Valensole

Visit Valensole, Provence

Valensole is a small town situated to the east of Manosque in the south-west of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. It is a lovely traditional village of small Provencal houses set on a hill in very picturesque surroundings, above fields of lavender (the Valensole plateau is well known for its lavender) and almond and olive tree plantations.

Exploring Valensole

As you stroll through the quiet narrow streets and alleys in the historic village, lined with medieval stone and pastel painted houses that occasionally open into small shady squares, you will come across numerous features of interest.

There are a variety of fountains (note in particular the decorative fountain in Place Thiers) and chapels, a traditional 17th century washhouse, sleepy dogs, shady cafe terraces to rest awhile, and lots of those small architectural details that give Provencal towns their unique charm.

Eventually at the top of the hill you reach the Church of Saint Denis that dominates the village. Originally built in the 11th century, the church has been modified several times over the centuries and a significant part dates from the 14th-16th centuries. Hence the church, with its typical Provencal campanile, has a roman style facade and a gothic choir. Inside the church look in particular at the stone carvings and capital stones and the 16th century stalls.

There is also of course the opportunity to buy products produced from the local lavender and truffles (another local speciality), and several art galleries.

Attractions in the vicinity

There is a great deal to enjoy in the surrounding region, with lovely scenery and the extensive lavender fields of the Valensole plateau to enjoy. The best time to visit and see lavender fields in floor is around the last week of June and the first half of July.

One of our favourite villages in the area is at Moustiers, listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', while the stunning Gorges du Verdon are about 30 kilometres east of Valensole.

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (the region and department for Valensole) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Valensole: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Valensole, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Moustiers 19km; Mane 21km; Forcalquier 21km; Aups 30km; Barjols 31km; Oppedette 33km; Digne-les-Bains 35km; Gorges du Verdon 36km; Simiane-la-Rotonde 37km; Tourtour 38km; Salernes 38km;

Valensole tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Clos de Villeneuve - remarkable garden (0km) : Lac de Sainte-Croix - site of natural beauty (18km) : Prieuré Notre Dame (Ganagobie) - religious monument (19km) : Verdon - regional natural parc (20km) : Jardins du château de Sauvan - remarkable garden (21km) : Jardins du prieuré de Salagon - remarkable garden (21km) : Colorado Provencal - site of natural beauty (41km) : Jardin du château de Val Joanis - remarkable garden (42km) :

See more places and a map at places near Valensole