84340 MALAUCÈNE
In full heat, in summer, A bathing is more than ever of necessity!
We propose you a REFRESHING address for which one we know no detractor!
Gorges of Tourlourenc !
The Hamlet of Calves
A few kilometers away from Vaison-la-Romaine, the hamlet of Calves, on the municipality of Malaucène (Vaucluse), is situated in the valley of Toulourenc on the north hillside of Mont-Ventoux.
This protected valley is a wild place very appreciated of the nature lovers and the Bathing in Vaucluse.
The hamlet of Calves is known for the running and generous waters of Toulourenc as well as for its numerous hiking trails reaching Mont-Ventoux.
Toulourenc
The Mecca of the local tourism and the integral part of the municipality, the Toulourenc lines the hamlet of Calf and is border with the municipality of Mollans on Ouvèze.
Toulourenc, small river fed by the Mount Ventoux rises at the foot of the Castle of Aulan near Montbrun-les-Bains and winds on around thirty kilometers before throwing itself into Ouvèze.
Twisting according to coombs coming down from the mountain, she dug in the rock of her bed, upstream and downstream to the hamlet of Calves of the profound gorges sometimes reaching 100 meters. The throat downstream called "Estrechon" (Because of his narrow-mindedness) do not exceed by places 1,50 meters in width and has a 3 kilometer length, of Notre-Dame of the Angels to Calves.
Take advantage of the bathing in several places of Toulourenc, after the Hamlet of Calves.
It is also the departure of pleasant aquatic, easily accessible hike, and open to families.
You will find one of the departures of this stroll at the level of the village of Calves. The hamlet accommodates a bridge since which you can decide to lower or to go back up the stream.
In every bend, the bed of Toulourenc offers a new show. Having had some water up to feet, you will maybe have a chance to find holes of water, on your way. Surprises in every bend, a small canyon, containing narrow passages, will take shape gradually in front of your eyes, giving the impression you of being transported somewhere else.
This walk can be decorated with a session "bronzing", on one of the diverse small shingle beaches.
The strong attendance by the tourists in summer, more of 70voitures by days on both sides of the river at the level of the bridge, incited the city hall of Malaucène to fit out since the summer, 2015 a parking lot in a field, placed in 400 meters after the bridge.
Practical information
Watch out!
This river can show itself extremely dangerous.
Because of dams upstream, the water level can rise in a lightning way within one minute, and the small brook be transformed into unchained torrent. If the time adorned you uncertain, it rained in the days which precedes, do not go there.
We strongly recommend that you always consult the Vigicrue website in the morning before leaving.
This circuit can be made from May to September for optimal conditions.
Good bathing!