
Cedar Forest Bonnieux
Wander through a century-old cedar forest with stunning panoramic views over the Luberon valley. Free entry and accessible trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Cedar Forest Bonnieux
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wander through a century-old cedar forest with stunning panoramic views over the Luberon valley. Free entry and accessible trails.
"Gorgeous forest of cedar and other trees atop a ridge of hills in Provence."

Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and stony; comfortable, supportive footwear is a must for a safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
Bring essentials for your hike, especially if planning a longer exploration. Limited facilities available.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Cedar Grove
Main walking paths
Wander through towering cedars planted over a century ago, creating a breathtaking natural canopy.

Panoramic Valley Views
Designated lookout points
Enjoy stunning vistas of the fertile Luberon valley from strategically placed viewpoints.

Accessible Nature Trail
Specific marked path
A specially designed trail offers an inclusive way for everyone to experience the forest's beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Trail Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and stony; comfortable, supportive footwear is a must for a safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
Bring essentials for your hike, especially if planning a longer exploration. Limited facilities available.
Check Trail Difficulty
Options range from easy to strenuous. Choose a path that suits your fitness level for the best experience.
Look for Viewpoints
Some views are well-marked, others require a slight detour. Keep an eye out for the best photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep and stony; comfortable, supportive footwear is a must for a safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
Bring essentials for your hike, especially if planning a longer exploration. Limited facilities available.
Check Trail Difficulty
Options range from easy to strenuous. Choose a path that suits your fitness level for the best experience.
Look for Viewpoints
Some views are well-marked, others require a slight detour. Keep an eye out for the best photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Cedar Forest Bonnieux for its majestic cedars and beautiful valley views, noting the free entry and accessible trail options. Some find the trails a bit rocky and lacking in tree diversity, with a suggestion that better hikes might exist in the Luberon area.
"Gorgeous forest of cedar and other trees atop a ridge of hills in Provence. There is a level series of trails through the magestic trees. Many parking spaces are also served by a few porta potties. The park can be driven or walked to from adjacent towns. The walks up and down are a little steep and stoney but beautiful and dramatic. Our walk from Bonnieux and back took about five hours."
Josh
"Perhaps there are other trails that are better. We took one that was marked. It was a pleasant hike with one nice view spot, which could have been much better marked. But overall nothing to "write home about" - rocky path, little diversity of trees, very few views, not much geographical diversity, and final peak view wasn't marked, but thankfully, we just made our own way to the top for a great view. It was my first hike in the Luberon area, but I'd be quite surprised if there aren't better ones around somewhere."
Beale Opsahl-Ong
"J’aime beaucoup. Last visit was over 30 years ago. I had this memory of lots of woods and trails and occasional views as far as the eye can see. Yup. It’s still the gorgeous same."
John Ryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive directly to the forest, which has ample parking. Alternatively, it's possible to hike to the forest from nearby towns like Bonnieux, though these walks can be steep and stony, taking around five hours round trip.
Yes, there are many parking spaces available, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Some parking areas also have porta-potties.
Yes, it's a popular option for hikers. Be prepared for a moderately strenuous walk with steep and stony paths, which can take approximately five hours for a round trip.
Driving is the most straightforward method, offering easy access to parking. For those seeking a more active experience, hiking from nearby villages is an option, but requires good physical condition.
Information on direct public transport is limited. Driving or hiking from nearby towns are the primary methods of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cedar Forest Bonnieux is free to enter, making it an accessible natural attraction for all visitors.
As an outdoor natural area, the forest is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times posted.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
General park rules apply, such as staying on marked trails and not littering. It's a natural environment, so respect its preservation.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local regulations for pets in natural parks. Leashed pets are often permitted.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The forest offers a variety of trails, from easy, wheelchair-accessible paths to more strenuous, rocky routes. Review trail markers to choose one that suits your fitness level.
Yes, it's great for families with different difficulty levels of trails available. The accessible trail is a bonus for families with strollers or mobility aids.
You can expect beautiful views over a fertile valley. While some viewpoints are well-marked, others might require a short exploration off the main path.
A visit can range from a short stroll to a longer hike. A walk from Bonnieux and back can take around five hours, so plan accordingly.
Some parking areas are equipped with porta-potties, but facilities are generally limited. It's advisable to come prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering cedars create dramatic light and shadow play, perfect for atmospheric shots. The valley viewpoints offer sweeping panoramic landscapes.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more flattering illumination for both forest shots and landscape views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the cedars and the expansive valley views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
While some views are marked, exploring slightly off the main paths can lead to unique perspectives. The final peak view, though not always marked, offers a rewarding panorama.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in natural parks before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to explore the forest, perhaps turning it into a nature scavenger hunt. The towering cedars provide a sense of wonder, and the valley views offer a great reward after a moderate hike. It's a wonderful way to introduce kids to the natural landscapes of Provence in a safe and engaging environment.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Experienced hikers might appreciate the opportunity to explore beyond the most obvious paths to discover less-frequented viewpoints. Consider combining a hike in the forest with a visit to the charming village of Bonnieux itself, creating a full day of exploration in the region. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry sufficient water, especially during warmer months.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
When planning your hike, consider the duration and exertion level. A full loop from Bonnieux village can take around five hours, so pack accordingly. While the main trails are marked, some reviewers suggest that specific viewpoints might not be clearly indicated, encouraging a bit of exploration to find the most dramatic vistas. The diversity of trees is noted as being somewhat limited, focusing primarily on cedars, but the sheer scale of the forest compensates for this.
The Scenic Vistas
Reviewers mention that while there is 'one nice view spot,' the potential for even better views exists, especially from the higher points. The experience of looking out over the valley, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, can be particularly memorable. The contrast between the dense forest and the open, sun-drenched valley creates a visually striking landscape that is a highlight for many visitors.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit