Attractions and Places To See around Lauris - Top 20

Lauris is nestled within the Luberon Regional Natural Park, offering diverse landscapes. A notable natural site is the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail (Forêt des Cèdres du Luberon), known for its imposing trees and peaceful atmosphere, with well-marked hiking trails and viewpoints over the Durance Valley and the Alpilles. The Luberon Cedar Forest also offers magnificent views.

Yes, Lauris and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the ancient Roman Pont Julien, a bridge dating back to 3 AD, which can still be crossed by bike. The historical settlement of Oppède-le-Vieux, with traces of human activity from Roman times, features picturesque alleys and offers regional views. Additionally, the village of Lauris itself boasts an old medieval quarter with narrow, cobbled streets, ancient stone doorways, and the 11th-century Notre-Dame-de-la-Purification Church.

Families can enjoy several attractions. The Pont Julien is a family-friendly historical site that can be explored by bike. The Luberon Cedar Forest offers trails suitable for families, and the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail even has a wheelchair-accessible path, making it inclusive for all family members. Wandering through Lauris's old village streets and visiting the local markets can also be a pleasant family experience.

Yes, the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail (Forêt des Cèdres du Luberon) offers a well-marked hiking trail specifically suitable for wheelchairs, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the cedar forest and its viewpoints.

Lauris is an excellent starting point for outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for hiking and cycling in the Luberon hills. For mountain biking, explore routes like the 'To the flow trail – La Tapy Sheepfold loop' or 'Cedar Forest Climb – View of the Luberon Valley loop'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Combe de Lourmarin – Village of Bonnieux loop'. For more options, check out the MTB Trails around Lauris, Cycling around Lauris, and Road Cycling Routes around Lauris guides.

Lauris is home to the unique Conservatory Garden of Dye Plants (Jardin Conservatoire des Plantes Tinctoriales), located on the castle terraces. This garden is the only one of its kind in Europe, dedicated to showcasing 250 species of dye and aromatic plants and the techniques used for natural dyes. The village also features artists' galleries at the foot of the château and hosts regular markets on Monday mornings, Tuesday evenings, and a farmer's market on Thursday evenings.

Absolutely. Lauris, perched on a rocky spur, offers spectacular 180-degree views from the terraces of Lauris Castle, overlooking the Durance Valley, the Alpilles, and the Luberon massif. The Luberon Cedar Forest Trail and Luberon Cedar Forest also provide stunning vistas. The historical settlement of Oppède-le-Vieux and the picturesque town of Lacoste also offer beautiful views of the surrounding region.

To experience the local charm, wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Lauris's old village, admiring the ancient stone doorways and historic terraces. Visit the 18th and 19th-century fountains and old public wash houses, such as the 'duck fountain.' Don't miss the local markets for a taste of Provençal life and products. In the summer, the recently renovated Arcades Terrace hosts concerts and open-air shows.

Visitors particularly enjoy the historical significance and unique perspective offered by sites like the Pont Julien, where an ancient Roman bridge stands alongside a modern one. The peaceful atmosphere and well-marked trails of the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail are also highly appreciated, especially the wonderful views over the Durance. The impressive setting and picturesque alleys of Oppède-le-Vieux, often combined with a stop at Le petit café, are also a favorite.

Yes, Lauris has a rich religious heritage. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Purification Church, originally built in the 11th century and renovated in the 18th, features a beautiful bell tower with a delicately sculpted campanile. The Saint Roch Chapel is another religious site of interest within the village.

Yes, the Luberon Cedar Forest is noted as dog-friendly, offering a great section with little traffic for walks with your pet. Many of the natural trails and outdoor spaces in the Luberon Regional Natural Park are suitable for dog walking, but it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash and respect local regulations.

The Luberon region generally offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities for much of the year. Spring and autumn provide mild temperatures ideal for hiking and cycling through the vineyards, olive groves, and stone terraces. While summer can be warm, the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail offers shaded paths. Summer also brings open-air shows and concerts to the Arcades Terrace.