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VINEYARDS AND
LANDSCAPES
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Drystone architecture
Stone constructions using dry stone with no binding material is characteristic of the Mediterranean area.
Hillsides which were cultivated required banking up with stone walls to limit erosion.
These stone walls, called “bancaou” in Provencal were made with local stone, using the “drystone” technique, without binding material of any kind.
The walls naturally drained the runoff and held back the earth.
The same stones were used to build little sheds called «bories» using a special technique known as the corbelled false vault.
These bories were used as temporary shelters for shepherds or farmers.
Ochre
Les gisements |
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The ochre deposits throughout this area can still be seen in the colours on the façades of homes in the village of Roussillon and elsewhere, and in the soil.
Old ochre plants and mines still exist.
Started in 1871, you can still see the basins, kilns, mills, and a garden of dye plants.
Maison du Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon
Created in 1977, the Luberon Park goes from Vaucluse to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
It protects the Luberon range, and seeks to sustainably protect this rich, fragile space, home to many different species and uses – picturesque sites, monuments, geological reserve and Biosphere reserve. |
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In addition to the protective, preservation role, the park also contributes to economic and social development, to maintaining unprotected rural heritage, developing paths and trails for visitors to discover the natural setting.
The Luberon Park Centre is housed in an 18th century home in the historical centre of Apt.
The exhibit – «Birth of a remarkable area» underscores the specificities of the Luberon, the geological heritage, the palaeontology, natural settings, habitat and perched villages. |
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