Valensole walks

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.

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 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.

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.

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 loop which poses no problems so can be undertaken with children to discover a dovecote which is still in a good state.

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.

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.

A short walk with lots to discover: the priory, of course, as well as an old millstone quarry and the oppidum known as Villevieille.

Moustiers Sainte Marie is worth a visit, but the route through the hills is a remarkable way to enjoy this very pleasant plateau.

Botanical trail leading to the Belvédère de Tréguier, with a magnificent view of the Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Ravin d'Angouire at the end

Very nice course with beautiful views of Lake Sainte-Croix.

A very enjoyable loop on the peninsula of Bauduen alongside Lake Sainte Croix.

This is a pleasant hike with a visit to the Chapelle Saint Brice, another to the cairn built here for the 20th anniversary of the Sainte Tulle Hiking Club, and finally the Trou du Loup reservoir.

An easy loop starting from Corbières, with the Torrent de Corbières gorges and the Trou du Loup. The start of the walk offers a glimpse of the gorge on a gently ascending path, with very cool spots and a wide variety of flora. The Ravin de Bernadine has the same atmosphere but with a torrent that is often dry. The climb to La Bosse and the descent on the way back take you through scrubland typical of the Luberon. A pleasant way to discover the hills and scrubland of the Luberon.

If you like Bories, you'll see them in the distance at the start, then up close, and you can even go inside some of them. On your way back, before you get to the village, you'll walk up a superb calade (cobbled) street, and there's a little detour to see the Château de Mane.

Discover the Ganagobie plateau covered with oak and pine trees and its monastery. Beautiful view of the Durance valley and the Croix de l'Allée des Moines.

Located north of Focalquier, the Mourres rocks are a geological curiosity. The area is full of enormous mushroom-shaped rocks several metres high. The word Mourre means 'snout' in Provençal.

The upper trail offers a completely different view from the valley. The Pénitents show their heads and draperies, which is almost more surprising than from below! And then there is a lovely view of the nearby Durance valley. The trail is easy, but there is often a drop on at least one side. Take care with children.

Magnificent gorges, especially in autumn. The climb up to the Chapelle Saint-André is a 2km round trip, but the view from the top is well worth the diversions. You will pass through the remains of the hamlet of Valbonnette. A little further on, another detour of around a hundred metres, to see the ruins of a house, where a large round pillar has remained in its centre, still with the notches used to fix the wooden beams on two levels.

Very beautiful hike to do between April and October.

A rich and varied route with a climb through the forest followed by a summit offering a magnificent panoramic view stretching from Montagne Sainte-Victoire to the Massif des Écrins, taking in all the foothills of the Digne Pre-Alps and Mont Ventoux.