Haute-Provence

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.

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 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 !!

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 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 !!!

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!

A gigantic 700-meter deep gorge carved by water and time in the limestone of the platforms of the Provence. The Gorges du Verdon are one of the main tourist sites in the Var, France and even Europe. This unique and spectacular natural wonder can be discovered from the heights by following the ledge road that offers sublime and breathtaking views. Or follow the bed of the river and canoe down the aquamarine waters of these magnificent Gorges in the Verdon.

Provencal capital of faience, this village of character is part of the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Today many master potters offer quality pieces with original decorations. You will also find beautiful stalls offering some local products such as honey, lavender and olive oil. For the bravest, a beautiful stone staircase from the center of the village to reach the sanctuary of Notre Dame de Beauvoir, a classified historic monument with a magnificent view over the valley.

Aiguines is a renowned tourist destination for its authenticity and its panorama of the lake of Ste Croix. However, woodturning remains the major attraction with the manufacture of "studded balls" that you can discover in a museum dedicated to it in the village center. Additional visits include the chapel of St Pierre and its orientation table, the place of the Fountain and its belfry, as well as St Jean parish church sheltering a christ in cross classified as a historical monument.

This village will seduce you with its art of living and its rich history. Its typically Provençal lanes will guide you between the numerous fountains, laundries and small squares. You will not miss the castle "Knights Templar", a medieval fortress classified since 1840 to historical monument. Every Thursday morning you can go to the large Provencal market and in season the night market invades the pedestrian streets every Friday. Finally, for raptor lovers, the animal park "The Eagles of Verdon" will amaze young and old.

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.

The Gorges du Loup is an elevated spot in the hinterland of Grasse and the Côte d’Azur, ideal if you are looking to cool down. Hiking enthusiasts but also swimmers will get their money’s worth here, as well as lovers of beautiful landscapes and nature reserves. In the heart of lush vegetation and varied fauna, thanks to the waterfalls, you can go canyoning or aqua hiking.

This peaceful lake of emerald water is a true source of freshness and a real oasis of tranquility for lovers of nature and mountains. Easily accessible thanks to its large equipped and supervised beaches, Lake Castillon is the ideal place to spend beautiful summer days. Located at an altitude of almost 900m, it borders the villages of Saint-Julien-du-Verdon and Saint-André-les-Alpes. You can swim, sail, navigate and water ski.

The Monts d’Azur reserve in Thorenc is a beautiful 700 hectare nature reserve with over 500 species of wildlife. These wild animals find freedom in this oasis of tranquility with his natural living conditions. Better yet, you can approach deer, hinds, bison, moose, Przewalski-horses, wild boars, birds and many other animals with your family.

Make the most of your camping holiday by visiting the historical town of Manosque. This pretty provencal old town is full of rich historical heritage and has two large churches classified as « historical monuments » that are worth a visit.

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.

Lavender is the symbol of Provence. The « plateau de Valensole », where our campsite is located, is right in the heart of this lavender culture. Therefore, unique landscapes are yours to enjoy, especially during mid June to the end of July, when the lavender is in full bloom.

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.

The infamous landscapes of Gorges de Verdon will be sure to delight lovers of nature and open spaces. Several Tikayan campsites are located in the heart of Verdon and near the gorges.

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 !

A dozen villages located around the Valensole plateau have been awarded and praised for their architectural heritage, their environment and the many crafts they have to offer.

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.