Advices from the tourist office before leaving

Hiking, whether in Summer or Winter, is a genuine physical and sports activity, everyone must provide suitable equipment and be in a good physical condition. Here are some recommendations to fully appreciate your day out.

1. Prepare you hiking bag

We advise you to go hiking with:

› Good walking shoes
› A hat
› Sun glasses
› A bag made up of the following :

• A bottle of water
• A hiking map
• A first aid kit (band aid, antibacterial, compress, etc.)
• A picnic or a few cereal bars 
• A mobile phone with a list of useful emergency numbers

This non-exhaustive list of "basics" remains of course to be adapted according to the degree of comfort you are looking for. Do not hesitate to complete it to make the most of your day: camera, guide book on plants and animals, etc.

Note however that it is better to hike light to optimize your comfort.

2. Find out about the access to the forest massifs

During the summer period, from July 1st to September 15th, access to the forest massifs in Vaucluse can be dangerous depending on weather conditions. Access is regulated due to the risk of fire.

• Access to all the Vaucluse massifs is prohibited for exceptional risks.
• In the event of a very severe risk, access is only authorized in the morning from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the large forest areas of the Southern department (Luberon / Monts de Vaucluse / Colline de Basse Durance). The other massifs are accessible.

Three tourist sites are open to the public from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. as an exception, when is a very severe risk:

›The Colorado Provencal in Rustrel
› The Aiguebrun valley in Buoux
› The Cedar Forest of the Petit Luberon in Bonnieux and Lacoste on its marked section

• Below these risk levels, the Vaucluse forests are accessible.

Public information on the forecast of meteorological hazards is provided by a telephone terminal, updated daily at 6 p.m., providing information for the next day:

T. +33 (0) 4 28 31 77 11

Also find this information on the official website of the Prefecture du Vaucluse : http://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/vaucluse/

However, everyone is reminded that in all circumstances, caution is required inside the forested areas and the following rules must be scrupulously observed: 

› Do not smoke
› Never light fires
› Do not drive on DFCI paths reserved for emergency access
› Do not camp