La Valmasque – Massif des Cèdres – Les Portalas – Vallon de Cavéde – La Valmasque
One of the most beautiful cedar forests in Europe is located on the ridge of the Luberon at an altitude of 700 metres. It was planted in 1861 by inhabitants of Lacoste with seeds from Algeria and today covers an area of 207 hectares. The cedars are also known as the giants of the Luberon.
Duration: 4.5 hours
Distance: 13 km
Elevation gain: 400 m
Requirements: Good physical condition and good footwear required.
Note: The Luberon is closed in summer due to the risk of forest fires. Be careful during the wild boar hunting season in winter.
Starting point: Car park (Parking de la Valmasque) on the D3 “Route de la Valmasque” shortly after Valmasque
Route description
From the car park, follow the Forêt des Cèdres signpost. A hiking trail leads you in serpentine loops up the 400 metres in altitude to the cedar forest. Take your time and enjoy the view of the valley. You won’t have this opportunity again on the way back. On a clear day, the view stretches as far as Mont Ventoux, with Bonnieux on your right.
The closer you get to the ridge of the small Luberon, the more cedars surround you. After about 2 km and 375 metres in altitude, you come to a crossroads. Continue to the left here, stay at altitude for a while and walk in a large right-hand bend towards the Luberon ridgeway.
Here you will experience more activity than on the ascent. Not far away is a car park from where visitors can take the paved path to visit the cedar forest with their children. There is also an educational trail on the vegetation of the Luberon. If you would like to find out more about the cedar forest, follow this link: À la découverte de la majestueuse Forêt des Cèdres de Cabrières d’Avignon
You cross the paved path to hike along a narrow path on the other side of the ridge towards Le Portalas. Don’t be alarmed, the path goes steeply downhill at first, but then it picks up again. And soon you have left the hustle and bustle behind you and are at one with wild nature.
With a view of the rugged Vallon de Sanguniette, you reach Le Portalas, which is nothing more than a signpost. At the signpost, turn right towards Le Pré de Roustan. After 1.7 km, a flat path takes you back to the Luberon Gradweg.
This time, follow the main path to the left for just under a kilometre before turning right after an S-bend at Falabrègue towards Les Cassandrons. A rocky path now leads you along the Vallon de Cavède through narrow gorges and boxwood forests down the northern flank.
Once in Les Cassandrons, follow the wide road to the right until you reach the car park again after a good 2 km.