A stay in La Motte-D'aigues can focus on several distinct themes: architecture and religious history, a geological hike, a path to a spring, and swimming and cycling by the lake. The village borders the Étang de la Bonde, the largest body of water in the Vaucluse department. When planning, this variety helps you decide on the mix of village history, outdoor activity and time by the water that you want.
Churches and Village History
The Church of Saint-Florent/Saint-Florentin was built at the village entrance after 1345 and before 1421 to replace the too-distant Church of Saint-Jean. It has a single-nave layout, a polygonal apse and two side chapels. The nave forms the main space, while the apse and side chapels divide the building in different ways.
The religious heritage also includes the Protestant Temple of La Motte d'Aigues. The single-nave building is associated with the strong Protestant presence in the village following the arrival and conversion of the Waldensians at the beginning of the 16th century. The two buildings highlight different aspects of the past: Saint-Florent was built to replace a church that was too far away, while the Temple reflects the village's religious history.
Hikes with Different Highlights
The Les crêtes du Luberon hike starts in La Motte-d'Aigues and is a 35.6-kilometre circular route. Along the way, the route offers views of the Aigues Valley and Mont Ventoux. Its circular layout and distance provide a clear basis for planning, while the viewpoints describe the scenic side of the hike.
Le sentier géologique, which passes through La Motte-d'Aigues, offers a different perspective. Its themes span several million years of geological history: from the ocean of the Mesozoic Era, which formed the limestone of the Grand Luberon, to the use of this limestone by people in the 19th century. This lets you explore the landscape not only through its views, but also through the formation and later use of its rock.
A short path along a small river leads to the foot of the Luberon and the Source du Mirail. The spring supplies drinking water and feeds the Étang de la Bonde. The hike ends at the ruins of the Bastide du Bois. The river, spring and ruins give this route its own sequence of natural scenery and built heritage.
At the Étang de la Bonde: Swimming, Parking and Cycling
The shore of the Étang de la Bonde near La Motte-d’Aigues is suitable for swimming. Seasonal swimming conditions may change; check them before your visit. There is a large car park with 180 spaces opposite the swimming area. Check parking arrangements in advance, as they may change.
VTT Route 31 also starts at the Étang de La Bonde car park. The 2023/2024 edition of the mountain biking guide lists it as 18.1 kilometres; check local route conditions before setting out. The 35.6-kilometre circular hike and the 18.1-kilometre mountain biking route are different types of route.
Discover more destinations: Crestet, Bollene, Maubec, Roussillon, Apt, Loriol-Du-Comtat, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, Mormoiron
For the broader travel overview: Vaucluse.
