Plateau de Valensole, Elevated plateau in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
The Plateau de Valensole is an expansive highland in southern Provence covered by lavender fields, almond groves, and grain crops. The land rises gently between the valleys of the Durance and Asse rivers, offering wide views across the rolling terrain.
The plateau was settled in Roman times, as shown by the remains of Forum Reii, now called Riez. This ancient city sat at the crossing of major Roman trade routes and shaped early regional development.
Lavender fields shape the landscape here and are deeply tied to how local residents live and work. Visitors see the distinctive purple rows everywhere and can purchase local products directly from the farmers who grow them.
The best time to visit is from June to August when the lavender fields are in full bloom and views are clearest. There is continuous access to different parts of the plateau, though unpaved field roads can become slippery after rain.
The lavender fields follow a geometric pattern that is particularly striking from above, with almond groves serving as natural borders between crops. Photographers and artists travel from around the world to capture this orderly landscape.
Location: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
GPS coordinates: 43.80000,6.05000
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region combines medieval villages, historical fortifications, and natural areas between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps. The landscape ranges from the lavender-covered plateaus of Valensole to the steep limestone cliffs of the Calanques and alpine passes above 8,900 feet (2,700 meters). Geological formations like the mushroom-shaped Demoiselles Coiffées de Théus and the reddish sandstone rocks of Annot show millions of years of natural shaping. Monasteries such as Abbaye de Sénanque and Thoronet Abbey preserve Cistercian architecture, while villages like Gordes and Les Baux-de-Provence maintain their medieval layouts. The coastal settlements of Èze, Menton, and Gourdon sit on rocky perches above the Côte d'Azur, their narrow streets leading to viewpoints overlooking the sea. The Lérins Islands off Cannes and the Îles d'Hyères offer quieter coastal landscapes with Mediterranean vegetation. Inland, hiking trails like Sentier Martel pass through the Verdon Gorge, while the Vallée des Merveilles displays prehistoric rock engravings in an alpine setting. Fortifications including the Citadelle de Sisteron, Fort Carré in Antibes, and the ruins of Fort de Buoux document centuries of military history at strategic passages and heights.
The Cours Mirabeau and Renaissance fountains define Aix-en-Provence's center. Notable structures include Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and Hôtel de Caumont. The landscape features Montagne Sainte-Victoire and Valensole lavender fields. The old town contains narrow streets, mansions, and markets. Museums display art from classical to modern periods, including works by Cézanne and Vasarely.
Lac d'Esparron
10 km
Pont de Sainte-Croix
10 km
Castle of Allemagne-en-Provence
3.9 km
Château d'Esparron-de-Verdon
9.1 km
Baptistère de Riez
3.7 km
Gorges de Baudinard
9.1 km
Vestiges antiques de Riez
3.8 km
Chapelle Sainte-Maxime de Riez
4.4 km
Riez Cathedral
3.9 km
Temple of Apollo in Riez
3.6 km
Château du Grand Jardin
6.6 km
Prieuré de Valmogne
10.3 km
Église Saint-Denis de Valensole
6.8 km
Hôtel de Mazan
7 km
Église Saint-Martin de Saint-Martin-de-Brômes
9 km
Tour de l’horloge de Saint-Martin-de-Brômes
9.1 km
Grande Fontaine de Valensole
6.6 km
Église Saint-Michel de Puimoisson
9.3 km
Église Saint-André d'Esparron-de-Verdon
9 km
Fontaine de la Colonne
4 km
Église Saint-Martin de Brunet
10.3 km
Porte d'Ayguières
4 km
Porte Saint-Sébastien
3.9 km
Église Saint-Laurent de Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon
8.5 km
Église Saint-Marc d'Allemagne-en-Provence
4 km
Église Sainte-Croix de Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
9.4 km
Maison à encorbellement, 3 Grand-Rue
7 km
Chapelle du Tholonet de Valensole
6.6 kmReviews
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