Where can you cool off in the Luberon? Our summer survival guide

When summer arrives in the Vaucluse, the Provençal sun really comes into its own. As temperatures rise a notch, there’s no question of staying cooped up in your accommodation. The Luberon is brimming with cool spots, hidden rivers and shady underground passages.

From your base camp at the Camping Les Chênes Blancs in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt (or at our neighbour’s, the Camping Le Luberon located in Apt), here is our guide to local routes to enjoy the region without suffering from scorching heat.

1. The big dive: The best swimming spots

Nearby natural bodies of water

The Étang de la Bonde (Cabrières-d’Aigues): Located about 35 minutes from the campsite, it is the largest lake in the massif. Surrounded by pine trees and vineyards, its calm waters are perfect for a family day out.
The Riaille Lake (Apt): Just 10 minutes from Les Chênes Blancs. It’s the ultimate in convenience, with its floating pool, inflatable play structures and dedicated children’s play areas. If you’re travelling with your pet, why not take a look at our guide to truly dog-friendly campsites to find out where pets are allowed.
Lac des Salettes (Mormoiron) & Lac du Paty (Caromb): Located about a 50-minute drive towards the foothills of Mont Ventoux, these spots, surrounded by pine forests, are well worth a visit if you’re planning a full-day outing.

Swimming pools: Instant refreshment in the village

Don’t fancy driving? The Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt municipal swimming pool is just below the village, less than 5 minutes from the campsite. With its two pools and shaded refreshment bar, it’s the perfect spot for late afternoons.

2. Thrill rides and water parks: Head for the plain

If you’re looking for artificial waves or tubing rides, head to the Comtat Venaissin plain (45 minutes from the campsite via the DN7):

The Lake at the Monteux Eco-neighbourhood: A large artificial lake offering paddleboard and pedal boat hire, as well as a fitness trail.
Wave Island (Monteux): A paradise for water-slide enthusiasts with its giant slides and its artificial wave, the only one of its kind in Europe. You can plan your day out and book your tickets directly on the official Wave Island website.

Canoeing and Kayaking: Heading for the Sorgue and the Durance

For 100 per cent natural refreshment, nothing beats a canoe trip.

The Sorgue (Fontaine-de-Vaucluse / L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue): It’s our absolute favourite spot. The water gushes from the rock at 13°C all year round. A real thermal shock that’s really in the middle of July.
The Durance: For wider, wilder routes, ideal for spotting local wildlife as you float along the river

3. Underground shelters: When rock provides shelter from the sun

The Bruoux Mines (Gargas)

It’s the ultimate place to beat the heat. Located just 10 minutes from the campsite, this underground labyrinth of more than 40 km of ochre galleries reaches a temperature that remains constant at 8°C all year round. Remember to take a cardigan, the contrast with the outside is striking! As places are limited to protect the site, do remember to book your tickets via the ticket office at the Bruoux Mines .

The Cellars of the Palais Saint-Firmin (Gordes)

Enjoy a visit to the famous hilltop village of Gordes and explore its cobbled streets. This semi-troglodyte site immerses you in the village’s history of craftsmanship (oil mills, cisterns) whilst keeping you well sheltered from the sun’s rays.

4. Outdoor activities: Experience the Luberon ‘in the cool of the day’

Hiking in the shade or along the water’s edge

The Vallon de l’Aigue Brun (Buoux): A magnificent, shaded walk along the banks of the only year-round river in the Luberon massif. You walk in the cool shade beneath the legendary cliffs of Buoux.
The Gorges du Régalon: A spectacular and very narrow canyon.
Le Mourre Nègre from Auribeau: A more technical route, but largely sheltered by the vegetation. If you’d like to explore further, take a look at our full article on the best walks in the Luberon.

⚠️ Safety alert for the countryside: In summer, access to the Vaucluse forests is strictly regulated depending on the fire risk. Before you lace up your boots, you must check the access map for the Vaucluse forests, which is updated every evening by the prefecture.

Summer evenings: Heritage and local specialities

When night falls and the air finally becomes breathable, the Luberon comes to life:

Night-time Tours: Organised by the tourist office, these tours allow you to discover the secrets of the villages by lamplight. Find the full programme of events on the official Destination Luberon website.
Les Sunsets Vignerons: An immersive experience at the Luberon AOC estates. On the programme: a stroll through the vineyards at sunset, a tour of the cool cellars and a tasting of local wines. A superb activity to combine with a holiday focused on slow tourism and unwinding.

🚩 Quick facts: Stay cool this summer at Pausado

Your need for freshness	The solution at Les Chênes Blancs	Distance / Journey time
Swimming straight away	The campsite’s heated swimming pool or the local swimming pool at the bottom of the village.	On site / 5 mins
River spot at 13°C	Canoe trip down the Sorgue.	A 35-minute drive
Natural air conditioning (8°C)	Guided tour of the Bruoux Mines.	10 mins’ drive
Sliding and fun	Wave Island and Lake Monteux.	45 mins via the Avignon route

❓ FAQ: Your practical questions for the summer

Can you go for a swim in the ochre-coloured waters of the Colorado Provençal? No, the Colorado Provençal (Rustrel) and the Sentier des Ocres (Roussillon) are protected land sites. For swimming, we recommend the Riaille lake in Apt or the Bonde lake.

How can I find out if hiking trails (such as Régalon) are open in summer? The fire risk level is updated every evening at 6 pm for the following day. As well as checking the prefecture’s map online, please note that our team displays the access conditions every morning at the campsite reception.

Why choose the Blancs Chênes campsite during periods of extreme heat? Our estate is situated in the heart of a forest of traditional white oaks. This natural shade protects the pitches and holiday accommodation from direct sunlight, ensuring much cooler and more restful nights than in concrete-filled urban centres.