from east to west. Lourmarin's combe, the only natural passage crossing the massif, divides it into two parts. In the west, the Petit Luberon widened by ravines and gorges, does not exceed 700 m. As for the Grand Luberon, it extends to the east and roll out its massive and softer slopes that culminate in the Mourre Nègre at 1,125 m and includes a wide sloping ledge: the Claparèdes plateau. Created in 1977, the Luberon regional natural park stretches from Villeneuve (04) to Cavaillon and the Coulon Valley to the Durance Valley, protecting 72 municipalities. Land bitter and shaped by the winds, the Luberon has the strange power to worry when the fall of day arrives, like seduce when the sun shines high. It is all this set of history of history mingled with fortunes and misfortunes that the Park has been protecting for 30 years. All of these ochre landscapes, orchards as far as the eye can see, green hills, small villages of perched stone make it a dream place.

Take the direction of the Estaque by the A 55 towards Martigues or the port by the N 568, to the Plage beach, as well as by bus line No 35 and get off at the terminus. Walk a few hundred metres and go along the railway line on the Blue Coast. The line is not electrified, but TER and cargo convoys circulate in the middle of a splendid landscape. Before the tunnel, descend on the left; drague on the sides of the road and on the naturist beach, very gay, even if here you can cross families.

The gorges of Reppe and Destel meet in the north of Ollioules to form the gorges of Ollioules. Classified site, they are shaped by water and time that dug huge potholes, caves and tanks in a beautiful white limestone. These gorges were in the eighteenth century, the refuge of the famous brigand "Gaspard de Besse." This haven of tranquility and pleasure will make you enjoy the cool waters of the pots.

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean River off Hyères in the Var department (83), the National Park of Port Cros is dedicated to protecting the land and marine heritage of its territory. As a pioneer in marine parks, it is part of the Natura 2000 European network. The heart of the park covers 1 700 hectares of land and 2 900 marine hectares from the namesake island via Bagaud, Gabinière, the rock of Du, part of Porquerolles Island (1 000 hectares) and surrounding waters. A membership area consisting of 5 municipalities from La Garde to Ramatuelle with a second maritime area of 123 000 hectares defines the limits of the protected area. Under the authority of the Ministry responsible for ecology, the Port Cros National Park was established in December 1963. However, it was necessary to wait until 2012 for a large part of Porquerolles Island to be integrated into its perimeter. In particular, this park manages the National Botanical Conservatory of Porquerolles since 1979, whose mission is to identify, identify and protect the entire wild flora of the island. Port Cros National Park receives nearly 1,25 million visitors per year, making it one of the most frequented parks in French territory. This high rate of attendance (mainly between April and September) also involves some major imperatives: In fact, the park teams must sensitize all visitors to this fragile environment while making arrangements for the protection and discovery of local heritage.

At an altitude of 443 meters, the massive Gros Cerveau offers numerous walking trails and spectacular views. A botanical trail leads to the edge of the Gros Cerveau and its panoramic heights that stretches from the islands of Hyères, in the creeks of Cassis-Marseille and the entire chain of Sainte-Baume. You can visit the cave of Garou. Follow the signs of GR 51 in red, white, blue and green. The walking routes are available at the reception of the Tourism Office of Ollioules and it will tell you the difficult circuits.

Under the palace, in the centre of the village, a Renaissance house, there are underground cellars. They housed an oil mill, cisterns, silos, wine vats and a chapel. Don't expect to follow long underground passages, everything is very small. But this place is mysterious and unique enough for an audio-guided tour. Especially on rainy days! There is also a documentary on the restoration and a game book for children.

By the D 559, between La Ciotat and Les Ever. The road runs along the railway line. The beach is well attended by a gay, but also a free, public.

Plage Bleue is located on the peninsula of Cassis, in a creek just before the rocky inlet of Port-Miou. It is adjoining the gastronomic restaurant La Presqu'île, as well as a more affordable restaurant for tighter budgets. The view is wonderful from the terraces. Solarium, mattress and swimming pool for children are reserved for guests. For those who love swimming in the sea, it is possible, but access to the water is difficult. Here, no sand beach but large flat rocks on which it is possible to lie down. Those who are more daring can jump into the water from different rocks. The ascent is adventuresome, which is why it is essential to have bathing shoes.

1 100, it is for the number of meters at which Lagarde-d'Apt rises! If you are truly curious, you can make an appointment and you will be very happy to explain everything. How lavender is broken at maturity in summer is then converted into essential oil 100% organic. You can attend the lavender distillery and smell its smells. An opportunity not to be missed.

The Observatoire de la langue et de la culture provençales is a cultural center located in Cheval-Blanc, Provence. It offers activities and events linked to the Provençal language and culture.

Combining the pleasure of practising a sport of full nature with the discovery of natural sites and the wild heritage of the Luberon, this is what is guaranteed by the adventure to which we invite its bike! A journey that extends, in total and all circuits along different routes (including the Apt-Forcalquier axis) for almost 236 kilometres, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Luberon and around the same name! Get cycling on Apt's bike ride at Forcalquier! Only 500 metres from the nearest airfield, you will be able to fly on this ground and plan a sports and tourist outing at a time! Nevertheless, attention: The circuit from Apt to Forcalquier is one of the most difficult of the Véloroute véloroute, with its 56 kilometers and a difference of 800 meters. It is especially recommended to the most sporty of you!