Visiting the Luberon Cedar Forest
Published on 29/09/2025 by CAMPASUN
In the heart of Provence, a nature getaway awaits, far from the summer crowds. For your stay in Vaucluse, our Campasun campsites in the South of France place you close to natural treasures. From Les Hautes Prairies campsite in Lourmarin or the Étang de la Bonde campsite in Sannes, you can easily access a unique experience: discovering the Luberon Cedar Forest. This Apt region tourism guide helps you plan your day in this exceptional location.
Essential Information for Your Visit
For a hassle-free visit to the Luberon Cedar Forest, here is the essential information. Visitor reviews highlight the ease of access and the beauty of the site. The Luberon Cedar Forest parking is free and spacious, located in the commune of Bonnieux.
| Information | Détails |
|---|---|
| Adresse | Route de la Forêt des Cèdres (D36), 84480 Bonnieux |
| Accès | Depuis Bonnieux, suivre la D36 en direction de Lourmarin. Le site est bien indiqué. |
| Parking | Grand parking gratuit à l’entrée, avec des places pour les bus et les personnes à mobilité réduite. |
| Horaires | Ouvert toute l’année. Attention, l’accès peut être réglementé en été en raison des risques d’incendie. Consultez le 04 28 31 77 11 avant votre visite. |
| Tarifs | Accès à la forêt et parking gratuits. |
| Services | Pas de point d’eau ni de restauration sur place. Pensez à apporter votre pique-nique et de l’eau. |
| Carte | Des plans des sentiers sont disponibles à l’entrée. Une carte de la forêt des cèdres du Luberon de type IGN est utile pour les randonnées plus longues. |
General Overview of the Forest
Located on the ridge of the Petit Luberon at approximately 700 meters above sea level, this forest spans the communes of Bonnieux, Lacoste, and Ménerbes. It is an integral part of the Luberon Regional Nature Park, a Vaucluse territory recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for the richness of its geological heritage. Upon entering, visitors immediately experience a refreshing coolness and the characteristic woody scent of the cedars, creating a calming atmosphere perfect for a family or friends’ walk.
This forested massif is also classified as a Sensitive Natural Area (Espace Naturel Sensible, ENS) in the Vaucluse department, highlighting its ecological value. Its distinctive geology is based on compact limestone that has shaped a karst landscape, with rocky surfaces carved by erosion known as lapiaz. This unique composition, at the intersection of Alpine and Mediterranean climatic influences, has fostered the development of a rich and diverse ecosystem, extending far beyond the cedars alone.
What is the history of the Luberon Cedar Forest?
The history of this site is one of a true renaissance. Around 1861, on an arid limestone plateau, visionary foresters launched an ambitious project: reforesting the summit of the Petit Luberon with Atlas cedar seeds brought from Algeria. The work was colossal, requiring digging into the rock to bring fertile soil. The effort paid off, and the first trees began to reproduce naturally by 1920.
A significant event marked its development: a major fire in 1952 devastated much of the Luberon massif, but miraculously spared the heart of the cedar grove. The cedar, being one of the least flammable species in the Provence-Alpes region, subsequently thrived on the burned land.
Today, the Luberon Cedar Forest covers approximately 250 hectares, a true symbol of resilience.
Visitor Routes and Must-See Highlights
Hiking in the Luberon Cedar Forest is an activity suitable for all skill levels. Several marked trails allow visitors to explore its natural treasures and geological heritage.
Which Hiking Trails Should You Choose?
The Cedar Path: ideal for a family walk, this 1.2 km route takes approximately 30 minutes. It is certified ‘Tourism and Disability‘ and is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs thanks to its adapted surface.
The Portalas Trail: this is the most popular route. A 3 km loop (about 1 to 1.5 hours of walking) that leads you to discover an impressive geological feature.
For Sports Enthusiasts:
- Cyclists can take the Route des Crêtes, a scenic trail offering unobstructed views of Mont Ventoux.
- Mountain bikers will enjoy MTB Route No. 49, a more technical and challenging trail, perfect for thrill-seekers.
Must-See Highlights of the Forest
The Portalas Arch: admire this impressive natural arch. It showcases the erosive work on the limestone rock, a remnant of an ancient underground river.
Viewpoints: don’t miss the chance to take a memorable photo from the lookouts. The panorama stretches far: Durance Valley, Alpilles, Mont Ventoux…
Flora and Fauna :
- The forest is an ecological sanctuary. In addition to squirrels, it is home to protected birds such as the Bonelli’s Eagle and the Egyptian Vulture, earning it a Natura 2000 designation.
- From March to September, it is mandatory to stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing nesting.
- Regarding reptiles, the asp viper is found along the ridges.
- The flora is rich and diverse: cedars, holm oaks, downy oaks, boxwood, and Montpellier maples make up this dense forest with many facets.
Are there any activities or events offered?
The forest itself is the main attraction. Exploration is free and self-guided, allowing you to wander at your own pace according to your preferences.
- Picnicking is a highly enjoyed activity. Numerous shaded areas invite you to take a lunch break in the heart of nature, in a peaceful setting.
- Forest bathing, which involves rejuvenating in contact with trees, finds an ideal setting here. The calming atmosphere and the density of the cedars make it a perfect place for relaxation.
- Educational panels line the trails, notably the botanical trail of the Luberon Cedar Forest, allowing visitors to learn more about the site’s history, its fauna, and its flora.
- Meet the Regional Forest Guard: in July and August, young recruits from the Luberon Regional Nature Park are present on-site. Their mission is to inform visitors, raise awareness of good practices, and ensure safety, particularly regarding fire risks.
After a day of adventure in the coolness of this exceptional forest, return to the comfort of our campsites. Les Hautes Prairies campsite in Lourmarin and Étang de la Bonde campsite in Sannes await you to complete your stay in Provence, combining the discovery of the Luberon Regional Nature Park with relaxation.
