2021 - July - Hiking in Luberon, Day 2, Circular trail to 'Forets des Cedres', the Cedar Forest

When a French person wishes you 'Courage' at the beginning of your hike and then makes it clear through gestures that the path will be very steep, well then, it will probably be so.

So we were warned, and our hiking description remained in the same tone: 'On the next two kilometers, you will walk a rocky path steeply uphill. Be sure to take many breaks and drink water.'

So, steep it is. How was it really? Let me just say this: We were completely sweaty in no time, and two liters of water were consumed in no time. Yes, we voluntarily took breaks over and over again.

That was the beginning of our circular hike to 'Forets des Cedres', the Cedar Forest. What started so arduously ended on a straight mountain ridge covered with over 100-year-old Atlas Cedars.

And while we only encountered two cyclists on the entire hike, quite a few visitors drove up to the Cedar Forest by car. The paths up there are really well-built, so it's not comparable to the rocky paths we had during the ascent.

In the forest, it is pleasantly cool, and while it's over 30°C in the valley, it is comfortable here.

Now I have told you that we hiked a circular trail today. But that's not really true. When we reached the top, we were supposed to take a different, even steeper path downhill. However, it was closed off, so we just turned around and descended the same way we came up.

By the way, our host Michael here at the hotel was very happy about that. In his opinion, this (now closed) path goes straight down.

I think I have now inspired everyone who likes to really exert themselves. So here's an extra tip: You can also find this hike on 'quaeldich.de'. I don't really know the site, but the title fits.

P.S: The trail starts and ends in the beautiful little town of Bonnieux. It's worth a visit, and of course, there are also some lavender fields here.