Alpilles & Luberon Natural Parks, france
Attractions Guide

Start your day by visting the Chateau des Baux, a giant hilltop fortress which you can explore, which featuring the ruins of a large 10th century castle. From the top of the ruined medieval castle you can enjoy amazing panoramic views over the area. This chateau is located in the gorgeous rustic village of Les-Baux-de-Provence, which is also surrounded by majestic scenery.

Just outside of the village is an incredible attraction, the Carrieres de Lumieres, where famous works of art are projected onto the walls and floor of a stunning geometrically-carved cave. The entire cave is turned into a spectacular multi-media art show, which is almost like a virtual reality experience and is very unique.

Next you can head to the nearby ruins of the Glanum Archaeological Site, a large fortified ancient Roman town which you can explore. Glanum features many impressive monuments and structures. Just north of Glanum, be sure to see the partially-ruined monuments at Les Antiques as well.

Now head towards the Luberon region where you'll find the lovely rustic village of Gordes. Before reaching the village be sure to stop at the Town View Point Gordes, from which you can enjoy stunningly picturesque views of this hilltop village.

On the western outskirts of Gordes you can visit the Village des Bories, a collection of fascinating stone huts which you can explore.

Senaque Abbey

On the northern outskirts of town is the charming 12th century Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque (Senanque Abbey), a rustic Cisterian monastery known for its lush lavender fields, which only bloom from early to mid summer.

Next continue to the village of Roussillon where you'll find the brilliant red rock Ochre Trail. The gorgeous landscape along this trail might make you think you're hiking along the red rock of Utah or Colorado, with striking rock formations and forests around you. The hike along the longer more scenic trail here takes about 50 minutes round-trip.

Unlike in Utah, a lovely French village sits atop the red rock of Roussillon, and you can take in excellent views over part of this village from the Belvedere Mirador viewpoint near the start of the Ochre Trail.

A bit further east of Roussillon near the village of Rustrel is another similar trail with set amongst a scenic red rock landscape, the Colorado Provencal Trail. This gorgeous landscape offers two different hiking options to choose from, the shorter 1.7 (2. km) trail, as well as a 2.5 mile (4 km) trail. If you have the time, both trails are recommended, and both feature striking red rock formations and desert-like scenery.

If you still have more time you might consider visiting some of the many fine wineries in the region, or perhaps spend some time seeing the vibrant lavender fields, which only bloom in early to mid summer.