(From Latin vallis /solis : the Valley of the Sun)
On the outskirts of the Verdon Regional Natural Park, Valensole is situated on a magnificent plateau of 800 square kilometers, whose colours come from the lavender fields, the olive trees, the corn fields, the almond trees and the sunflowers. A fabulous landscape with the first summits of the Alps in its background.
The village of Valensole is built on the hillside at a height of 590 metres and its pure sky is appreciated by les astronmers.
Valensole has kept the charm and authenticity of the old villages of Haute Provence, where it is good strolling around small and tortuous streets and discovering centuries of history.
Awarded prizes for its lavender, honey and in the France in bloom competition, Valensole is also a Clunisian site and guided tours of the village are organised by the Office du Tourism Office of Valensole.
On the left side of the Durance river, the Plateau of Valensole is particularly beautiful in Spring when the almond trees are bloomning, then in June when the golden corn contrasts with the purpil lavender whose perfume will fill the air throughout the summer.
Valensole is only 13 kilometers from far Gréoux les Bains and 17 kilometers far from Manosque, the birth place of Jean Giono.
Throughout the year, the visitors can do various activities in Valensole and from there , have easy access to many remarkable touristic sites in Haute Provence.
