Provence – Day 9 – Bonnieux → Buoux Castle → Auberge des Sequins
Tuesday, 14-Jun-2022
Tags: Travel
Tuesday’s hike was supposed to be from Bonnieux to Buoux to Auberge de Sequin, listed as 11.7 km, 7.3 miles. We had asked before the trip if we could shorten up the hike and start from Chateau Buoux, now an environmental education center. The hike ended up being about 5.25 km, about 3.25 miles.
We got picked up around 10:45 am. There was a little confusion on the part of the driver as to where we were being left off — the voucher said Chateau Buoux but there is also a Fort Buoux ruin near Buoux, and when we realized he was driving there, we explained that we were supposed to go to Chateau Buoux, which is now called Chateau de l’Environment run by the Luberon Nature Park. It was a short backtrack to the correct turnoff, so no harm done.
Our walk begins here.
From the Chateau grounds, we hiked about 15-20 minutes up to 13th century Chapelle St. Marie. We walked into the church and walked around the grounds a bit before continuing on to Buoux.
Continuing on to Buoux.
Buoux is a very small village with 17th century stone dwellings and narrow cobbled streets (called “calades”). We walked around for a few minutes, snacked on some goodies, drank some water.
We then headed off mostly on dirt tracks and some woods.
GR blaze showing a turn.
Now we head down towards the cliff.
About 2.5 km into the hike, we reached and walked along a cliff, where we could peek over and see the auberge hotel complex in the valley far below.
At about 4 km, we started down a series of switchbacks on a centuries-old, cobbled mule-track to the valley and the auberge. We sat in the outside cafe, and drank Perrier and a auberge-prepared lemon drink, and were picked up around 2:30 pm for the drive back to Bonnieux.
Time for refreshments.
Our route.
Dinner was at
La Terrazza di Bonnieux in the old town. We had antipasto and pizza and enjoyed the view. We headed back to our B&B and sat in the backyard and watched the sunset. A wonderful trip.
A perfect way to end a perfect trip.
--
Larry and Eileen Samberg
