The Luberon is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, but what walks should you take your dog on in the Luberon? There are a number of very enjoyable walks to do with your favourite pet, and we've listed a few for you.
THE CEDAR FOREST: A FAMILY WALK IN THE LUBERON TO DO WITH YOUR DOG
The Cedar Forest is one of the most beautiful walks in the Luberon. Situated at the summit of the Petit Luberon, you can walk through a forest of hundred-year-old cedars that is very impressive and unique in France. It's an easy walk to take with your dog, as it's relatively flat starting from the Sentier des Crètes car park. Depending on your dog's stamina, you can choose between 2 and 20 km loops for the bravest. Of course, if you have a Yorkshire, you'll want to keep the walks short! Please note that the Cedar Forest is part of the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon, so you'll need to walk your dog on a lead.
DISCOVER THE GARRIGUE OF THE LUBERON WITH YOUR DOG.
If you love the scent of rosemary, thyme and lavender, you'll love walking your dog in the Luberon garrigue. A lovely walk is to join the garrigue near the village of Mérindol. By parking in the car park of the Garrigue forest, you can access a multitude of well-marked paths where you can walk with your dog. Some of the paths run alongside the turquoise-blue River Durance. It's a magnificent place and a great idea for a walk.
THE LEGENDARY VILLAGES OF THE LUBERON
Many people visit the iconic villages of the Luberon, such as Gordes or Lourmarin, with their dogs. Most of these are small villages that can be visited in just a few hours. You can have lunch or a coffee on a terrace where your dog won't get in the way, and as the tourist streets are often pedestrianised, it's great fun to walk around with your dog. Of course, your dog needs to be social and used to meeting passers-by and other dogs without getting upset.
WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT THE LUBERON WITH YOUR DOG?
Of course, you can walk your dog in the Luberon all year round, but if you're not sure when to take your dog on holiday, we'd recommend spring and autumn. At this time of year, it's still cool and there are fewer tourists than in summer, so it's great fun to go for a walk, and your dog won't suffer as much from the summer heat... especially if the aim of your holiday is to go hiking with your pet.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED IN HOTELS AND CAMPSITES IN THE LUBERON?
More and more hotels and campsites in the Luberon are accepting dogs. All you have to do is find the accommodation of your dreams on Provence Web and check their website to see whether or not they accept pets. If they don't, give them a call. Some establishments charge a small fee for allowing your dog (between €5 and €20 per night, depending on the establishment in the Luberon).
CLIMBING MONT MOURRE-NÈGRE FOR HARDY POOCHES
Mont Mourre-Nègre is the highest peak in the Luberon mountain range, rising to an altitude of 1125 metres. If you and your dog are experienced hikers, you can enjoy a day's picnic at the summit of Mourre-Nègre. We recommend that you park in the centre of the village of Cabrières d'Aigues and follow the GR to the summit. Be warned, this is a walk lasting at least five hours, with a significant difference in altitude. Your dog will need stamina if you don't want to get him into trouble.
WHERE TO SWIM WITH YOUR DOG IN THE LUBÉRON?
There are numerous small rivers and natural beaches along the Durance where you can swim with your dog in the Luberon. You can also visit the Etang de la Bonde near the village of Sannes in the Vaucluse. This is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Luberon, and you can take your dog with you. Of course, your dog must not bother the other beach-goers. It's a good idea to take your dog, and yourself, for a swim in the hot summer weather. Rivers and ponds are great cool spots for your canine companions. As you can see, there are plenty of great places to walk your dog in the Lubéron.
A FEW TIPS FOR WALKING YOUR DOG.
As well as the all-important lead (especially in the Parc Naturel Régional du Lubéron, where it is compulsory), here are a few tips to ensure that your walk with your dog in the Luberon goes smoothly:
- Take water and a bowl for your dog to drink: the Luberon is very hot in summer and dogs (especially those on holiday from the north of France) don't cope well with high temperatures if they can't drink regularly.
- Keep your dog on a lead. It may seem that a path is deserted, but a mountain bike or horse rider can quickly come along and your dog could cause an accident and injure himself.
- Check when hunting season is open. To avoid walking at the same time as a wild boar hunt, take the time to check the hunting season for each forest.
- Check the fire risk. The massifs of the Lubéron are sometimes closed to the public in the event of a major fire hazard. Find out before taking your dog there.