Robion can be explored in various ways: the EV8 starts in the village, historic buildings tell stories spanning several centuries, and walks take you through a landscape of cliffs and springs. If you’re looking for a hotel in Robion, your plans for the days ahead can help you decide where to stay: are you mainly here to cycle, are historic buildings and culture your focus, or would you like to combine both with options for walks and hikes?

Cycling routes from Robion

The EV8 cycle route begins in the village of Robion, follows the Calavon Valley and ends at the foot of the Luberon. Another cycling route runs from Robion via Lagnes to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and starts in the village centre. It passes through farmland, alongside orchards and canals. The routes therefore highlight different landscapes: the EV8 follows the valley, while the route via Lagnes passes fields, orchards and canals.

The Saint-Roch Tourist Information Centre advises visitors on cycling and mountain biking routes, as well as providers with the “Accueil Vélo” label. It’s a practical place to ask for information on these topics. There are also opportunities for walks and cycle routes along small bridges on the Canal de Carpentras. These canal paths and the two routes starting in the village offer different options for planning a trip by bike or on foot.

Churches and village history

In the old village stands the 12th-century Romanesque church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité. The Chapelle du Rosaire dates from 1656. Another trace of the village’s architectural history is the bell tower: it is a remnant of the 13th-century church of Saint-Pierre, and one of its bells dates from 1489. These dates give each building its own historical context, from medieval church architecture to later chapels.

The Chapelle Saint-Roch was built in 1633. Today, it houses the tourist information centre and serves as a venue for exhibitions and cultural events. Construction of the Chapelle des Pénitents blancs was completed in 1606, and the brotherhood of penitents moved in the following year. Today, the chapel is fully integrated into a private residence, so don’t plan on visiting its interior as a publicly accessible space.

The Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Anges also offers several historical reference points: it was probably built in the mid-17th century and restored in 1994. The lintel above its door bears the date 1709, which probably indicates a renovation. This single building thus reveals both the cautious dating of its construction and evidence of a later building phase.

Lime kiln, culture and paths at the Théâtre de Verdure

The Théâtre de Verdure is a former quarry that has been converted into a cultural venue. Robion’s lime kiln was built inside a limestone quarry there. It was first fired to produce lime in April 1860 and restored in 1997. This site brings together industrial history and a later cultural use. Every summer, the Théâtre de Verdure hosts concerts, performances and festivals.

The Théâtre de Verdure is also a notable starting point for two different paths: the Draille de Robion begins beside the site, as does the botanical nature trail. If you’re looking for a specific hike, the route to Rochers de Baude and Crâne de Colombier is a challenging 7.3-kilometre loop with 489 metres of elevation gain. The route passes through a landscape of cliffs and rock shelters. Its difficulty, distance and elevation gain give it a different profile from the paths along the Canal de Carpentras.

Springs and local produce

A rather vertiginous staircase leads to the source of the Escanson. The source of Boulon, by contrast, has a marked seasonal character: it is almost dry in summer and springs back to life after rain. Crested tits, butterflies and flowering meadows can be found there, and walkers appreciate the spring. These two places therefore offer different ways to experience nature, without describing the same type of path or landscape.

Another local discovery is La Roumanière, an artisan confectionery in Robion. In its workshops in Robion and Avignon, it makes jams, biscuits and honey. Throughout the year, La Roumanière offers guided tours of its production workshops and free tastings. For anyone who would like to learn about the production of regional foods as well as cycling and walking routes, this visit adds another theme to the buildings and landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Villedieu, Piolenc, Cairanne, Auribeau, Villelaure, Althen-Des-Paluds, Sérignan-Du-Comtat, Lafare.

See the wider travel guide: Vaucluse.