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Valensole

20 km East of Manosque via the RD907 road and the the D6.

Population : 2.500 inhabitants.

DISCOVER VALENSOLE, THE LAVENDER VILLAGE NEAR MANOSQUE

Village de Valensole

Valensole is situated in the middle of a magnificent plateau of lavender and almond trees and is true to its name: Valensole comes from the Latin "vallis" and "solis" meaning the valley of sun.

Eglise de Valensole

Valensole has been able to conserve its character and charm typical of Haute Provence villages. It is a pleasure to stroll through the narrow streets of the old city. It is also a health resort well appreciated for its pure fresh air.

Take a walk on the Valensole plateau

Maison à Valensole

The countryside all around (le plateau de Valensole) is pertectly beautiful especially in the spring when the almond trees are in bloom. In the summer aromas of lavender and thym waft through the air confirming the fact that Valensole is one of the most important producers of lavender in Provence.

Where and when can you see the lavender fields?

The best time to see the lavender fields on the Valensole plateau is early July. And let's just say that between mid-June and mid-July you should be able to admire these mauve landscapes as far as the eye can see. As far as the almond trees are concerned, it's around March. In recent years, the lavender and almond blossoms have tended to come on a little earlier due to global warming.

Lavande à Valensole.
Copyright "Les Routes de la Lavande"

The Lavender Festival in Valensole

Every year, the commune of Valensole organises the "Lavender Festival" on the third Sunday in July, when the lavender is freshly harvested. It's an opportunity to stock up on local lavender products, and to see shows and workshops devoted to lavender production in Provence. Not to be missed if you're in the area in July.

A good restaurant in Valensole?

If you're looking for a good restaurant in Valensole, we recommend the Mediterranean cuisine at "Le Jardin de Célina". The welcome is friendly and the cuisine refined. You'll have a great time.

The market

There are two weekly markets in Valensole, on Avenue Segond: Wednesday mornings and Saturday mornings. The Saturday market is bigger than the Wednesday market. It's a great opportunity to stock up on lavender, olive oil and fruit and vegetables from producers in the Alpes de Haute Provence.

Map of Valensole (postcode 04210)

To find your way around Valensole, you can use our interactive map of the village on this page. We've included the town's main points of interest as well as our accommodation recommendations so that you can see them before you book your holiday in Valensole.

What to see

17th and 18th c. houses.11th c. church.
Ramparts, fountains, wash houses, and chapels.
Bee museum. Truffle house.
Visits of lavender fields and distilleries.

Leisure activities

Trails for hiking and horseback riding.
Tennis. Volleyball. Basketball. 3 heated pools.
Summer entertainment : country festivals, crafts tairs, lavender festivals, santons fair (Provencal figurines).
Crafts : pottery, faience, weavinge.

Hotels

Our favourite in Valensole: Jardin de Celina offers beautiful bed and breakfast accommodation. This bed and breakfast has an outdoor swimming pool, a wellness area and an excellent restaurant. A very warm welcome awaits you.

Holiday rentals

3* campsite in a wooded park of 2.5 hectares near the lavender fields and the Verdon. Aquatic area with swimming pool and paddling pool. Restaurant, fitness room, kid playground.

Campings

3* campsite in a wooded park of 2.5 hectares near the lavender fields and the Verdon. Aquatic area with swimming pool and paddling pool. Restaurant, fitness room, kid playground.

Valensole.

NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Gréoux les Bains (13km), Riez (14km) and Allemagne en Provence (14km).

Zoom in the map

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