Destination:The Gorges du Verdon (Verdon gorges)

The loveliest village in France

At the crossroads of the Verdon gorges and the Route de la Lavande, is the picturesque village of Moustiers Sainte Marie, centred around the lively alleyways and character houses and lodged within the indentation of a rock. Acknowledged across the entire world for its production of amazing fine ceramics with unique patterns, nowadays there are still some workshops dedicated to the creation of these distinctive objects. Do not hesitate to go to the Ceramics Museum to discover the trade secrets of this ancestral art.

(Museum: Reduced price €2/free for children up to aged 16. For further information click here.

So you build up an appetite

Are you slightly peckish? How fortunate! During your stay in the south, discover the specialities of Provençal cuisine, both sun-drenched and full of flavour. Start your meal with with several tapenade toasts (savoury spread made of puréed olives) or aioli toasts (Mediterranean sauce made of garlic mayonnaise and olive oil) both on toasted bread accompanied by a delicious ratatouille. For dessert, be tempted by a slice of Tarte Tropézienne (a dessert pastry consisting of filled brioche). Of course, you should accompany your feast with a glass of Côte de Provence, rosé for preference. We recommend that you to stop at the restaurant Le Comptoir in Sainte Croix du Verdon: Take a seat on the terrace and make the most of an exceptional panorama over the Lac de Ste Croix lake. On the menu, courgette fritters made in house, grilled entrecôte steak with thyme, Catalan crème brûlée - in short…you are going to enjoy it! For reservations call (00 33) (0)4 92 73 74 62.

One, two, three row!

If you wish to do a little sport during your holiday, we offer you a trip out which combines fun and delightful views. Go up the Verdon gorges for 2 km, in a canoe-kayak, pedalo or electric boat: open your eyes wide to admire geological time’s effect on the cliffs. Do not be reluctant to pop and say “Hello” to Nicolas from the leisure base Sport and Nature. He will offer you various routes for rafting or canoeing in the flowing waters of the Verdon river. These come highly recommended!

To the water Sailor!

Swimming in the translucent waters in France - of course it is possible! The Lac de Sainte Croix has become famous within the whole of France for the beauty of its blue-turquoise colour and its natural setting. We highly recommend that you have an afternoon of idleness at the foot of the village of Bauduen. This beach is covered in white pebbles attracting holidaymakers who can swim supervised by lifeguards. In summer, the lake’s waters can reach upon to 27°C, so don’t forget your rubber rings and rush to this spot with its heavenly ways!

Lavender Country

The Valensole plains dazzle those who are curious as to the area, by their variety of colours throughout the seasons: the snow-covered mountains of the Alps give way to multiple hues of mauve from July onwards. With more than 800 km² devoted to both lavender and cereal production, it is these amazing landscapes for which Valensole is famous. Close your eyes and allow yourself to be transported by these scents - both bewitching and unique in the world. A word of advice, do not delay in disappearing into the little steep paths to take photos of the village having, as its backdrop, these impressive expanses of lavender.