The park contains the Okhra Conservatory, dedicated to the industrial history of pigment processing in the region.
It is home to the Grotte de l'Ours, which contains significant paleolithic fossil remains.
The park serves as a migration corridor for thousands of birds crossing the Mediterranean basin.
It features 'The Cedar Forest' (Forêt des Cèdres) near Bonnieux, planted in 1861 with seeds from the Atlas Mountains.
The landscape includes unique ochre cliffs that have been naturally eroded into vibrant red and yellow formations.
The park coordinates the 'Maison du Parc,' which manages scientific research and environmental monitoring for the protected zones.
The Parc naturel régional du Luberon is a protected area in Provence, France, covering approximately 185,000 hectares across the Vaucluse and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. The park encompasses the Luberon mountain range, which features the Petit Luberon, Grand Luberon, and Eastern Luberon massifs. It is designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark due to its unique geological diversity and significant fossil sites. The landscape includes karst plateaus, deep gorges like the Aiguebrun, and a variety of Mediterranean and Alpine ecosystems. Over 1,500 plant species and diverse fauna, including the Bonelli's eagle and the European bee-eater, reside within its borders. The park administration, based in Apt, oversees sustainable development projects and preserves historical architecture in hilltop villages such as Gordes and Roussillon. Several long-distance footpaths, including the GR 9, traverse the park for hikers. The region is notable for its historic dry-stone huts, known as bories, and abandoned ochre quarries.
The ochre cliffs of Roussillon or the panoramic ridge trail of the Petit Luberon near Bonnieux.
Download the official park app or physical maps beforehand, as mobile signal is inconsistent in deep valleys.
Visit the local markets in Apt or neighboring villages to find regional products like lavender honey and truffles.
Carry at least two liters of water per person, as many trails are exposed with minimal shade.
Hiking during peak midday heat in July and August; attempting narrow mountain roads with large vehicles.
The park territory is permanently accessible, though some specific nature reserves or private forest paths may close during extreme fire risk periods in summer.
Strict 'leave no trace' policy; wild camping is restricted to designated areas, and open fires are strictly prohibited year-round.
