Petit Luberon 'Forest of the Cedars' Loop Walk

0.00km – START POINT: The Eglise Neuve (labelled Eglise Basse on some maps). From the churchyard, TURN RIGHT onto the road and head towards the roundabout. From the roundabout, BEAR LEFT taking the lower road into the village following signs for Le Camping along the street past numerous shops until you see the pharmacy.  If you are staying at the Clos de Buis you do not need to walk down to the roundabout, simply locate the pharmacy further into town on the same road.

0.25km – BEAR LEFT and take the middle road, which slopes down out of the village.  Follow signs for Le Vallon and Sun e-bikes.

0.60km – BEAR RIGHT and follow the road round past the car park and the large noticeboard.

0.70km - After 100m, TURN RIGHT at the bottom of the slope and follow the sign for Foret des Cedres (5km). You will be walking on the road for the next 500m, and as it includes a sharp turn to the left, please be aware of oncoming traffic.

1.40km – BEAR LEFT off the main road just before it swings right again and head up the minor road in front of you. There is a no-entry(Sauf Aux Riverains) sign for all vehicles other than residents.

1.60km – At the junction BEAR LEFT ignoring the sign to La Maret.

2.20km – At the top of the road, BEAR RIGHT onto the stony path signposted Foret des Cedres. From now on you can look out for the yellow stripe indicator which will appear on trees and rocks telling you that you are on the right track. The next two kilometres involve a very steep climb up a stony path. Be sure to take plenty of breaks to take on water, and to enjoy the wonderful views of the hilltop villages of Bonnieux and Lacoste.

3.90km – When you finally reach the top of the climb, you will find yourself facing a tarmac road.  BEAR RIGHT and walk along the road, following the signs to Foret des Cedres (1.5km).

4.80km – At the large national park sign, head STRAIGHT ON and pass through the car park.  Just beyond the car park you will find a large information board, you will find details of many short walks you can enjoy in the immediate area. This is also an ideal spot for a picnic (or a well-deserved rest in the shade following your challenging ascent). Once you are ready to continue the circuit, head STRAIGHT ON. You will see the yellow sign to Le Pre de Roustan (0.30km). Head in this direction.

5.50km – At the junction, TURN RIGHT and follow the signs to La Valmasque (2.4km). Note: follow the wider path and the yellow indicators and not the narrow path on the right. Continue on ignoring any left or right turns.

6.00km – At the junction of 4 paths, head STRAIGHT ON down the stony path between the trees. You will now start your long descent (2.6kms) to the valley floor. Take care as the path is steep and rocky. Keep looking for the yellow indicators on trees and rocks, but essentially stay on the obvious path as it winds its way downwards.

8.20km – You will eventually reach a small car park beside the road. TURN RIGHT and follow the signs to Bonnieux (D3). You will be walking along this road for almost a kilometre so please keep to the side and be aware of oncoming traffic.

8.90km – TURN LEFT just before a large farmhouse onto a road named Chemin de la Bernarde. Stay on this minor road as it heads down then round to the right.

9.10km – TURN RIGHT on to the Chemin de Trigaud. You will see Bonnieux perched on the hillside ahead.

10.00km – BEAR RIGHT at the junction onto the main road.

10.50km – BEAR LEFT onto Chemin de Gardiole. After approximately 100m, leave the road and follow the signs to Bonnieux (1.2km) taking the gravel path that leads uphill between the trees and a wall on your right.

11.40km – Continue along this narrow path, until you are faced with a small stone cliff where you should TURN LEFT. After 100m or so, TURN RIGHT and follow the path up the slope.

11.60km – At the junction TURN LEFT up the steep tarmac road. BEAR RIGHT at the fork and head up the slope between the houses (there is a no-entry sign here for vehicles).

11.80km – At the top of the slope, TURN LEFT and you will find yourself outside the pharmacy in Bonnieux close to where you began today’s circuit. From here you can either return to your hotel or while away some time at one of the many bars and restaurants of this lovely little town.