All items of interest to visit
AROUND THE CAMPSITE
Take advantage of your camping stay in Valensole to discover the Alpes de Haute Provence region and its authentic villages! You can also admire majestic fields of lavender, you venture into the Gorges du Verdon... various landscapes are available to you for an exotic holiday in the heart of nature!
Moustiers Sainte Marie
One of the most beautiful villages in France ...
3 km from the campsite you will discover Moustiers Sainte Marie, a typical and unmissable village nestled in the rocks, famous for its earthenware and its hanging star. It is appreciable to stroll in its alleys in order to discover its plots and its typical fountains of a small Provencal village but also to admire the panoramic view from the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel which overlooks the village or more simply the waterfall from the bridge located in the center of the village. The presence of trails starting from the village also allows you to discover it from different angles (Claux trail, Tréguier botanical trail, Roman road, etc.) To complete your visit, you can visit the earthenware museum which traces the production of ceramics through the ages.
The Verdon
During your stay, a visit to the Gorges du Verdon, the highest gorges in Europe, is a must. This natural wonder will seduce you with its breathtaking panoramas and the inimitable color of the Verdon river. ... by road, discover the right and left banks, passing through the villages of La Palud sur Verdon and Aiguines and the Route des Crêtes circuit ... on a hike, explore the canyon via the Blanc-Martel trail (14 kilometers / 5:30 am / 6:00 am) or the Imbut trail (13 km / 5:00 am / 5:30 am) or overlook it thanks to the Grand Margès trail (10 km / 4h30 / 5h00) ... on the water, rafting, water hikes ... many whitewater sports will take you to the heart of the Verdon
The lake of Sainte Croix
The Sainte-Croix lake and its turquoise water are one of the essential corners of the Verdon. The third largest lake in France, it covers more than 2,200 hectares. Several activities are concentrated there for beach lovers, families or even aspiring sportsmen. Without artifice, heavenly and rejuvenating, you will undoubtedly be there like a fish in water. To take full advantage of it, you can:
• Rent an electric boat and navigate freely
• Explore the lower Gorges du Verdon by canoe or pedal boat
• Discover the tour of the lake by bike
• Take advantage of the beautiful landscaped beaches
• Go on a hike and be amazed There are many activities available to you !!!
Perfumery L’occitane en Provence in Manosque
In Manosque, the city of scents, you can discover L'Occitane perfumery, creator of perfumes and care with essential oils. In its museum, tracing the history of the factory since 1976, you will enjoy various exhibits in free access. Awaken your senses in the heart of its Mediterranean garden, with a guided tour on request. Visit the factory to discover the manufacturing process and the laboratory. Finally, treat yourself to the shop where you will find the care of which you now know the secrets of fabrication.
Manosque
Food lovers will enjoy a vast variety of local produce here such as olive oil (Moulin de l’Olivette), saffron, honey, lavender, biscuits, almond paste, etc… which are all showcased by local producers every Saturday and Wednesday morning at the « marché aux 7 places ».
Moreover, only 4 kilometers from Manosque, can be found the factory of the well known cosmetic care brand « L’Occitane en Provence ».
Factory visits and the museum shop are open for visitors all year round.
Les routes de la lavande
You can enjoy this beautiful and fragrant plant not only in the fields but also in distilleries, boutiques and through local producers scattered all around the region, giving Haute Provence is well known reputation.
Greoux-Les-Bains
Due to the fact it’s situated between Luberon and Verdon, Gréoux les Bains benefits from being in a protected nature reserve and therefore having an exceptional natural heritage. With the natural spa, nature and gastronomy everywhere, this « romantic oasis of Verdon » (as Jean Giono called it) offers up a Provencal charm and atmosphere anyone can enjoy.
Les Gorges du Verdon
A tourist hotspot in the High Alps, the gorges are recognized as the largest canyon in Europe. It is full of provencal villages, the main one being Moustiers Ste Marie (a famous provencal village specializing in earthenware and pottery), lakes (the largest being Sainte Croix where you’ll find the entrances to the gorges), hiking trails and unusual landscapes.
If an adventure and a change of scenery is what you’re searching for, look no further !
Musée de la préhistoire de Quinson
Hundreds of carved stones, prehistoric tools, ceramic weapons and ornaments will make your imagination run wild. The life size reconstructions among the various exhibitions will be a pleasure to all visitors hungry for knowledge.
Villages et cités de caractère
Riez is located on the side of the hill Saint Maxime overlooking the confluence of the 3 valleys. It provides a medieval atmosphere mixed with architectural curiosites and provencal craftsmanship (art, pottery and earthenware).
Dauphin is one of the most beautiful villages for it’s limestone architecture. Panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see and many local producers and craftmen offer their many quality products (pottery, ceramics, ironwork, etc.).
Mane and it’s feudal citadel is lined with remains of aquaducts and necropolises. The « pointed cabins » in dry stone are this village’s curiosity.
Lurs is perched above the Durance and surrounded by one of the five most beautiful olive groves in Provence. A hiking itinerary from this village is a perfect example of history and heritage and is also part of the famous « Saint Jacques de Compostelle » way.
Les produits du terroir
Cheese : either from sheep, goats or cows, there’s a selection for everyone.
Lamb : being a land of transhumance, the Verdon offers it’s pastures to ewes, especially at Sisteron.
Olives : A speciality AOC of Haute Provence ! An exceptional oil that reflects the authenticity of the territory.
Lavender : it’s scent is the basis of our famous local honey but it’s therapeutic properties are found in many local products too (cosmetics, perfumes, essential oils…)
Almonds : the Valensole plateau is the land of almond trees. They can be found whole, molded, tapered, powdered… They are also part of the 13 Christmas desserts !
Truffles : the presence of oak trees favors the presence of truffle farming. The « black diamond » truffle is produced on the dry and sunny lands of the Valensole plateau near Verdon and Forcalquier in Haute Provence.
