Haute-Provence
In the heart of the Parc du Verdon, visit the diverse and varied landscapes throughout the seasons, stroll through typical villages of Haute-Provence and Haut Var: Sainte-Croix du Verdon, Salles sur Verdon and Bauduen on the edge of the lake, La Palud sur Verdon and its ecomuseum, Aiguines and its woodturners museum, Quinson, its prehistoric museum and its Basses Gorges which stretch to the Esparron du Verdon lake, Castellane and the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel , discover the local crafts thanks to the earthenware and ceramic craftsmen as well as the gastronomic specialties over the markets (olive oil, honey, cheeses…) and traditional ones (essential oils, soaps…).
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 Verdon lakes
The lakes of the Verdon are among the most popular and frequented places, especially in summer. And for good reason, they offer the possibility of swimming but also of doing many nautical and aquatic activities.
• The Lac de Ste Croix: the largest and best known, the water temperature is mild and swimming is always pleasant.
• Lac de Castillon: nestled in an emerald water setting north of Castellane, you will mainly find whitewater nautical activities (rafting, canyoning, kayaking, etc.)
• Lake Esparron: the wildest with its creeks and cliffs
• The Lake of Quinson: at the gates of the lower Baudinard gorges certainly the least known but just as charming as its peers
• Lac de Chaudanne: located in the town of Castellane, it is very embedded in the Gorges and offers clear turquoise waters and green shores. Warning !! swimming and nautical activities prohibited !!
Bauduen
Large pebble beach where calm and serenity are guaranteed thanks to the absence of large seaside infrastructures and the limitation of navigation to electric motor boats. The more energetic will take advantage of the offers of nautical activities such as windsurfing, kayaking or paddle boarding. The typically Provençal village of Bauduen stretches out in an arc facing the lake, which allows it to offer a magnificent panoramic view. In the middle of the shaded streets, you will come across fountains and charming old facades, vestiges of ramparts and beautiful Renaissance-style doors. Finally at the end of the pier, you will discover its very pleasant port which is a delight for tourists and water sports enthusiasts.
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 !!!
Plateau de Valensole
Covering an area of 800 km², the Valensole plateau is located at an altitude of 500 meters not far from the Gorges du Verdon. Kingdom of the famous Provençal perfume plant, this territory, covered with fields of lavender and wheat, is also dotted with charming localities, such as St Martin de Brômes, Riez or even Esparron. Lovers of the typical landscapes of Provence will not fail to cross the Valensole plateau at the end of spring, when the lavender, then in bloom, lights up a beautiful blue. An enchantment for the eyes and the smell ... A remarkable site of taste, the village of Valensole, renowned for its lavender honey with a subtle and delicate flavor, is a delight for gourmet taste buds!
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.