Lavender loop with Luberon view

We start in Saint Christol and drive the D34 towards Lagarde d´Apt. After 6 km of ascent (approx. 200 meters altitude gain) we see on the left side, somewhat elevated, the chapel Notre-Dame de Lamaron. This chapel was built in 1667 on the remains of a hamlet dating from 1032. Tradition says that this building was constructed from the stones of a Templar monastery which was once located on Mount Saint-Pierre. From here you have a wonderful view of the Plateau d´Albion and the Montagne de Lure.

The path leads us further to Lagarde d´Apt, a small collection of houses behind which the Saint-Pierre rises (at 1256 meters the highest point in the Vaucluse mountains). 500 meters after Lagarde d´Apt we take the left turn, after another 200 meters we do not turn left (this way leads back to Saint Christol later), but continue straight along the small road that winds through dense oak forest.

Shortly after the Marinier farm on the left side, we see on the right a gravel track. With mountain bikes we turn in here and ride the narrowing path about 900 meters gently downhill to the paragliding launch site. Cars or racing bikes are left on the road above and we take the short stretch on foot. Upon arrival, we enjoy a wonderful view over western Vaucluse. A small path past the display panel heading south leads us after about 50 meters to the second launch site. From here we experience one of the most beautiful views of the Luberon and the ochre rocks of Rustrel...

On the way back to Saint Christol, just before the junction at Lagarde d´Apt, we turn right onto the small road towards Château du Bois. This leads us over lavender fields with wonderful views of Montagne de Lure via La Resclave back to the starting point.