A trip to Valensole offers two main themes: the fortified old town and the landscape of the Plateau de Valensole. In the historic center, the focus is on architectural history and narrow streets; on the plateau, cultivated fields, diverse habitats and far-reaching views shape the landscape. This lets you choose between a focus on culture and one on nature.
Old Town and Cultural Heritage
Work on Saint-Blaise Church began in 1346. Its features include 14th-century capitals decorated with sculptures and a richly carved walnut pulpit from the 18th century. The dates point to two distinct periods: the capitals date from the century in which construction began, while the pulpit was created considerably later.
A walking tour of Valensole’s fortified old town leads from Rue Emile Dol along the chemin de ronde, through the gate and to Place Saint-Mayeul. From there, the route continues through narrow streets that descend in a spiral from the church hill. It therefore links individual landmarks with a route through the historic center.
A nearby fountain can be found at the medieval porch of the Cour du Doyenné. The Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Chapel has stood since the 11th century and is now a cultural venue in Valensole. A local association organizes tours and painting exhibitions there; the specific program may vary.
The Domaine Le Clos de Villeneuve is also part of the architectural heritage. Its bastide was built in the first half of the 18th century. The garden is laid out over three terraces and includes pools and fountains dating from the 17th and 19th centuries.
The events calendar also offers a seasonal highlight: the annual FĂŞte de la Lavande takes place on the third Sunday in July. As the exact program may change, it is advisable to check the dates for your planned visit.
At the Musée vivant de l'abeille, visitors can watch 30,000 worker bees at work through a glass beehive. Historical and educational beekeeping collections complement the exhibits, presented through tools, photographs and documents.
Plateau de Valensole: Fields, Habitats and Far-Reaching Views
The Plateau de Valensole is characterized by geometrically laid-out lavandin plantations and fields lined with almond trees. There are also meadows and grasslands, garrigue, scrubland, and woods and forests. The landscape therefore encompasses more than its regularly planted crops and field margins.
Non-irrigated crops provide a habitat for steppe birds, including the little bustard (Outarde canepetière) and the Eurasian stone-curlew (Œdicnème criard). Two Natura 2000 sites have different designations: the “Plateau de Valensole” bat site is designated FR9302007, while the “Valensole” Special Protection Area for birds is designated FR9312012. The bird names and protected-area types offer a specific point of reference for travelers particularly interested in nature and wildlife.
The routes also offer different highlights. The VALENSOLE–La Trinité circular route passes through lavandin, almond and olive groves on its way to the Chapelle de la Trinité. From the plateau, views extend to the Pre-Alps, the Massif du Devoluy, Mont Denier, Chiran and Moure de Chanier, as well as Montagne de Lure, Mont Ventoux, and the Massifs de la Sainte-Victoire and de la Sainte-Baume.
The difference between the two routes described can help you choose the focus of your outing: the route through the old town follows its fortified layout and narrow streets; VALENSOLE–La Trinité passes through agricultural landscapes to a chapel. Those more interested in architectural history will find specific historical details in the town center. Those who want to focus on landscape features and far-reaching views can explore the plateau.
Discover more destinations: Beynes, Dauphin, Vaumeilh, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Saint-Paul-Sur-Ubaye, Gréoux-Les-Bains, Oraison, La Javie.
For the regional travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
