In this program, I suggest you visit Valensole, a charming village in the middle of lavender and almond tree plateaus, as well as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France nestled in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The day will end with a car ride on the ridge road above the Gorges du Verdon.
The best time to see the lavender fields in bloom is between June 15 and July 15. I advise you to aim for July 1st, you will not have many tourists yet.
Morning
Located at 1h20 by car from Marseille, the 800 km² plateau of Valensole is mainly devoted to the cultivation of lavender and cereals. Further on the road, I suggest you visit the village of Valensole, known for its products derived around lavender such as lavender honey or body creams. For example, I appreciate La Maison de Marius, a delicatessen which discovers a range of local products. You will also enjoy strolling through the alleys of the old town. Don't forget to taste the famous lavender and honey ice cream. The village has several restaurants around the fountain, in the center of the village.
Located on departmental road 8, the spot of the cabin in the middle of lavender is well known and popular with photographers. I advise you to go there before going to the next village.
Afternoon
I suggest you continue towards the village Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, known for its production of earthenware. The village still has around ten workshops dedicated to its creation.
Between the rocks a star is suspended... Perched 200 meters high, it measures one meter even if it seems tiny seen from below. According to the famous Provençal writer Frédéric Mistral, legend has it that the star is an offering dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Among the places to visit in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, I advise you to climb the 262 steps to access the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel (photo below). The view over the rooftops of the village is worth it. There are also several hiking trails starting from the village. I suggest you go to the hiking tab of this site to find out more.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is fortunate to be only 5 km from the Lac of Sainte Croix, a perfectly landscaped 2,200 hectare lake. It is the largest of the Verdon lakes (10 km long and 2 km wide). In summer you can swim, pedal boat, canoe-kayak and boat (electric only). Below, the photo is taken from my kayak, at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon, under the Galetas bridge. I advise you to drive over this bridge and stop there to admire the view of the lake.
Then go by car to see the gorges from the ridge road at La Palud-sur-Verdon (address of the start of the road here). The views are worth it! You can then take the road back.
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