Hiking
Malaucène is located in the heart of an uninterrupted set of 3 regional natural parks (among the 9 parks of the South region), vast of 4,550 km2, which extends to the southwest by the Alpilles and Camargue parks, and to the west by those of Verdon and the Azur pre-Alps.
Several hiking trails departing from the Vaucluse department are referenced here: https://terrarando.com/les-randonnees-du-vaucluse.
7,2 Km • Toulourenc Gorges :
The hamlet of Veaux, in the commune of Malaucène, is located in the Toulourenc valley (north slope of Ventoux). The site, bordering the town of Mollans-sur-Ouvèze, is known for its white waters and its hiking trails leading to Mont Ventoux. The Toulourenc has its source at the foot of the Aulan castle, near Montbrun-les-Bains, and meanders for around thirty kilometers before flowing into the Ouvèze. Winding along the valleys descending from the mountain, it has dug into the rock of its bed, upstream and downstream of the hamlet of Veaux, deep gorges sometimes reaching 100 meters. The downstream gorge called “Estrechon” (because of its narrowness) does not exceed 1.50 m wide in places (over 3 km, from Notre-Dame-des-Anges to Veaux).
Toulourenc is a Natura 2000 site, fragile and at risk! Park in the public car parks provided for this purpose on the Malaucène or Mollans side and do not park on private roads or in fields (farmer access). Respect animal and/or plant species and their habitats. Pick up your trash and dog droppings. Avoid walking in water as much as possible: use pebble benches, without building small dams. Access to Toulourenc is prohibited with orange and red weather alert, risk of sudden rising water levels, even in good weather.
In the valley or nearby (doc.pdf here) :
- The GR 91, a long-distance hiking trail which overlooks Toulourenc at the top of green cliffs. Departure from Veaux or Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux;
- The geological trail of the Toulourenc valley, from Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux to Brantes (1h30, elevation gain 380m) with information terminals on geology and agricultural heritage;
- Thematic botanical trails of Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux (From the stream to the Garrigue), Brantes (medicinal and toxic plants / colors, scents and flavors) or Savoillans (dreams of the botanist walker / Art and Heritage trail) ;
- The Jardin Singulier in Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux, with bookstore and restaurant area in the middle of a natural wooded area. Discovery or hiking trails departing from the site.
15 km • Gorges de la Nesque : the most spectacular in Provence after those of Verdon. A grandiose canyon of around twenty kilometers reaching in places more than 400 m deep. Tourist road overhanging between Villes-sur-Auzon and Monieux. Tunnels and viewpoints line this route, notably the Castellaras belvedere facing the astonishing Rocher du Cire. The bottom of the gorges: the St-Michel troglodyte chapel from the 12th century. This natural site has been labeled a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and belongs to the European Natura 2000 network. Possibility of car tour (see : PDF document).
21 Km • Dentelles de Montmirail : Several villages surround this astonishing site and it can be approached via Suzette, Lafare, Beaumes-de-Venise, Gigondas…. Or even further away. Several circuits referenced here.
52 km • Gorges de la Méouge : a magnificent site (walks and swimming in white water) towards the Hautes-Alpes, passing through the most beautiful heights of Vaucluse or Drôme. More information here.
