Les ocres de la Bruyère
Off the beaten path, the La Bruyère ochre sands are a very special site for a hike in the heart of an abandoned ochre excavation area.
Many protected species can be seen here amidst plants such as sage-leaved rockrose (salvia cistus) and laurel-leaf rockrose, Scots pine and maritime pine. Amphibians thrive in the pond known as the "trou des américains" (Americans' pond) and bee-eaters fly about the ochre cliffs. Tracks of stag and wild boar can be seen in the coloured sands. The work of Mother Nature, helped by erosion, the last vestiges of the ochre mines and the flamboyant colours of the ochre sands against the deep green of the pines are all stunning. There are magnificent views over the villages of Villars and Saint Saturnin lès Apt, and over the Monts de Vaucluse hills.
Distance: 5.5 km – Altitude change: 140 m - Time: 2 hours – Yellow markings – IGN map 3242 OT.
