Things To Do
Whilst it is essential to have use of a car at Mas Bois Carré, there is a huge variety of activities, places to explore and diverse scenery within a very short distance. Here are a few suggestions to whet your appetite.
L’Isle sur la Sorgue
This small town is just 5km away. It is famous for its many antique shops and hosts antique markets on Sundays, along with the year-round Sunday and Thursday general markets - the best in Luberon.
It also has a large choice of waterside cafés and restaurants, all within walking distance of one another, and many attractive waterwheels, most of which are still in working order. The narrow streets host a treasure of shops; provençal soap and perfume, wine and cheese, interior décor and fashionable boutiques, to name but a few.
There are also several large supermarkets on our side of town with easy parking.
Less Than Ten Minutes away
Golf
The beautiful Golf de Saumane is just 5 minutes away. A first class course with a restaurant to match.
See Golf de Saumane
Hire a 2CV for the Day
Go back in time and explore the villages and countryside in a romantic 2CV.
See 2CV Provence
Canoeing
Escape on a hot afternoon along the stunning, clear green water of the Sorgue river.
See Canoe Evasion or Kayak Vert
Fontaine de Vaucluse
A pretty and very interesting medieval village famous for the source of the river Sorgue – the largest spring in France and the fifth largest in the world.
The river is surrounded by dramatic high cliffs, and overlooked by the 13th century castle.
There are also several museums to visit, including a historical paper museum and another about the system of caves. It is the perfect hiking destination from the house, and is also a popular place for lunch.
High Ropes
The Passerelle des Cimes High Ropes is just down the road from us towards Lagnes. Graded routes for all ages.
See High Ropes
Fly Fishing
The river Sorgue is famous for its gin-clear water and abundant trout and grayling. However they are a devil to catch - the French national team train here!
See pechevaucluse.com & sorguett.com
Mini Golf, Zorbing & Paintballing
The Mini Golf, Zorbing and Paintballing are located together on the road to Fontaine de Vaucluse.
See Complex Loisirs
Around And About
Cycling
This is one of the reasons we chose this part of France, the scenery is awesome, and once you get off the beaten track there is very little traffic.
If you are serious about cycling, Mt Ventoux is just north of us, and can be conquered before lunch starting from the house - contact us for more details. If you prefer something more gentle, the Canal de Carpentras is at the bottom of the lane, or you can pick up the old railway line (now a cycle track) which follows the Luberon valley. Perfect for a self-guided wine- tasting tour!
Walking
From our sleepy lane you can access a range of footpaths, anything from a short afternoon stroll with a picnic in the woods above the house to a hike through the countryside, the choice is yours.
The views when walking across the aqueduct near Fontaine de Vaucluse are spectacular.
Local ‘randonnée’ large scale maps are provided at the house, along with some suggested routes, including a walk wading up the river in a gorge near Mt Ventoux!
The Luberon "Golden Triangle" Villages
Made famous by Peter Mayle's account of his idyllic year in Provence, the villages of Gordes, Bonnieux and Menerbes are all less than 30 minutes away.
Restaurants
The area is bursting with authentic French restaurants, from a Michelin star to family run bistros. And views to die for!
Wine and Wine Tasting
The many nearby Cote du Rhone or local Luberon and Ventoux "caves" nearly all offer free tastings - and the opportunity to buy. This is our favourite!
Avignon
This mediaeval city, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, was home to successive popes and the famous bridge. Allow plenty of time for your visit.
Wave Island
For children and adults alike, it boasts 19 water based attractions including the world's largest surf simulator. Lac de Monteux, with bathing and watersports, is also located nearby.
Gallo Roman Towns
If you love this period of history the fascinating towns of Vaison-la-Romaine, Orange, Arles, St-Rémy, Aix-en-Provence and Nîmes are all within easy reach.
Roussillon and Rustrel
Follow the 'Ochre Trail' at Roussillon or visit Colorado Provençal near Rustrel and marvel at the spectacular ochre pigments, geology, flora and fauna.
Horse Riding
There are a number of riding schools in the area, you can book anything from two hours to a two day camping trip.
Via Ferrata and Rock Climbing
The area is a mecca for rock climbers of all standards, our eldest son's passion. There is even a Via Ferrata at Cavaillon nearby.