Hiking in the Sud Luberon

Go hiking with a guide

In the Luberon Regional Natural Park, Sud Luberon Tourisme warmly recommends local guides who know the area’s trails and hidden treasures inside out and share a genuine passion for the region.

Choosing a professional guide also supports a more responsible approach to tourism. They will help make your stay memorable while introducing you to the beauty of Provence, the villages of the Luberon and the landscapes of this Regional Natural Park.

Our hiking trails

Discover our hiking ideas in the Luberon, with marked routes for every level: easy, moderate or challenging. Explore long-distance trails, shorter walks, footpaths and scenic routes, then download the itinerary that suits you.

Walking is good for both body and mind, whatever your age, and the Sud Luberon is perfectly suited to outdoor adventures. Set off to reconnect with nature, discover local heritage or simply enjoy some exercise with family, friends or as a couple.

More experienced hikers can take on the GR97 from Cabrières-d’Aigues or Vitrolles-en-Luberon towards the Luberon massif, with magnificent views along the way. Whether you go alone or with a guide, make the most of every step.

7 Tips for Enjoying Great Hikes in the Luberon

Before setting off along the beautiful trails of the Luberon, here are a few tips to help make your outing a success.

Hiking is an outdoor activity that requires a certain amount of preparation. Without it, even a simple walk of just a few kilometres can quickly become difficult.

From the most obvious steps, such as preparing your backpack, to more specific checks, such as confirming access conditions to the Luberon massif before setting out, this list is not exhaustive. It is intended mainly for beginner hikers and does not replace the common-sense precautions everyone should take.

For example, avoid choosing a 20 km hike if you have never walked that distance before or do not hike regularly. Although hiking is a relatively gentle form of exercise, it is still a physical activity in its own right.

As a general rule, it is best to prepare properly before setting out on a long or demanding route. You can also use these tips as a checklist before you leave, so you can enjoy your hike with greater peace of mind.

1. Check the weather forecast and access conditions for the Luberon massif

Before choosing your route and setting off on the trails, check the weather conditions at least the day before your hike.

The Luberon is located in Provence, where summers can be very hot, with occasional heatwaves, while winters may be quite cold due to the influence of the nearby Alps. Heat, rain and strong winds, particularly the Mistral, should all be taken into account before you leave.

During the summer, access to the massif may be restricted or prohibited because of the risk of wildfires caused by prolonged heat and strong Mistral winds.

2. Wear comfortable, suitable footwear

3. Do not overload your backpack

Preparing your backpack is a crucial step. A common mistake among beginners is packing too much. Half of what they bring often proves unnecessary, while other essential items may be missing.

Here are a few best practices to follow:

1. Bring enough water. Staying hydrated is essential when hiking. Allow at least 1 litre of water per person for every 2 hours of walking in mild weather, and add an extra 500 ml when temperatures rise.
2. Wear several layers. Outside the summer season, it is best to choose several layers of clothing that can be added or removed as needed—the “onion” technique—rather than one thick, warm garment. This allows you to adjust your clothing according to the weather and how you feel during the hike.
3. In summer, do not forget a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
4. Bring a first-aid kit containing plasters, antiseptic, sterile dressings and other basic supplies. Scratches from the garrigue, minor falls, insect bites and blisters are all common problems that are best treated straight away.
5. Bring some energy-boosting food. There is no need to pack a large, heavy picnic. Choose lighter, nourishing options such as a pasta salad, cereal bars and fresh fruit.
6. Do not forget your camera either. Your smartphone will work perfectly well, and it would be a shame not to capture all the wonderful places in the Luberon that you discover along the way.

4. Set off with the right detailed IGN maps.

Mobile phones make it easy to find your location using GPS-enabled apps, provided you have network coverage during your hike. Some apps also work offline, but when in doubt, it is best to carry a detailed IGN map of the area you plan to explore.

5. Hiking poles or no hiking poles?

Hiking poles help reduce the strain on your joints, particularly your knees, by distributing your body weight more evenly. They also improve balance and stability.

Using poles allows your arms to contribute to your movement, helping you generate more power as you walk. As a result, hiking with poles can increase calorie expenditure by around 40%.

6. Warm up and stretch before hiking

This is one of the basic principles of any physical activity, yet it is often overlooked before a hike. A few stretches followed by a short warm-up will make walking more comfortable and help reduce muscle soreness afterwards.

7. Leave only your footprints…

Prepare your walks and hikes with “Chemins des Parcs”

Designed for everyone, from families to experienced sports enthusiasts, this app helps you plan walks, hikes, cycling routes, mountain bike trails and horse rides in the Luberon Regional Natural Park, as well as in the Alpilles, Baronnies Provençales, Queyras and Verdon regional parks.

Each route includes practical information such as duration, difficulty, elevation gain, step-by-step directions, maps, elevation profiles, 3D views and recommendations. It also highlights points of interest linked to the area’s natural, cultural and scenic heritage, helping you discover the Luberon in greater depth.