Gorges du Toulourenc hike
Swimming in Vaucluse
This family hike, with your feet in the water, will take you through the sumptuous Toulourenc gorges. This short, magnificent walk can of course be combined with a “farniente” session and a swim on one of the many small beaches offered by this exceptional site!
In addition to your swimming break, you can even pack a picnic and cold drinks, preferably in a waterproof rucksack, and spend the day in this refreshingly atypical setting… A breath of fresh air that will delight your eyes!
This hike is suitable for the whole family, young and old alike. There are no particular difficulties, just a short 200-metre passage through wet, slippery rocky chaos at the very end. It should be avoided in wet weather or during floods.
Younger visitors will be thrilled by the swimming/hiking day, which is a welcome change from the beach and gives them a sense of adventure in the heart of this precious natural environment.
Naturally, the authorities ask us to respect the site (waste, pollution, etc.).
Materials required
Pair of waterproof shoes.
Swimsuit.
Towel.
Waterproof bags to protect anything that might get in the water (camera, cell phone, etc.).
Hiking description
From the small bridge over the Toulourenc, descend to the banks of the river.
Once at the water’s edge, the route is very simple. It consists of a round trip through these superb gorges over a distance of around 9km, following the current upstream.
As you hike along, you’ll discover superb narrow gorges with magnificent blue water, ideal for a cool swim.
What’s more, the coolness of the gorge is very welcome, given that it’s over 35°C at the parking lot!
Towards the very end of the outward journey, and after passing all the little gorges, you come to a slightly more technical section. This involves crossing large boulders in the middle of a fairly strong current. The rocks are slippery and you’ll need to be sure-footed. Smaller children are unlikely to be able to keep up with you.
The trickiest sections can be avoided, however, by taking a few short, steep descents right at the river’s edge. But this is not always possible.
After crossing some 200m of rocky chaos, you’ll find calm water again, and there’s just another kilometer to go before you reach a beach where the GR91 passes, and enjoy a swim to recover from all its emotions.
At this point, you have two options: either take the GR91 back to the parking lot where you started, or retrace your steps to appreciate these magnificent gorges once more.
Access to Gorges du Toulourenc
From Malaucène, head for the hamlet of Veaux on the D242. From the hamlet of Veaux, continue on the D242 and cross the bridge over the Toulourenc. A parking area has been set up in a field since summer 2015, 400 meters after the bridge. Park here.
Hiking & Spa Ventoux Provence
The benefits of a Spa after physical activity are well proven.
If you’ve just completed that superb hike and feel like taking some time out to relax, take advantage of our center, the largest balneotherapy facility in the Vaucluse region, with over 3,500m2 dedicated to well-being.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay with us.
In addition to a wide range of activities, discover the Vaucluse department and all its qualities.
A department rich in historic monuments and magical places, bathed in Provencal charm. The Vaucluse is ideally situated, close to the sea (about 1 hour’s drive), close to the mountains with the Ventoux, and when the weather permits, you can ski down the slopes (pistes for all levels), go cross-country skiing, ski touring…
And why not take advantage of the SPA?
When you stay with us, you benefit from a preferential rate to use the Spa.
Spend a day enjoying the heated swimming pool with massage jets and whirlpool baths, sauna, hammam, salt cave, cardio room, outdoor jacuzzi Scottish bath and solarium garden.
