Cheval-Blanc: Nature and Provençal Cultural Heritage

Cheval-Blanc brings together nature, water engineering and Provençal cultural heritage. The Gorges de Régalon, the Canal Saint-Julien and the Observatoire de la Langue et de la Culture Provençales highlight three distinct aspects of the area: protected landscapes, historic water engineering, and language, art and traditions. Other points of interest include the parish church of Saint-Paul, the Les Belles tradition, a weekly market and a freely accessible sports facility. You can get to know Cheval-Blanc through its landscapes, history and local culture.

The Gorges de Régalon and the landscapes of the Petit Luberon

The Gorges de Régalon lie on the eastern edge of the commune of Cheval-Blanc, on the border with the commune of Mérindol. A biological reserve and a geological nature reserve protect the gorges. The Petit Luberon and the Crau des Mayorques also showcase a varied landscape of panoramas, gorges, rocky terrain, forest, garrigue, dry grasslands, almond trees and ruins. The mix of open landscapes, forest and rock shows just how many different elements make up this natural setting.

Routes and nature experiences

The “De La Roquette à la crau des Mayorques” route leads into the Petit Luberon state forest. Another specific route option is mountain biking trail No. 38, “Au pied de Valloncourt.” It is classified as easy and follows a half-loop through shady undergrowth and along the cool side of an irrigation canal. The route information was updated on 10 July 2023. Before setting off, check the current route and any seasonal access conditions.

The Canal Saint-Julien: history and agricultural landscape

The Canal Saint-Julien was dug in 1171 and is the first canal in Provence. It serves a 6,000-hectare agricultural area. This brings two different scales into focus: the precise year it was created and the size of the agricultural landscape shaped by the canal. If you are interested in the history of water engineering, this is a specific point of reference that is also connected to the agricultural landscape.

Provençal culture and local history

Since October 2019, the Observatoire de la Langue et de la Culture Provençales has been housed at Mas St-Paul. It promotes and celebrates the Provençal language, art and traditions. Another cultural facet is Les Belles, a tradition that appears to have emerged in Cheval-Blanc towards the end of the 19th century. The parish church of Saint-Paul bears witness to the faith and history of Cheval-Blanc. Together, these offer different ways to explore the area’s heritage: cultural promotion, a local tradition and the history of a parish church.

Market and City Park

Cheval-Blanc has a weekly market. If you are planning a visit, check the current market day, opening hours and local offerings. This lets you plan around the market day without assuming that particular stalls or products will be available. City Park is a freely accessible sports facility for children and adults, located near the stadium and tennis courts. Check the local rules before using it.

Discover more destinations: Mornas, Seguret, Villelaure, Sainte-Cécile-Les-Vignes, Velleron, Murs, Richerenches, Saint-Pierre-De-Vassols

For the wider travel overview: Vaucluse.