Today’s agenda was eclectic including a walking tour of Bonnieux, a hike along the cliffs to Buoux and a clamber up (and down) a steep hill/mountain to a 13th century fort 400 metres above the valley floor.
We were greeted by an enthusiastic transplanted English woman who walked us up through the entire village of Bonnieux, a 20 minute van ride from our hotel. Nary a fact or date was left out as we learned and looked at the history of this ancient enclave.
Known to have existed since at least 3 BC when the Romans built the still standing Pont Julien, the village was a compilation of narrow lane ways and ancient dwellings.
We then set off on the day’s trek heading to Buoux and the fort above it, a total of 17 Kms away.
The hike covered a variety of styles of trails but most were easily handled given our use of hiking poles.
The route took us along the cliff tops overlooking parts of the Luberon Valley.
We passed through the hamlet of Buoux and descended to the valley floor where a welcomed lunch and rest awaited.
From the restaurant the canyon walls were very impressive.
After lunch six of us chose to continue on foot up the mountain on the other side of the canyon to the remains of the 13th century fort (the rest of the group took the vans to the hotel). It was quite a challenge negotiating the rocky path while the return leg involved an incredibly steep stone staircase featuring a huge drop off on one side. Needless to say we hugged the wall!
The van met us following the descent and we were grateful to be shuttled to the hotel.
A gourmet dinner in the small town of Lumieres finished off a novel day. Tomorrow the hiking involves another mixed bag of trails as we make our way from the Pont Julien to Roussillon and Gordes before finishing in Saint Remy de Provence.
The Bennetts On Tour 