Top Things to do in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
10 Things to do in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France including Gorges du Verdon, Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon, Notre Dame de Beauvoir, Chapelle Notre Dame du Roc, Centre Ville, Plateau de Valensole, Tour du Mont d'Or, Plan d'Eau des Vannades, Parc Animalier Domestique, Casino de Greoux-les-Bains.
Restaurants in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
1. Gorges du Verdon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,811 reviews
Europe's only grand canyon.
Reviewed By B_Brierley - London, United Kingdom
We visited for 1 day in August 2020, and even in the height of summer with many other tourists, this was still an incredible experience. We arrived at La Base Nautique de l'Etoile which is the closest pedalo/kayak rental to the Gorge opening (on the left bank when looking at the Gorge) at 8:45am and joined the already formed queue of people (opens at 9am). We rented a pedalo for 40Euros for 2 hours - this allowed us to pedal as far as the Gorges allows (in terms of signposts, not in terms of ability) and enjoy some swimming while docked at the side before heading back. We could have used more time to relax and just enjoy. Arriving that early in the morning affords you some quieter time in the Gorge, even in summer, before it gets really filled up with boats/people. Due to our next stop, we ended up driving the D952 to Castellane by total chance which turned out to be one of our TOP drives of all time - just stunning and highly recommended.
2. Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By Kathy1186 - Amelia Island, United States
This is the highest gorge in Europe and is an absolutely amazing drive. If you don't like heights or switchback roads go with caution, but the views are absolutely worth the drive up.
3. Notre Dame de Beauvoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 669 reviews
Reviewed By sophiapt - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
While you visit the Moustiers town, it's worth to walk up to cathedral on top to see magnificent from the above. It's not a difficult route but not recommended for someone has heart problem for this walk. Make sure you bring water, hat and comfortable shoes with you. The view is all worth of the hike.
4. Chapelle Notre Dame du Roc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
Reviewed By TracyNuzzo - Cabris, France
Second time climbing up the the chapel. The views are spectacular, and the chapel is charming! The hike is steep and takes about 25 minutes if you are in good shape. I saw hikers of all ages and levels however. Just be careful with the well-worn stones!
5. Centre Ville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 939 reviews
Reviewed By sophiapt - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This little town is great place for a day visit in South of France, not far from Marseille, it offers beautiful scenery, peaceful, a charm of history. Takes your time to walk around the town, enjoy the nature, visit local shops, they have all varieties of mountain herbs (precious gift for home-cooking), saucisson, pottery.
6. Plateau de Valensole
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By Foodange - Manchester, United Kingdom
If you’re visiting here, then seeing the lavender and sunflower fields at their best should be top of your list. It’s always difficult to decide when to go and how to avoid the crowds as it’s basically July. We saw lavender in bloom everywhere and also noticed fields where it had already been cut so guess it depends on the weather and 2019 had been hot early. We took smaller back roads and found sunflowers and lavender in bloom just as brilliantly as on the main routes. Turn off the N85 at Mallemoisson, go via Thoard and back down via Champtercier. Then along the D4, turning off at Oraison to Entrevennes then Brunet. On this route we hardly passed a single car and certainly no tourist coaches. Only place we saw the hordes with selfie sticks was on the conventional main roads near Valensole. Paraphrasing what someone said recently: “Photography no longer encourages seeing; it simply encourages projecting, turning the world’s great vistas into mere backdrops for the selfish self” .... and guess what, wherever we are in the world, those doing it are from the same place .... Valensole itself was awful; crowded with shops selling tat. Greoux was much better, with room to park and move. Risk the crowds, enjoy the vistas and leave your selfie stick at home!
