Valensole walks

The Valensole plateau enjoys exceptional light and unique colours that shine particularly brightly in summer: fields of lavender, clary sage, wheat, olive trees and sunflowers against a backdrop of blue mountains attract many photographers. Moderator's note: route modified on 21/06/2023 at points 4 to 6 to avoid Monroc, which is private property and off-limits despite thePR® sign.

A peaceful hike on the Valensole plateau via the Ravin de la Combe. You can admire the magnificent lavender fields in season and pass by beehives, which you should leave alone, of course (if they have not been moved in the meantime). The hike is not complicated and is accessible to all, but please take into account the comments mentioned in the Practical Information section.

This walk near Gréoux-les-Bains allows you to discover a tributary of the Verdon, the Colostre, a charming little river that flows all year round in a small, fairly steep-sided valley. Also on the programme are an oppidum and the magnificent village of Saint-Martin-de-Brômes.

A circular eight-shaped loop starting from the village of Esparron-de-Verdon. A round trip takes you to the pretty site of the "Salle à Manger" in the lower Gorges du Verdon (access to water possible). After starting on a small road, the route alternates between rocky paths and wide tracks. There are some lovely views of the lake and glimpses of the plateaus of Provence and its lavender fields.

On this hike you will be rewarded with beautiful views into the village of Esparron-de-Verdon and across to the hills of the Verdon Canyon. Enjoy the flowers, butterflies and olive trees as well as an optional visit to see the village chateau and church.

Above the lake of Esparron-de-Verdon.

A hike between Gréoux-les-Bains and Saint-Martin-de-Brômes, starting in the mountains, continuing through the Colostre valley and returning via a small path along the Verdon.

An easy walk that will take you from the banks of the Verdon to the heights overlooking Gréoux-les-Bains

This circular walk, which follows some of the classic trails of Gréoux and some lesser-known paths, will take you from Gréoux-les-Bains to the hamlet of Maurras via a forgotten hamlet. On the way back, you will climb up to the Notre-Dame des Oeufs Chapel and from there to the pylons overlooking Gréoux, from where you will return to your starting point.

A family hike partly along the edge of Lake Esparron with many opportunities for swimming and picnicking. The second part of the hike is mostly in the woods with views of Lake Esparron. This hike is generally very shaded.

The village of Volx is known throughout Europe for its climbing guide, which has recently been redesigned and made safer. At the start of the hike, you will see the climbing walls on your right. At the end of the Capellane climb (it's steep), you will be rewarded with a beautiful view overlooking the village. Then you will have a superb view of the Durance valley on your left.

This loop goes around a rock (La Roche Amère), which will be visible for much of the hike. A quarter of the way round, I suggest a detour to the Chapelle de la Roche. If you wish, continue past the chapel (not marked on the map) and follow the path that leads to the top of the rock (ruin), where you will have a beautiful view of the Durance valley.

Discover the Baudinard Gorges and the unique colour of the Verdon with its many caves. You will climb to higher ground and enjoy numerous panoramic views: the most beautiful in the Var with its lakes, mountains, forests and dams.

A splendid hike starting from the Château de Saint-Laurent-Du-Verdon, which is private property. Do not enter the château grounds. You will walk along forest paths, skirting part of the Verdon Gorge and part of Lake Artignosc, as well as magnificent green meadows and fields of lavender in bloom from mid-June to mid-July. This is an easy hike, ideal for beginners and occasional walkers

The territory of Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon stretches from the banks of the river to the Valensole plateau. What a beautiful setting for a walk between the blue of the lavender and the blue of the lakes created by the construction of the Quinson dam. And if the sky is at its best, what a symphony of blues!

A very pleasant route starting from Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon with views of the Verdon.

A very easy walk to prepare for longer hikes. Very pretty view of the Volx rock.

Wonderful hike through the Lower Verdon Gorges, starting in Quinson.

A walk around Quinson, to be done before or after a visit to the Prehistory Museum.

Explore the turquoise waters of the lower Verdon Gorge by canoe, kayak or electric boat.

Two magnificent viewpoints over the Gorges du Verdon (downstream from Lac de Sainte-Marie).

The walk takes you close to the lower Verdon, which has been transformed from a torrent into a river, and then to the promontory of the old Vinon castle, of which only the commanding view and a few stones remain.

Located on a hilltop at an altitude of 580 metres, overlooking the plain, the historic old village of Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier offers a superb panorama of the Durance valley, the Verdon mountains, the Montagne de Lure and, on a clear day, Mont Ventoux.

A pretty walk off the beaten path. The views are breathtaking in diverse landscapes, all from the beautiful little hilltop village of Artignosc-sur-Verdon.

Lurs, a Provençal village perched on a rocky outcrop, with its shaded paved slanting streets, surrounded by a landscape of olive trees, offers an exceptional panorama of the Pre-Alps, the Durance valley, the Valensole plateau, the Montagne de Lure and the Luberon mountain range.

A beautiful and varied walk through the countryside, culminating in the medieval village of Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier (with its chapels, mills, church and 360° panorama of Provence).

Hike along the Baudinard-sur-Verdon Gorges, on cliffs 100 to 150 m high plunging into turquoise blue water. Then return via the Museau de la Colline, offering numerous breathtaking views of the Lac de Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, to finally arrive at the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Baudinard with its belvedere overlooking the lake. Not to mention a visit to the village of Baudinard-sur-Verdon.