Top 16 Natural Monuments around Lauris
Best natural monuments around Lauris are found in a picturesque village located on a rocky spur in the southern Luberon region of France. This area offers panoramic views and access to the diverse landscapes of the Luberon hills. The village's position above the Durance Valley provides a defining natural characteristic, with expansive views over green plains. Lauris is nestled within a regional natural park known for its natural beauty, featuring vineyards, olive trees, and terraced gardens.
Best natural monuments around Lauris
- The most popular natural monuments is Luberon Cedar Forest Trail (Forêt des Cèdres du Luberon), a forest that offers both a viewpoint and a path through a century-old cedar forest. This site provides views over the Durance valley and the Alpilles, with well-marked hiking trails.
- Another must-see spot is Portalas Viewpoint, a viewpoint offering superb vistas over the southern slope of the Petit Luberon and the Durance plain. Visitors can expect views extending all the way to the Mediterranean from this vantage point.
- Visitors also love Combe de Lourmarin, a winding gorge between Apt and Lourmarin. This natural monument features a landscape that is appreciated for its scenic beauty.
- Lauris is known for its forests, viewpoints, and gorges. The area offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, including rivers and historical sites.
- The natural monuments around Lauris are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 260 upvotes and over 100 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Luberon Cedar Forest Trail (Forêt des Cèdres du Luberon)
Highlight • Forest
This forest has only existed since 1860. The trees are, however, very imposing and there is a peace here that is only found in certain forests. It is a well-hidden but essential site for nature lovers in the Luberon.
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Ubac Dolmen
Highlight • Historical Site
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L'Aiguebrun near Buoux
Highlight • River
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Combe de Lourmarin
Highlight • Gorge
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Portalas Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
A superb vantage point with views all the way to the Mediterranean. Easily accessible from the parking lot. The further path along the ridge requires more skill.
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Superb viewpoint over the southern slope of the Petit Luberon and the vast Durance plain.
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The Aiguebrun, a rare semi-permanent watercourse in the Mediterranean region, crosses a major ecological valley in the Park. This site is home to species such as brown trout, southern barbel and the rare white-clawed crayfish. The presence of these species testifies to the good health of the aquatic ecosystem, highlighting the importance of its preservation.
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The landscape is fantastic, but unfortunately there is far too much traffic on the D943 to enjoy it
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The Combe de Lourmarin is a winding gorge between Apt and Lourmarin. From Apt it's a really nice descent to do. From Lourmarin, the climb is about 10km with an average gradient of 4%.
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beautiful route, relatively much traffic but absolutely worthwhile
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The dolmens are between 3,300 and 2,900 BC. been erected. It housed about fifty people of all ages and genders
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some highly-rated natural monuments to visit around Lauris?
Visitors frequently praise the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail (Forêt des Cèdres du Luberon) for its century-old trees and stunning views over the Durance valley. Another popular spot is the Portalas Viewpoint, offering expansive vistas across the Durance plain, sometimes even reaching the Mediterranean.
Are there natural monuments suitable for families or those with limited mobility?
Yes, the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail offers well-marked paths, including a blue-marked tour specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible. For a historical natural monument, the Ubac Dolmen is also considered family-friendly and easily accessible near a cycle path.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments in Lauris?
Lauris is situated on a rocky outcrop, providing exceptional panoramic views. From the village's castle terraces, you can enjoy a 180° panorama over the Durance Valley, the Alpilles, and the Luberon massif. The Portalas Viewpoint also offers superb vistas over the southern slope of the Petit Luberon and the Durance plain, extending to the Mediterranean on clear days.
Are there any historical natural monuments or archaeological sites nearby?
Yes, the Ubac Dolmen is a significant Neolithic tomb dating back to 3,300 and 2,900 BC. It's an interesting stone grave with explanatory information, offering a glimpse into ancient history within a natural setting.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Lauris?
The region is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Luberon Cedar Forest – Portalas Viewpoint loop' or 'View of Mont Ventoux – View of the Luberon loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB trails and road cycling routes like the 'Combe de Lourmarin – Village of Bonnieux loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Lauris, MTB Trails around Lauris, and Road Cycling Routes around Lauris guide pages.
Can I spot any wildlife or unique natural features at these sites?
The L'Aiguebrun near Buoux is a rare semi-permanent watercourse that supports a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Here, you might spot species like brown trout, southern barbel, and the rare white-clawed crayfish, indicating the ecological richness of the area.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Lauris?
While specific data isn't provided, the Luberon region, known for its sun-drenched scenery, is generally best enjoyed in spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant for exploring the vineyards, olive groves, and terraced gardens, and for hiking the trails without the intense summer heat.
Are there any gorges or unique geological formations to explore?
Yes, the Combe de Lourmarin is a notable winding gorge between Apt and Lourmarin. It's appreciated for its scenic beauty and offers a picturesque route, though it can have traffic. The landscape here is quite dramatic and worth experiencing.
What makes the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail special?
The Luberon Cedar Forest Trail is unique because it offers both a beautiful viewpoint over the Durance valley and the Alpilles, and a path through an imposing century-old cedar forest. Despite being established relatively recently in 1860, the trees are grand, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It's a well-hidden gem for nature lovers in the Luberon.
What kind of hiking difficulty can I expect on trails near Lauris's natural monuments?
Hiking trails around Lauris vary in difficulty. For instance, the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail offers options ranging from easy, wheelchair-accessible paths to more moderate routes. Many trails in the area, like the 'Luberon Cedar Forest – Portalas Viewpoint loop', are rated as moderate, suitable for those with good sports shoes or hiking boots.
What do visitors appreciate most about the natural monuments in the Lauris area?
Visitors frequently highlight the breathtaking panoramic views, especially from spots like the castle terraces and the Portalas Viewpoint. The tranquility and imposing nature of the Luberon Cedar Forest Trail are also highly valued, as is the overall blend of natural beauty with the historic charm of the Luberon landscape.
Most popular attractions around Lauris
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