📍 France

FORCALQUIER REGION: LAVENDER, GORGES AND MOUNTAIN VILLAGES

Lavender fields stretching to the horizon, limestone gorges cutting through plateau, stone villages overlooking valleys. Forcalquier country, secret Provence.

≈ 16
Days
371
Km
15
Stops
📖 9 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover the mountain villages around Forcalquier. Pass through Entrevaux and its ramparts clinging to rock, follow Castellane gateway to the Verdon, discover Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and its ceramic tradition, then reach Colmars and Simiane where valleys preserve an untouched authenticity.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Entrevaux

fortified town medieval splendor

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

Discover

1
Entrevaux — medieval city fortified by Vauban: gates, ramparts and drawbridge over the Var.
2
Old town — narrow streets, small squares and Provençal fountains.
3
Citadel (exteriors and panoramic ascent via the zigzag path).
🎯

Activities

→
Arrival by the Pignes Train (tourist section) and stroll along the platforms.
→
Photo tour of the enclosures and viewpoints above the Var valley.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 20min
2
Day

Annot

mountain village stone character

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

Discover

1
Annot — medieval town that has remained authentic, tall houses, narrow streets and vaulted passages.
2
Sandstone quarter — chaos of blocks and woodland paths.
🎯

Activities

→
Climbing and bouldering on the sandstone (equipped sites) or hiking the sandstone circuit.
→
Round trip on the steam Pignes Train (according to schedule).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22 km
Travel time: 26min
3
Day

Castellane

gorge gateway mountain anchor

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

Discover

1
Castellane — lively Provençal town, remains of fortifications, posterns and towers.
2
Notre-Dame du Roc (ext.) — promontory overlooking the Verdon.
🎯

Activities

→
Whitewater sports on the Verdon (rafting/canoeing depending on conditions).
→
Heritage walk in the old town and along the river.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 49 km
Travel time: 59min
4
Day

Colmars Les Alpes

fortress village alpine crown

Colmars Les Alpes - Photo 1Colmars Les Alpes - Photo 2Colmars Les Alpes - Photo 3Colmars Les Alpes - Photo 4Colmars Les Alpes - Photo 5Colmars Les Alpes - Photo 6Colmars Les Alpes - Photo 7Colmars Les Alpes - Photo 8Colmars Les Alpes - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Colmars-les-Alpes — fortified town between Alpine and Provençal influences.
2
Forts and ramparts (exterior) guarding the entrance to the upper Verdon valley.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking in the Haut-Verdon valley (lakes, waterfalls, alpine pastures).
→
Tour of sundials and flowered squares.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 38 km
Travel time: 45min
5
Day

Seyne Les Alpes

village mountain tradition soul

Seyne Les Alpes - Photo 1Seyne Les Alpes - Photo 2Seyne Les Alpes - Photo 3Seyne Les Alpes - Photo 4Seyne Les Alpes - Photo 5Seyne Les Alpes - Photo 6Seyne Les Alpes - Photo 7Seyne Les Alpes - Photo 8Seyne Les Alpes - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Seyne-les-Alpes — former fortified town (Vauban), ramparts and gates.
2
Esplanades and viewpoints over the Blanche valley.
🎯

Activities

→
Fortress (educational heritage trail/escape game depending on opening).
→
Alpine walks (Grand-Puy station nearby depending on season).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 61 km
Travel time: 1h13
6
Day

Cruis

quiet village provence charm

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

Discover

1
Cruis — village at the foot of Lure mountain, quiet alleys and local stone.
2
Church, cloister and traces of the former abbey.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the olive groves and paths of lower Lure.
→
Thematic trail on peddler-druggists (medicinal plants).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 14 km
Travel time: 17min
7
Day

Lurs

village stone heritage craft

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

Discover

1
Lurs — village on a balcony above a vast olive grove (AOC Aglandau).
2
Promenade des Évêques and viewpoints over the Durance.
🎯

Activities

→
"Characters and typography" trail (Rencontres de Lure, graphic heritage).
→
Tasting of local olive oils (neighboring estates).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 24min
8
Day

Mane

rotonda village medieval charm

Mane - Photo 1Mane - Photo 2Mane - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Mane-en-Provence — golden stone village set on a hill of safre.
2
Citadel (ext.), priory, gardens and pointed huts around.
🎯

Activities

→
Route of the calades and fountains in the town.
→
Heritage walk towards the ancient bridges and agricultural terraces.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 8min
9
Day

Simiane La Rotonde

village astronomy heritage tradition

Simiane La Rotonde - Photo 1Simiane La Rotonde - Photo 2Simiane La Rotonde - Photo 3Simiane La Rotonde - Photo 4Simiane La Rotonde - Photo 5Simiane La Rotonde - Photo 6Simiane La Rotonde - Photo 7Simiane La Rotonde - Photo 8Simiane La Rotonde - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Simiane-la-Rotonde — perched village surrounded by lavender, private mansions and rampart remains.
2
Seigneurial rotunda (ext.) and belvedere over the Albion plateau.
🎯

Activities

→
Route of the calades, carved doors, mullioned windows and hanging gardens.
→
Panoramic walk at the top of the village (view of lavandin fields).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h12
10
Day

Saint Michel L Observatoire

village dauphine medieval tower

Saint Michel L Observatoire - Photo 1Saint Michel L Observatoire - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire — perched town with light facades, monumental fountain and upper church.
2
Astronomical center / Haute-Provence Observatory (historic scientific site).
🎯

Activities

→
Sky observation evening (according to schedule) and chapel path.
→
Rural loop between terraced fields, mills and ramparts.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6 km
Travel time: 7min
11
Day

Dauphin

hilltop village medieval stone

Dauphin - Photo 1Dauphin - Photo 2Dauphin - Photo 3Dauphin - Photo 4Dauphin - Photo 5Dauphin - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Dauphin — Luberon village with ochre houses and numerous stone-paved streets.
2
Esplanade of the former castle — vast panorama over the Forcalquier region.
3
Remarkable church and baroque organ.
🎯

Activities

→
Ramparts loop and upper alleys (viewpoints).
→
Artisans' route and workshops open according to season.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8 km
Travel time: 10min
12
Day

Montfuron

village stone provencal tradition

Montfuron - Photo 1Montfuron - Photo 2Montfuron - Photo 3Montfuron - Photo 4Montfuron - Photo 5Montfuron - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Montfuron — peaceful hamlet of 200 inhabitants, stone houses and century-old linden trees.
2
Windmill (1640) — one of the few still functional mills in the region (ext.).
🎯

Activities

→
Ridge path above the village (views over Luberon and Durance).
→
Circuit of oratories and small church with square bell tower.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 27 km
Travel time: 32min
13
Day

Saint Martin De Bromes

ancient town roman heritage

Saint Martin De Bromes - Photo 1Saint Martin De Bromes - Photo 2Saint Martin De Bromes - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Martin-de-Brômes — simple and charming Provençal village, flowered squares and fountains.
2
Ancient route on the Roman road (Gallo-Roman traces).
🎯

Activities

→
Ridge path above the town for views over Verdon and plateaus.
→
Heritage circuit (gates, towers, old houses).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 28 km
Travel time: 33min
14
Day

Riez

pottery village heritage legend

Riez - Photo 1Riez - Photo 2Riez - Photo 3Riez - Photo 4Riez - Photo 5Riez - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Riez-la-Romaine — ancient remains (temple columns), old baptistery and medieval heart.
2
Gypsum plasterwork route (molded plaster decorations) on remarkable facades and interiors.
🎯

Activities

→
Heritage loop between private mansions, staircases and sculpted porches.
→
Walk towards the hills of Val d'Asse (view over plateaus).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 14 km
Travel time: 17min
15
Day

Moustiers Sainte Marie

pottery village heritage legend

Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 1Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 2Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 3Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 15
🔍

Discover

1
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — classified village, built between two cliffs, suspended star and tiered narrow streets.
2
Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church and earthenware museum (centuries-old craftsmanship).
🎯

Activities

→
Ascent to Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir (stairway) and belvedere overlooking Lake Sainte-Croix.
→
Tour of earthenware workshops/boutiques and walk to the Rion waterfalls.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

ALPILLES, PAYS D'AIX & CAMARGUE: 25 VILLAGES

📅 26 days 🛣️ 302 Km

LUBERON & MONTS DE VAUCLUSE: 15 HILLTOP VILLAGES

📅 15 days 🛣️ 151 Km

CÔTE D'AZUR AND GREEN PROVENCE

📅 11 days 🛣️ 219 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 13 and 19 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.