📍 France

ALPES-DE-HAUTE-PROVENCE: LAVENDER AND PERCHED VILLAGES

Lavender fields shimmer purple and gold on the slopes, hilltop villages crown the cliffs, canyon walls rise high. Provence is aromatic.

≈ 9
Days
238
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Start from Digne toward Verdon gorges via Castellane, discover Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and its faience, lavender fields around Manosque and Forcalquier, perched Lurs village and Sisteron citadel. Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, lavender and perched villages.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Digne Les Bains

thermal city spa culture

Digne Les Bains - Photo 1Digne Les Bains - Photo 2Digne Les Bains - Photo 3Digne Les Bains - Photo 4Digne Les Bains - Photo 5Digne Les Bains - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Geological reserve.
2
Gassendi Museum.
3
Roc de Castellane.
🎯

Activities

→
Train des Pignes to Nice.
→
Starting point for the Verdon gorges.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 36 km
Travel time: 43min
2
Day

Castellane

canyon gorge gateway crown

Castellane - Photo 1Castellane - Photo 2Castellane - Photo 3Castellane - Photo 4Castellane - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Roc.
2
Verdon Gorges.
3
Route des Crêtes.
🎯

Activities

→
Canyoning.
→
Sentier Martel hiking trail.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 24min
3
Day

La Palud Sur Verdon

gorge access adventure valley

La Palud Sur Verdon - Photo 1La Palud Sur Verdon - Photo 2La Palud Sur Verdon - Photo 3La Palud Sur Verdon - Photo 4La Palud Sur Verdon - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Classified village.
2
Faience workshops.
🎯

Activities

→
Kayak.
→
Crafts.
→
Waterfall.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 27 km
Travel time: 32min
4
Day

Moustiers Sainte Marie

pottery village charm white

Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 1Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 2Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 3Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir.
2
Roman columns.
3
Baptistery.
🎯

Activities

→
Valensole Plateau (lavender in summer).
→
L'Occitane Distillery.
→
Provençal market (Monday).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 31 km
Travel time: 37min
5
Day

Riez

lake town glowing water

Riez - Photo 1Riez - Photo 2Riez - Photo 3Riez - Photo 4Riez - Photo 5Riez - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Jean Giono Center.
2
Medieval gates.
3
Convent of the Cordeliers.
🎯

Activities

→
Hike on Mont d'Or.
→
Panoramic view over the Durance valley.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 32 km
Travel time: 38min
6
Day

Manosque

lavender capital flower heart

Manosque - Photo 1Manosque - Photo 2Manosque - Photo 3Manosque - Photo 4Manosque - Photo 5Manosque - Photo 6Manosque - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Observatory.
2
Promenade des Évêques.
3
Medieval gates.
🎯

Activities

→
Paragliding flight.
→
Route Napoléon.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 19 km
Travel time: 23min
7
Day

Forcalquier

medieval town crown stone

Forcalquier - Photo 1Forcalquier - Photo 2Forcalquier - Photo 3Forcalquier - Photo 4Forcalquier - Photo 5Forcalquier - Photo 6Forcalquier - Photo 7Forcalquier - Photo 8Forcalquier - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Citadel.
2
Convent of the Cordeliers.
3
Observatory.
🎯

Activities

→
Provençal market (Monday).
→
Hike on Mont d'Or.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 38 km
Travel time: 46min
8
Day

Lurs

clifftop village perch high

Lurs - Photo 1Lurs - Photo 2Lurs - Photo 3Lurs - Photo 4Lurs - Photo 5Lurs - Photo 6Lurs - Photo 7Lurs - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Perched village.
2
Promenade des Évêques.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking.
→
Panoramic view over the Durance valley.
9
Day

Sisteron

river fortress tower stone

Sisteron - Photo 1Sisteron - Photo 2Sisteron - Photo 3Sisteron - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Citadel.
2
Cathedral.
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Via ferrata.
→
Paragliding flight.
→
Route Napoléon.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 42min

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

ALPILLES, PAYS D'AIX & CAMARGUE: 25 VILLAGES

📅 26 days 🛣️ 302 Km

FORCALQUIER & VERDON REGION: 15 VILLAGES BETWEEN LAVENDER FIELDS, CITADELS AND GORGES

📅 16 days 🛣️ 371 Km

LUBERON & MONTS DE VAUCLUSE: 15 HILLTOP VILLAGES

📅 15 days 🛣️ 151 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.