Discover La Bastidonne

La Bastidonne is part of the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon. If you want to combine walks, scenery and architectural history when choosing a destination, you’ll find various options here: the circular trail to Chapelle Saint-Julien, archaeological remains on the Saint-Julien plateau and historic churches in the village. You can also consider an art studio with exhibitions when planning your trip.

Circular Trail and Walk at Saint-Julien

The circular trail to Chapelle Saint-Julien is 3.1 kilometres long, rated very easy, and listed as a 1-hour-30-minute round trip. It starts at the Castellet car park and ends in La Bastidonne. The covered washhouse is part of the official route through the village. Check the car park regulations locally; trail conditions and signage may change.

The Saint-Julien plateau is less than 1.5 kilometres from the village and lies at an altitude of 449 metres. It is suitable for a walk; trail conditions may change. When planning, you can therefore choose between a signposted circular route to the chapel and a walk on the plateau. The distance and duration given for the circular route refer to the round trip described.

Ridges and Views

Colline Saint-Julien also reaches an altitude of 449 metres. It is one of around sixty designated geosites in the Géoparc du Luberon and is a small cuesta landform: the southern slope is steep, while the northern slope descends gently. From the hill, views extend towards the Luberon and Sainte-Victoire. The altitude, slope and viewing directions offer different impressions of the landscape around La Bastidonne.

The grounds of Chapelle Saint-Julien also offer panoramic views of the Luberon and the Durance Valley. If you plan to take in this view, check local access conditions. This lets you include the viewpoint as a separate part of your plans without conflating it with the views from the hill.

Archaeological Remains and Chapelle Saint-Julien

The Saint-Julien plateau preserves the remains of a large oppidum that was inhabited during the Iron Age and the Gallo-Roman period. Chapelle Saint-Julien was built on the site of an oppidum. Remains of the chapel include sections of wall and a monolithic altar.

A hermitage was established next to the chapel in the late 17th century or the first third of the 18th century. At Saint-Julien, you will therefore encounter both archaeological remains and evidence of later religious use. The different dates refer to separate parts of the site’s history: the occupation of the oppidum and the establishment of the hermitage.

Church and Studio in the Village

Église Notre Dame de Bonne Aventure adds another chapter of architectural history to these historic sites. Its Romanesque choir dates from the 13th century. In 1486, the church became a parish church, with a baptismal font and cemetery. If you are interested in religious architecture, you can distinguish between two different dates here: the construction of the choir and the church’s later elevation to parish status.

Atelier de Peinture « Lou Sarraïé » presents permanent and temporary exhibitions; admission is free for all visitors. The programme also includes a personal, friendly exchange with painter Toni Balenci, with visits subject to the venue’s arrangements. Check the latest exhibition and visitor information before your visit. Along with walks, scenery and churches, the studio offers another cultural highlight during your time in La Bastidonne.

Discover more destinations: Bonnieux, Oppède-Le-Vieux, Jonquières, Fontaine-De-Vaucluse, Merindol, Saint-Trinit, Cairanne, Beaumes De Venise

For the broader travel overview: Vaucluse.