In Villars, the ochre landscapes of Les Ocres de la Bruyère, short hiking trails and a rich visitor heritage come together. The village’s hamlets and experiences centered on wine and regional products add to the appeal. You can choose from different ways to plan your visit: nature and landscapes, architecture and history, or insights into winegrowing and agriculture.
Ochre Landscapes and Nature
The Les Ocres de la Bruyère massif is classified as an Espace Naturel Sensible (Sensitive Natural Area) and is open to everyone. Check local access conditions before your visit. From there, you can enjoy views of the villages of Villars and Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, as well as the Monts de Vaucluse. The landscape is also home to protected species, including amphibians, bee-eaters and several species of bat. Tracks left by deer and wild boar can be seen in the colored sand. This place combines wide-open views with opportunities to observe nature up close.
Hiking Around Villars
The Le Trou des Américains circular trail is 1.9 kilometers long, takes 45 minutes and is rated very easy. It offers a short hike with a clearly defined duration. Trail markings and access conditions can change, affecting the duration or rating, so check the situation before setting out. Another option is the “Tour des ocres du Luberon” route, which leads to the village of Villars and is part of the Vaucluse département’s hiking trail network. While Le Trou is described as a circular trail, the Tour des ocres is distinguished by its connection to the village.
Hamlets, Church and Chapel
Villars’s visitor heritage includes eleven hamlets with narrow lanes, fountains and washhouses. The former municipal washhouse is also a sight of interest to visitors. The hamlets and their architectural details offer a different perspective from the trails through the ochre landscapes, with a focus on village layout and traditional building styles.
The present-day church, dedicated to Notre-Dame and Saint Jacques le Mineur, was consecrated on April 7, 1867. The 19th-century parish church of Saint Jacques le Mineur is one of Villars’s sights of interest to visitors. Another striking site is the Chapelle Saint-Pierre de Bagnols, a former priory built on the site of a Gallo-Roman fanum. Its nave has a barrel vault, and the semicircular apse is topped by a half-dome vault. Reused votive inscriptions honoring Jupiter and Sylvain, the god with the hammer, are built into the nave walls. The architecture and inscriptions offer different ways to explore the site’s history.
Wine and Regional Products
Château Saint Pons offers several experiences: cellar tours and wine tastings, a self-guided wine trail, and picnics among the vineyards. An information booklet for the trail covers grape varieties, winegrowing and the surrounding landscapes. The picnics feature carefully selected local products and wines from the estate; reservations may be required. Visits and booking arrangements can change, so it is advisable to check in advance.
La Chèvrerie de Villars also offers a glimpse of local agriculture: visits to the goat farm are available by prior reservation. Confirm your reservation and availability before you arrive. Fresh cheese is also available, though the product range may vary. A visit to a farm can thus be distinguished from the wine experiences at Château Saint Pons, with each retaining its own focus.
Discover more destinations: L'isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, Valreas, Cheval-Blanc, Cabrières D'aigues, Sarrians, Monteux, Mormoiron, Althen-Des-Paluds.
Return to the main travel overview: Vaucluse.
