France's Provence Perched Villages Trail Ride

The Luberon Regional Nature Park is one of the most exquisite places in Provence. Created in 1977, this protected area has been recognized as a “biosphere reserve” by the UNESCO. Facing the Monts du Vaucluse and the majestic Mont Ventoux, the Luberon hills display imposing and abrupt greenish hillsides, cut off by cliffs and gorges. At the foot of the hills are the fertile valleys of Calavon in the North and Durance in the South. They proudly unroll their vineyards, cherry orchards and famous olive trees. The perched villages are enamel in this sparsely inhabited territory, which has remained, for a long time, a protestant enclave. Some of its villages still bear the stamp of the religious wars…

Divided in two by the Aiguebrun stream, the Luberon gives you two faces: the arsh “small Luberon” (East), whose altitudes do not exceed 700 metres, and the “big Luberon” which is dominated by the Mourre Nègre (1125m) and displays more rounded hills and a lot of Mediterranean vegetation. With its forest of green and white oaks, its cliffs of limestone, and its typical drystone villages, the Luberon displays an authentic and picturesque landscape well described by Peter Mayle in his books. Over the hills and through the villages, you will ride on the tracks of this famous author. Come and discover the mysterious “Colorado Provencal”, fill your senses with the fragrance of lavender and unique “Provencal herbs”, and be enchanted by the savour of Provencal cuisine !… A colourful trip, filled with the legends and poignant history of this unique and preserved territory.