Things to do in the Luberon in autumn: our ideas for family days out!

Far from the hustle and bustle of summer and the intense heat, the late season reveals a completely different side to Provence. In October and during the holidays for All Saints’ Day, the wooded areas become fully accessible again, the temperatures remain mild and the light brings out the best in the stones dry and the vineyards golden.

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Key points at a glance:

• Families: Explore the fossilised footprint slabs in the Luberon and take a stroll beneath the hundred-year-old cedars in Bonnieux.
• Couples: Sunset at the windmills of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, a stroll through the unspoilt village of Goult and vineyards ablaze with autumn colours.
• Active seniors: The Calavon Greenway, which is entirely flat; the traditional Saturday market in Apt without the crowds; and the medieval streets of Oppède-le-Vieux.
• Autumn accommodation: Les Chênes Blancs Campsite welcomes guests until 1 November, offering heated mobile homes and pitches set amongst the trees.

1. For families: prehistoric fossils and tall trees at All Saints’ Day

During the autumn school holidays, children enjoy hands-on outings where they can explore the area without having to trudge through queues.

Observing some footprints dating back 30 million years:

Established to protect an exceptional geological heritage, the Geological Nature Reserve, managed by the Luberon Regional Nature Park, features several remarkable sites that are open to the public. In the villages of Saignon and Le Castellet, sloping limestone slabs reveal genuine fossilised footprints left by primitive mammals and birds. A hands-on immersion in the Earth’s history, far more peaceful and educational than the usual tourist trails.

Walking through the Bonnieux Cedar Forest:

Planted from seeds brought from the Atlas Mountains in the 19th century on the ridges of the Petit Luberon, these giants create a forest atmosphere that is rare in Provence. The nature trail winds its way beneath the tall trees, offering superb views of the Durance plain on one side and the Apt region on the other. In October, the air is invigorating and the ground is carpeted with pine cones that have fallen from the branches – perfect for keeping the children occupied.

2. For couples: an intimate atmosphere and a secret heritage

In early October, the Luberon returns to its usual tranquillity. It’s the perfect time to explore unspoilt spots together:

• The windmills and the old castle of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt: Directly accessible from the top of the village, this short walking route runs alongside the old medieval reservoir and leads to two restored windmills. At dusk, the panoramic view over the foothills of the Vaucluse mountains and the Apt plain is one of the most unobstructed in the area. To extend your walking trips, take a look at our detailed guide: Top 10 Walks around St-Saturnin-lès-Apt.
• Goult, the unassuming village: Less in the spotlight than its much-publicised neighbours, Goult charms visitors with its cobbled streets of exposed stone, its ‘Moulin de Jérusalem’ and its café terraces bathed in the afternoon sun. Discover our selection of the region’s best-preserved villages in our guide: Exploring the most beautiful villages of the Luberon.
• The vineyards in their autumn colours: The vineyards in the Luberon and Ventoux AOPs take on shades of yellow and purple after the grape harvest. The small country roads linking Saint-Saturnin to Roussillon or Villars offer the chance to admire these contrasting colours in complete tranquillity.

3. For those retired people and active older people: local area full of life and travel easy

For those who like to take their time, autumn is the perfect season to enjoy local traditions at a leisurely pace:

The big Provençal market in Apt on Saturday mornings:

Ranked among the markets not to be missed and brought to life by the recommendations from the Tourist Office of the Pays d’Apt Luberon, the market in Apt runs right through the historic centre. Whilst it is difficult to get about in the height of summer, autumn offers the chance to stroll amongst the stalls and chat with the producers of cheese made from goat’s milk, honey from the garrigue, table grapes and fresh olive oil.

Cycling on flat terrain along the Calavon Cycle Route:

Built along the former Pays d’Apt railway line and forming part of the official network managed by Vélo Loisir Provence, this tarmac-surfaced greenway offers a completely safe route, away from motor traffic. With virtually no gradient, it is ideal for leisure cyclists or those on electric-assist bikes, allowing them to travel between the restored railway stations and the valley’s orchards without any strenuous physical effort.

A contemplative tour of Oppède-le-Vieux:

Perched on the cliffside, this ancient medieval village, now overgrown with vegetation, takes on a unique air in the morning mists of autumn. The climb up to the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-d’Alidon offers complete silence and a sweeping view over the Comtat Venaissin plain.

4. Stay at Les Chênes Blancs until 1 November

Situated at the foot of the Vaucluse Mountains in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, Camping Les Chênes Blancs is a central base from which to explore the area before it closes for the winter on 1 November:

• Comfort in the low season: For those chilly October nights, book our heated accommodation – fully equipped mobile homes with a lounge and covered terrace.
• Facilities for travellers: We have spacious camping pitches shaded by white oaks, suitable for motorhomes, campervans and tents.
• Immediate access to the footpaths: You can set off on foot straight from the campsite to reach the forest tracks and the higher parts of the village.

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FAQ: Planning your autumn holidays in the Luberon

What’s the weather like in the Luberon in October?

Autumn days are generally very bright, with mild temperatures in the afternoon, often ranging between 17 °C and 22 °C. However, do pack some warm clothes for the mornings and evenings, when the temperature drops quickly in rural areas.

Is access to forests restricted in autumn?

No. Unlike during the summer months, when the risk of fire means daily access restrictions are in place, the forest and mountain trails in the Vaucluse are open year-round for walking and mountain biking from the start of October.

Do shops stay open in the off-season?

Yes, unlike some purely seaside resorts, the Luberon and the Pays d’Apt are bustling all year round. Bakeries, food shops, village restaurants and weekly markets operate as normal in October.

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Enjoying the Luberon in autumn means choosing the authenticity of a region at rest, set in unspoilt surroundings.