Hiking - ROUSSILLON - The Bois de Saint Jean Walk

"What a pleasant surprise this little loop is! Not far from its famous and very busy 'Sentier des Ocres' (Ochre Trail), the town hides other, more peaceful little treasures. A contrast of flamboyant ochre colours, Scots pines, maritime pines, heather, and sage-leaved or bay-leaved rockroses accompany our stroll. Lovely views open up over the landscape, offering glimpses of the Calavon plain, its vineyards, and a few perched villages in the distance, with the Luberon massif as a backdrop. On the way back, the walk can be extended with a visit to the former Mathieu ochre factory: a rewarding, unique, and colourful experience!". Alexandra Mangenot, welcome officer at the Pays d'Apt Luberon Tourist Office.

• At the start and finish: be careful of traffic when walking along the 100 m section of the Route d'Apt (D104).


• Between points 3 and 4: watch out for vehicles on the narrow road.


• Stay on the marked paths and trails; the ochre sand areas are very sensitive to erosion.


• Do not get too close to the ochre cliffs; the ground beneath the edges of the quarry faces can be severely eroded!


• Refrain from taking anything (flora, ochre).


• Leave nothing behind and be sure to take all your rubbish with you.


• FIRE RISK. Fire is the enemy of the forest… and the hiker! Do not smoke in the forest and do not light any fires; it is forbidden whatever the season! And in summer, before setting out on a walk, be sure to check the conditions and regulations for access to forested areas.