On the trail of the Waldensians

Description

Through landscapes and repopulated villages in the valley of Aigues, discover the marks of the disciples of Waldo. "Originally from Germany, arriving in the Luberon, I was passionate about the inspiring story of the Waldensians. From the settling of this Protestant minority in the 16th century in abandoned villages to the massacres a few decades later, their story was tragic. You can notice in the villages the architectural and religious marks testifying to this Protestant presence." says Susanne KühnTourist Office of the Southern Luberon With your back to the castle entrance, turn right in the Boulevard de la République (D956). 180m away, go left on a pedestrian crossing (cycling sign). Pass the middle school then at the roundabout take the 2nd right (Chemin du Piedmont). Further down, reach the D120 and take a right for 200m. 1- At the intersection, turn right towards Saint-Martin-de-la-Brasque (D165). At the Y, stay on the left. At the entrance of the village, turn right and go through the large car park. At the corner of the town hall, turn left and proceed straight until the D27. 2- Turn right and take the Route de Grambois (D27). 1.5km further, turn left towards Tourrache and take a quick left onto the paved road of the Grandes Terres. Come out on the D42. 3- Turn right on the D42 until Peypin-d'Aigues. Then come back to point 3. Continue straight on 350m and turn left towards Fontjoyeuse (D42a). Take the 2nd intersection to the right, Rue de la Bergerie. Turn right and then left twice. Take the Rue de Vignes to the right. Follow the D42 to the left. After 300m, turn right on the Chemin des Baysses. Continue on the Chemin des Micouliets. Turn left towards Belle Etoile, then follow the Chemin de Langresse. Take the D27 to the right to Motte-d'Aigues. Go through the village and go until the stadium. 4 - Turn right and head towards Cabrières-d'Aigues (D120). 200m after a big left turn, turn right on the Chemin des Grès. At the Y, turn left, go down the Rue des Jourdans, then turn right onto the Rue des Jardins. 100m further, turn left (at the bridge) anc continue to the left. Before the church, go to the right. At the fountain, climb left, then continue to the right on the Rue des Vaudois. 5- At the crossroads, continue across on the Chemin des Palons. At the next intersection, continue straight on the Chemin de Roubian. Further down, stay to the right. After the hamlet of Lataud, take the Chemin des Mascarades to the left. At the Y, turn left and 200m further, turn left on the Chemin d'Entraigues. Before the roundabout (garbage bins), turn left on the Chemin de la Palonne. Come out the D27 and follow it to the left. 6- At the roundabout, continue straight and follow the Etang de la Bonde (D27). At the 1st crossing, turn right on the D37 towards La Tour-d'Aigues. 2.5km further, take the Chemin des Huguenots to the right. Cross the D135 and continue across. Continue straight to the next crossing. 7- At the intersection "l'Archibaude" (sign-post), turn left towards the Tour-d'Aigues. Take the Chemin de Septem and then the Chemin Le Plan. Come out on the D956, turn left on Rue Antoine de Très. After the church, turn right and return to the castle of La Tour d'Aigues.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Before you go

• This route follows streets opened to public traffic; so under all circumstances, it is therefore essential to respect the highway code. Wearing a helmet is highly recommended, for children as well as for adults!

Getting there

Start: Office de tourisme, place Jean Jaurès, La Tour-d'Aigues, La Tour-d'Aigues (84).

Sources

• Track: Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Chemins des Parcs), Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (www.cheminsdesparcs.fr/trek/55366-LA-TOUR-D-AIGUES---A-velo%2C-dans-la-roue-des-Vaudois). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 498 m, Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur