The Plague Wall runs through Lagnes, and from the highest point of the village, views stretch across the Luberon and the Alpilles. The village’s architectural history and the landscape of the Monts de Vaucluse also give a visit here different points of focus: old walls and lanes, viewpoints, and trails through garrigue and woodland.
Lagnes between the hills and the Sorgue plain
Lagnes lies at the southwestern tip of the Monts de Vaucluse, at the foot of the PieĂŻ rock. The Sorgue plain borders the western edge of the municipality. The hills east and north of the village are characterised by garrigue, holm oaks and pines. Rock, wooded heights and plain thus make up the varied landscapes around Lagnes.
From the highest point of the village, you can look out across the Luberon and the Alpilles. Another panorama awaits at the TĂŞte du Soldat, a rocky ridge with 360-degree views of the Luberon, the Alpilles and Mont Ventoux. Unlike the view from the village, the panorama from the ridge also includes Mont Ventoux.
Traces of the village’s history
The Plague Wall runs through Lagnes. It is part of a dry-stone wall about 20 kilometres long, built in 1721. In the old village, narrow lanes wind between old houses adorned with flowers. A castle dating from the 13th century rises above Lagnes; it was remodelled in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Tour de l’Horloge overlooks the village centre. Formerly used as the town hall and later as a school, its wrought-iron bell tower now defines the tower’s silhouette.
The Saint-Pierre church also bears witness to several phases of construction. It is dedicated to Notre-Dame-des-Anges and was completed in 1612. In 1844, it was demolished apart from its bell tower, then rebuilt in the Romanesque style. The Chapel of the White Penitents was built in 1646 and is now used as an exhibition space. Check locally whether it is open to visitors before your visit.
Another feature of the village’s streetscape is the Lagnes fountain: its basin is round and made of stone. The cast-iron bowl above it is supported by figures of two children. Together with the lanes, castle and religious buildings, it offers a way to explore the village’s history through specific buildings and their varied forms.
On foot and by bike
The walking trail to the TĂŞte du Soldat can be reached on foot from Lagnes and passes through garrigue scented with thyme, rosemary and pine. One hiking trail offers panoramic views of the village and the plain from a cliff; another passes through the Peithe cedar forest. The trails have different highlights: views of the village and plain on the one hand, a woodland stretch on the other.
Specific place names are also provided for planning a cycling trip. The Luberon cycle route No. 4 connects Maubec, Robion, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Lagnes. The L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue–Lagnes–Robion connection is also designated as a cycle route in the Luberon. If you are considering Lagnes as an overnight stop, you can choose your focus according to your interests: architectural history and the old village, or views, hiking trails and cycling connections.
Discover more destinations: Montfavet, Velleron, Rasteau, Roaix, Monteux, Robion, Rochegude, Lafare.
Back to the regional travel overview: Vaucluse.
