Unusual walk in the Luberon near the Musée de la Lavande

Unusual walk in the Luberon near the Musée de la Lavande

Just a few steps from Cabrières-d'Avignon, the remnants of a historic structure await… the famous Plague Wall! Why not lace up your walking shoes and set off to discover this unique site through an unusual nature walk in the Luberon ? This **family discovery in the Luberon** offers the perfect mix of historical heritage and immersion in Provence’s stunning natural landscapes.

Let’s travel back to 1720: the plague arrived in Marseille, hidden in the cargo of the ship Grand Saint Antoine, and soon decimated the city. In no time, the epidemic spread across Provence, Languedoc, and the Comtat Venaissin. Faced with this unstoppable threat, the people of the Comtat acted quickly in the hope of escaping disaster. Their defensive wall stood strong for nearly eighteen months!

Picnic at the Cedar Forest: a perfect family outing in the Luberon

Perched atop the Petit Luberon ridge, at an altitude of 700 meters, the cedar forest spans over 250 hectares. Created in 1861 to reforest the summit, it now shelters an impressive collection of Atlas cedars. This natural haven is perfect for a refreshing break during a family discovery in the Luberon.

At the forest entrance, picnic tables shaded by the towering cedars provide an ideal spot to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.

After your picnic, two accessible trails await for an easy nature walk in the Luberon :

• The Cedar Trail: A 30-minute loop, perfect for strollers and fully accessible (Tourisme & Handicap certified).
• The Portala Trail: A 3-kilometer circuit offering a more challenging hike with a spectacular panoramic view over the Durance valley.
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Historical walk along the Plague Wall

Near Cabrières-d’Avignon, a dry-stone wall winds discreetly through the Provençal scrubland. These are the remains of the Plague Wall, built in the 18th century to stop the deadly epidemic advancing from Marseille. Following the natural contours of the Luberon, this historical wall offers a fascinating route for a nature walk or hike in the Luberon, blending local history with stunning landscapes.

To begin the walk, start from the cedar forest and head down towards the village château, keeping it to your right. From there, follow the signposts to the Muscadelle Path, a rocky trail leading to the official start of the historical hike. The trail is marked in red and yellow, following the GRP® Historical Plague Wall Route.

The wall: a protective shield for the Comtat Venaissin

The Comtat Venaissin, a historic region in today’s Vaucluse, belonged to the Papal States from 1274 until the French Revolution. This small papal territory, enclosed within the Kingdom of France, maintained a unique identity shaped by its religious governance. Its history is closely tied to nearby Avignon, home to the popes in the 14th century.

1720: When the plague struck Provence

In 1720, a ship from the Orient docked in Marseille. A suspicious death onboard foreshadowed the arrival of a terrifying disease: the plague. Within weeks, the city succumbed to the epidemic, which soon swept through Provence.

To protect uncontaminated areas such as the Comtat Venaissin, local and royal authorities ordered the construction of a massive sanitary barrier: the Plague Wall. This dry-stone wall, guarded day and night, formed a frontier between healthy and infected zones — a physical reminder of the desperate fight against the invisible threat.

Despite these efforts, the plague advanced rapidly, altering everyday life across the region. Even during the grape harvest, strict controls were enforced, and workers had to show proof of authorized travel. Every grape picked carried the shadow of the invisible menace.

A unique blend of nature and heritage near the Musée de la Lavande Luberon

This family discovery in the Luberon offers the perfect balance between nature and history. From the cedar forest, a peaceful setting for a picnic in Provence, to the historical walk along the Plague Wall, every step invites visitors to uncover a hidden chapter of local heritage. This nature walk or hike in the Luberon pairs perfectly with a visit to the Musée de la Lavande Luberon, creating a rewarding cultural and outdoor experience.

To complete your day, the Musée de la Lavande Luberon welcomes you everyday from April to discover the secrets of fine lavender and the expertise of local producers.