Hikes in Cucuron

Set off over 480 meters into the hills above Cucuron to discover the Chapelle de l'Ermitage, which has dominated the Aigues valley since the 18th century. Originally a simple pilgrimage sanctuary, a brotherhood built a hermitage.

Circuit Permanent Le Mourre Nègre de Cucuron (84).

A walk between vineyards, pond, and wooded lands, tracing the past and the pilgrimage.

Une balade entre vignes, étang et terres boisées, sur les traces du passé et du pèlerinage.

A small vineyard walk on both sides of the perched village of Cucuron, to discover the landscapes and wine-making know-how.

Une balade entre vignes, étang et terres boisées, sur les traces du passé et du pèlerinage.

Beautiful tour with clear weather and wonderful distant views to the north (Vaucluse and Mont Ventoux) and south.

The highest peak in the Grand Luberon is the Mourre Nègre at 1,125 m. Old donkey trails lead up to the long, winding ridge. However, the destination of our hike is not the summit of the Mourre Nègre—which is cluttered with transmission towers—but rather the ridge trail to the west of it. Its striking appearance serves merely as a point of orientation.> We start on the gravel road across from parking lot01 and, after about 50 m, reach a signpost, which we follow to the right onto a trail toward “Plaine Lambertes.” The yellow-and-red trail markers lead us to a road, and from “Vouliou” back onto a trail toward “Le Colombier.” We pass two beautiful bories (stone huts): one situated in the middle of a field of poppies, the other nestled among lavender bushes. During their respective blooming seasons, this makes for a charming photo opportunity. Next to a cross, at the signpost near Le Colombier02, we meet the GR 92, which, with its white-and-red markers, leads us to the right toward “Grête de Luberon and Les Estrugets 4.9 km.” A trail takes us into a valley, and at a fork we keep to the right. We hike uphill on a stone path, keeping a close eye on the cairns, until we reach the “Fenouillet” farm. There, we turn left. The white-and-red markings lead us further and further uphill along a mule trail. We leave the forest and come to a cross-path, which we follow to the left, continuing uphill. At a fork, we keep to the right. Through a wooded area and then over a steep scree slope, we reach a rocky outcrop. We catch our breath and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view all the way to Mont Ventoux. We continue along the trail until we reach a road. Heading uphill and turning left at a fork, we reach the summit of Les Estrugets03. At a large pine tree, there’s a signpost pointing us toward “Lou Pas dies Ensarris 3.5 km.” We leave the GR92 and stay on the ridge line until we reach a wide forest road, which we take to the right. From there, we follow the yellow markings but stay on the wide trail, enjoying the fantastic panorama. Passing a cistern, we reach Lou Pas dies Ensarris at a second cistern04. There, we take a path—marked yellow and red—to the right, down the slope toward “Sivergues 2.8 km.” The rocky path widens and leads us over the rocky “Pas d’Ensarri” to Le Castelas. The former inn was closed at the time of our hike (summer 2017). Continuing downhill, a road takes us to Sivergue 05. We feel as if we’ve been transported back centuries. The small village, with fewer than 50 residents, captivates with its unspoiled charm. Sitting on a bench, we can soak up the tranquility before leaving the village and heading back toward Barbe Blanche. After about 100 m on a gravel path, we continue straight ahead down an old mule trail into the green Aiguebrun Valley. We cross the stream bed and wind our way out of the valley in switchbacks. At the higher elevation, we hike back to parking lot01 under holm oaks.

Day Hike to the Mourre Negre starting from Cabrières d'Aigues