What to see and do around Valensole?

Hi there, We’re heading to Forcalquier as a couple and would love to explore the Valensole area, including the Verdon Gorge, etc. We’ll be there for 5 days, so I’d like to put together a little rundown of things to see, plus the best tips—what to avoid, what to recommend, restaurants, and so on. Thanks so much!

Hi, what time of year? In summer, it's best to avoid because it can feel like an oven, and it's better to head to the Gorges instead—there's so much to see and you can find some cool spots there. The Valensole plateau is amazing in autumn or spring to see the lavender fields!

Hi there, We’re heading out around June 24th, and we’ll need to plan our trip since we won’t have much time. We’ll be staying in Forcalquier and want to explore the area—have you already been there?

hi there, yes, I know the Verdon Gorge area really well

Anyway, we’ll be in Forcalquier, and I plan to go at least as far as Castellane. I don’t know the area at all—if you’ve got any spots or places where it’s better to stop and eat, we’re all ears! Thanks

hello in the land of the Gorges there is: *Rougon and its viewpoint over the Gorges. Further down, the Point Sublime. There’s a crêperie. *La Palud-sur-Verdon, the gateway to the Gorges *Castellane with its campsites and a must-visit spot, the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Roc. As for restaurants, I’m no expert, but you can find your happiness in Castellane. *Lac de Sainte-Croix and the option to take boat rides on it *La Clue de Chasteuil, following the Verdon River *Don’t miss the Clue de Taulanne on the Route Napoléon and the pierced rock—it’s impressive For exploring the Gorges, start either from Rougon or follow the road from La Palud and descend to the Chalet de la Maline. If you want to take the Martel trail, be warned—it’s a steep descent, and you’ll need a full day. Either way, there’s plenty to discover. If that’s not enough, you can head to Entrevaux and see its citadel

🙂 Thanks a lot! Our goal is to visit during the week, stopping here and there, but using our vehicle to get around everywhere. I know it’s not the most "eco-friendly" option, but this time, that’s how we’re doing it.

Good evening, happy to help! There are two roads that run along the Verdon Gorge—one to the north, starting from La Palud, and another on the other side to the south. To the south, there’s the Canjuers plateau, but unfortunately, it’s a military zone where you’re not allowed to enter 🏴‍☠️ Oh, and coming from the Valensole plateau and Manosque, there’s also Riez, where I stopped very briefly. There are some historical ruins.

And a big oversight on my part—don’t miss Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a gorgeous village!

Thanks so much, that’s really kind of you! I have family who lived in Castellane.

It’s an uncle—he was a police officer and is now 95 years old, still sharp as a tack. I’ll ask him for info anyway. It’s true that local businesses have changed, evolved, or even declined, which is why I didn’t ask him too much. Plus, it was back in the 1960s, and I was only 2 years old!

So nice of you to reply! Thanks again—I’ll keep looking for more info. Moustiers and other spots.

FYI, you’re the only one who responded to us!! 😊😎

Good evening jackchrist, I'm happy to help you out. Have a great trip then.

Hi there, We’re heading to Forcalquier as a couple and would love to explore the Valensole area, the Verdon Gorge, etc. We’ll be there for 5 days—I’d like to put together a little overview of things to see, plus the best tips (and what to avoid), recommended restaurants, and so on. Thanks a bunch!

Hello! Five days in the area—here’s what might work for you:

* The Valensole plateau and its lavender fields; * Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and its faience pottery; * Riez, which is also really nice; * A bit farther, Gréoux-les-Bains; * The Citadel of Sisteron; * The town of Manosque; * The Verdon Gorge; * Banon, home of the world’s best goat cheese and the famous Le Bleuet bookstore;

In short, there’s plenty to do!

Thanks so much for the info—it really helped fill out my travel journal! I’ll definitely try some of the cheeses and compare them to our *pelardons*!!! Thanks for everything

Thanks so much for the info, it really helped complete my travel journal! For the cheeses, I’ll try to taste some and compare them with our pelardons!!! Thanks for everything

You can compare, of course. But, but... 😎

Hi, thanks! One last detail—guided or non-guided tours of the lavender fields and other attractions to avoid bad deals. That’s why I mentioned "good tips" in my first post, because sometimes you get "ripped off."

Thanks

Why do you want to get ripped off? What bothers me about this area is the heat. However, deep in the gorges, it's quite mild or even cool. And if you want to enjoy some cheese, there certainly is some, but the Sisteron area is famous for its lamb. There’s a lot of sheep farming in the Pre-Alps, which is why there are so many wolf attacks. As for guided tours, I can’t really say.

Hello, thanks! One last detail: guided or non-guided tours of the lavender fields and other sights to avoid bad deals. That’s why I mentioned "good deals" in my first post—sometimes you get "ripped off."

Thanks!

No need for a guide to see the lavender fields. That way, you avoid getting ripped off.😉

Good evening, In addition to the great tips you’ve already been given, and even if you’re not a hiker, take a little walk (if it’s not too hot) with almost no elevation change along the Verdon Canal, starting from the Quinson-sur-Verdon bridge toward the Sainte-Maxime chapel. It’s easy and really beautiful. For a super relaxing canoe or electric boat trip (no current), but still stunning, check out the Baudinard Gorge in the lower Verdon Gorge. (Canoe rentals are available at the starting point.)

Thanks so much, you're welcome!