The beautiful colours of autumn

 

The Oppedette gorge

 

Not far from Apt, the little capital of the north Luberon valley, the village of Oppedette, a former Celtic-Ligurian oppidum, sits above spectacular gorges carved out by the Calavon torrent, small gorges that are among the most beautiful ones in Provence & Côte d’Azur. This short trip first leads you to several beautiful points of view over the mini canyon before taking you down into it, allowing a real exploration.
Another loop route, about twice longer follows the edges of the cliffs on the western rim to the southern end of the canyon, where a country road bridge spans the stream. 

Walking time : 1.5 hour (3 hours for the longer route)
Rating : challenging (steep descent and ascent)

If you are afraid of heights, you had better choose another hike.
Not recommended for children under 10.

 

 

The multi-coloured Saint Pons forest
 

Automn is certainly the best season to fully enjoy the woody little valley in Parc de Saint Pons; a great mixity of beech, hornbeam, ash and maple trees grow there, quite uncommon trees in low Provence and on the Côte d’Azur at this altitude and such a southern latitude. Among the other highlights set in these beautiful surroundings, you will see an old watermill fed by the Fauge stream, the ruins of a 13C Cistercian abbey, and, further upstream, the Gour de l’Oule, a lovely fall. 

Walking time : 2 hours
Rating : moderate (stony ground)