Hiking - BONNIEUX - LACOSTE - Cedar Forest of the Petit Luberon

"I started to develop a stronger connection with the cedar forest when I decided to heat my home with wood and do some felling up there, near Lacoste or Bonnieux. It became like a refuge, an ally, a place of rest. It's paradoxical, because cutting wood is hard work, but up there, I had the view, the fresh air, the tranquility, the peace. In winter, it's cold up there, there are far fewer people, there are frosts, and when there's snow on the cedars, it's magical. One year, on Christmas Day, we came across 600 sheep coming from Portalas, on their way to the sheepfold below the car park so the shepherd could go home to his family for Christmas. It was a beautiful sight." Mathias Hauptmann, mayor of Lacoste.

• Watch your ankles on the few rocky sections, especially around waypoints 4 and 5.


• CAUTION: LIVESTOCK GRAZING AREA from early June to late July: if livestock guardian dogs approach you, do not pet or threaten them. Stop, then wait patiently for them to 'check you out' before calmly continuing on your way, giving the flock as wide a berth as possible. It is best not to bring your dog; if you do, keep it on a tight leash. As a reminder, please review the proper procedures for encountering livestock guardian dogs.


• FIRE RISK: Fire is the enemy of the forest... and the hiker! Do not smoke or light fires in the forest, as it is forbidden year-round. During the summer season, before setting out on your hike, please check the access conditions and regulations for forest areas.