La foret des cedres with hiking and walking trails and panoramic views near Bonnieux, Luberon, Provence, France.

© Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock

Fôret des Cèdres

Top choice in The Luberon

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In the scrubby hills about 6km south of Bonnieux, a twisty back road slopes up to this wonderful cedar forest, whose spreading boughs provide welcome relief from Provence’s punishing summer heat. Various paths wind through the woods, including a new nature trail that’s accessible for wheelchairs. The trip up to the forest is worth the drive by itself: the wraparound views of the Luberon valley and its villages perchés (hilltop towns) are out of this world.

Take the D36 towards Buoux and look out for the signs.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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    23.27 MILES

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    26.48 MILES

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    21.26 MILES

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Nearby The Luberon attractions

1. Musée de la Boulangerie

0.89 MILES

A museum all about the history of breadmaking might not sound like a Bonnieux must-see, but it’s actually an intriguing visit. Located in a 17th-century…

2. Château de Lacoste

1.91 MILES

This part-ruined, 9th-century château once belonged to the scandalous Marquis de Sade (1740–1814) but was bought in 2001 by the couturier Pierre Cardin…

3. Cave de Bonnieux

3.06 MILES

Sample local wines at this superior cellar, 5km from Bonnieux on the D36. Tastings are free.

4. Pont Julien

3.52 MILES

Situated 6km north of Bonnieux, near the junction of the D36 and D900, is one of the Luberon’s most impressive Roman landmarks. Dating from around 3 BC,…

5. Fort de Buoux

3.99 MILES

Occupied since prehistoric times, the site of this clifftop fortress commands an incredible view over the surrounding valley. Abandoned in the 17th…

6. Château de Lourmarin

4.5 MILES

This Renaissance château was the first of its kind in Provence. Built during the 16th century and later expanded, the castle has had a string of…

7. Couleur Garance

4.63 MILES

In the days before synthetic dyes, natural colours obtained from plants, fruit and seeds were the main way of creating tints for clothing, textiles and…

8. Distillerie Les Agnels

5.36 MILES

This distillery on the edge of Buoux uses locally grown lavender, cypress and rosemary in its products. It also rents out three gorgeous self-contained…

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