Discover Riez with Les Prés du Verdon's hidden gems

Path making... A bicycle from one shed to another From Riez, take a small communal road and climb up the plateau; the climb is arduous but promises a striking view of the Verdon mountains. Find a trail that is at first brittle and steep and increasingly rolling. Travel between truffle and lavender to the village of Puimoisson. Go down the plateau by the Moustiers road, between rolling trails and small secondary roads, then follow the Colostre (ford, potentially flooded, caution! possibility of variant while staying on the road) in the direction of Roumoules. Exit Roumoules by the GR4 and, after a few hundred meters, climb up the plateau via a steep and stony path (bifurcation loop 2). Amore accessible variant takes you through the trading estate. There is a straight and rolling trail completely open on the fields of lavender and olive trees that join the chapel of Sainte-Maxime. Take a last stony descent (variant possible by road) until the heart of the picturesque lanes of Riez.

A family walk to discover Riez. At the top of the Saint-Maxime hill you will join after a small climb, the chapel overlooking the village. From the Pré de foire car park, cross the Colostre. 1- Go left to cross the square in direction of the church, to circumvent it by the left. Follow the road towards St-Maxime. After the wash house and the fountain, walk up the Faubourg St-Sébastien for 150 meters. 2- Turn right on the small road to St-Maxime (white and red signposting) .After a crossroads, continue ahead. Go up to the plateau by a small road (passage in front of the cemetery). Pass the Sainte Maxime source. 3- On the last part leave the road and turn right on a small path (yellow markers) to join the St-Maxime chapel. Pass in front of the chapel (point of water nearby) and cross the plateau. 4- 4- The descent on Riez is done by a path. At the foot of the hill, walk along the clock tower, down the stairs on the right, cross a small road and continue in front. After a few steps, the alley joins the Riez wash house. The return to the car park is done by the same route as the outward journey.

The short walk of the "Roman columns" will lead you to the columns, isolated in the middle of their meadow. From the car park turn left.1- Cross the bridge then follow the path along the Colostre on the left bank (GR®4 towards Greoux les Bains). 2- At 200 m, take the bridge to reach the other bank and the 4 Roman columns. Possibility to continue the walk along the Colostre, flat and shaded path, by going up to the health course for about 200 m. The return is made by the same itinerary.

Choose a family walk in the lavender fields and in the middle of the olive tree fields, two crops that testify of the glorious past of the agricultural city of Riez. From the hiking panels, at the car park of Pré-de-Foire, reach the Silo de Riez. Take the small road along the Colostre and go around the high school. 1 - At the H. Bourret Boulevard, turn left and reach the Sainte-Croix road. Cross it. 2 - At the police station, go to the right towards the Silo. 3 - On the Revesca path, turn right and head to Millarettes, then right again at the next intersection. Cross the departmental road D11 and go up the paved road across for 1.2km / less than a mile. 4 - Go up the road until the Millarettes plateau. At the ledge, take the second road on the right. Continue on the dirt road in the middle of the lavender plantations and the downy oaks for 1.6km / less than a mile. 5 - At the crossing of 3 paths, take the right trail in switchbacks, go down the valley of the Tailla through the oak trees. At the bottom of the valley, turn right. Go up the gravel path gradually until the road (point 4 -). Come back to Riez via the same route used to go.

On this walk you will the discover cabins in the middle, fields of lavender, wheat, canola, and sunflower. The beginning of the path is the same as for loop 1, only the way back differs. From the junction, take direction Puimoisson indicated by a hiking sign. Circulating on a rolling trail allowing you to admire a clear landscape, in front of the crest of Montdenier. When you reach a fork, turn left to find the Notre-Dame chapel, in the heart of an oak forest. Go down again to the foot of Puimoisson using a cobble path (be careful!), Where a last effort is necessary to reach the village. Upstream of the fork which leads to the Chapel, a variant is possible (right) to reach the road.

From Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, this section offers a beautiful descent to the discreet but sensational Baudinard gorges. The lakes follow one another and invite you to take a refreshing break, before crossing Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon and reaching Quinson.

A walk on old mule trails that takes you from the edge of Lake Sainte-Croix to the plateau to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the lavender fields. From the car park, follow the road along the lake towards the water sports centre and the campsite (Chemin de Paraloup), on the left. Follow the small road for 800 m along the edge of the lake. Go along some terraces (dry stone walls), olive trees and picnic areas. At the intersection, continue straight on the small road. Continue for 800 m to the path of Muleteers going up to the plateau. Climb the path on the left along a ridge. Higher up (109 m difference in altitude), at the intersection, go up the path on the left, crossing. At the end of the climb, follow the path on the left for 150 m along the plateau, at the edge of the field. Go down to the left on the marked route (PR). Join the road at the point and return to the starting point by the route taken on the way there.

A walk along the old mule paths takes you from the edge of the lake to the plateau to enjoy a breathtaking view! From the parking lot, follow the road along the lake towards the nautical base and the campsite (chemin de Paraloup), on the left. Walk along the small road for 800m by the lake. There are a few dry-stone walls, olive trees, and picnic areas. 1- At the intersection, continue on the small road straight ahead. Continue for 800m to the Mule trail on the plateau. 2- Climb to the left the trail along a rump. Higher up (109m in height), at the intersection, go up the road on the left, crossing it. 3- At the end of the climb, go left for about 150m on the trail along the plateau, edge of field. Descend to the left on the marked route (PR). Reach the road at point 1 and return to the starting point by the road taken on the way.

At Allemagne-en-Provence, follow the trail of a past rich in knightly history! From the Place du 16 Juin 1944 (square), at the foot of the castle of Allemagne, follow the D952 towards Riez. Immediately after the bridge of the Tartavel valley, take the small path on the right, marked in yellow. 1- Go up by the footpath, under the oaks, amidst the thyme, boxwood and broom. Halfway up, pass at the foot of a column and continue in the woods until the chapel (equipped picnic area). 2- From the top, go back down through Allemagne-en-Provence by a wider path behind the chapel until the Route de Riez. The end of the trail follows the D952 for 500m (watch out for cars, walk to the right of the road!). Go past the old mill village, now converted into a hotel and restaurant. Reach the car park of the starting point.

A nice circuit, amid the scents from lavender, almond and olive groves to reach the chapel of the Trinity. When leaving the car park, turn left, then at the intersection, turn right. At 100m, leave the route de Manosque and follow the paved road of Riou on the left until reaching the exit of the residential area. At 800m after the olive groves, facing a barn, leave the road to go down to the right to the forge valley. 1 - At a small road, at the bottom of the valley, continue straight for 200m. 2 - Turn right and continue straight for about 250m to the picnic area of Holy Trinity. To the right of the source, hidden under the trees, sits the chapel of the seventeenth century. To go back to Valensole, return to point (2) and follow the paved uphill to the left along the farm of Bellencroupe. 3 - At the plateau, turn left. The small road winds among fields of lavender for 2km to the barn of of the starting area. Go into Valensole via the same route used to go.

Taking the emblematic Blanc Martel trail without taking your car couldn't be easier, thanks to the shuttle bus and the Zou 450 regional line (ex BV1 )from Riez, Roumoules, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane. Shuttle service resumes on 28/04/2023. How does it work? The Zou 450 regional line links Riez to Castellane via the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon. From La Palud-sur-Verdon, the Blanc-Martel shuttle bus takes you to the Chalet de la Maline, the trailhead. The trail ends at Point Sublime (Rougon). For your return journey, take the shuttle bus to the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon and/or the regional line 450 to Riez or Castellane. Timetables... To ensure optimum operation, the timetables of the Riez-Castellane regional line (450) and the Blanc-Martel shuttle are coordinated. Online booking is highly recommended if you want to be sure of getting a seat! Please note that the shuttle does not return to Chalet de la Maline in the afternoon.

A quiet family campsite in the heart of the Provençal countryside between Digne les Bains and the Verdon. In the heart of Provence, a region renowned for its sunshine, blue skies and Alpine air, La Célestine campsite offers a variety of accommodation options on a flat 3-hectare area, located only 16 km from Digne les Bains. Bordered by the river Asse and close to the Gorges du Verdon and its lakes (Sainte Croix, Castillon, Esparron) the campsite offers many activities on site and in surrounding areas. Enjoy a 750 m² lake directly on the campsite.

Since 1922, our mill extracts extra virgin olive oil, a genuine fruit juice, only with mechanical means to olive oil amateurs’ great joy. For more than 40 years we have been making cosmetics and soap made in a cauldron just like Marseille soap. The harvest of olives is done manually with hand and automatic combs to preserve olives quality. Then, we proceed to the grinding of the fruit with a simple mechanical method, without the addition of chemicals or change in temperature. At the end of the grinding, we get an extra virgin olive oil with a free acidity lower than 0.8%. Our mill produces a local extra virgin olive oil. Our olive oil is peppery and refreshing which is specific to the aglandau olives (90%). Nearly 400 olive growers bring their olives to supply you with: - Green fruity olive oil - Local olive oil All our products are available at our shop and online shop: olive oil, homemade products, Marseille soaps… We also make basil, mint and lemon oils. Olive oil sold at the Serres, Orpierre, Sisteron and Laragne tourist offices. We offer visits of our soap factory from April to September by prior arrangement.

Fly up and away with this hot air balloon flight in Haute Provence! Marvel at the stunning scenery during this sky-high experience. FLY UP AND AWAY WITH THIS HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT IN HAUTE PROVENCE! MARVEL AT THE STUNNING SCENERY DURING THIS SKY-HIGH EXPERIENCE. As soon as you arrive, you will see the balloon get inflated, then slowly fly up from Forcalquier for an adventure in the purest sky in France. Led by the wind, you will see landscapes and hidden treasures that can only be seen from a hot air balloon. Hilltop villages and lavender and clary sage fields will offer you a typical natural view of this region, caught between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Your landing is sure to be pleasant and sociable, as you will share the traditional hot air balloon pilots' toast! This authentic encounter with Haute Provence will be a moment where time stops.

The Salagon priory, a major medieval site in Haute-Provence, features a 12th-century Romanesque church with contemporary stained-glass windows designed by Aurélie Nemours, a Renaissance dwelling and ethnobotanical gardens.

Pub, bar, brasserie in the center of Digne les Bains. "L’Étoile is a beautiful brasserie with terraces that stretch out at the beginning of Boulevard Gassendi, facing the Étoile roundabout and its parking lots. For nearly fifteen years, it has been a popular spot for those who enjoy basking in the sun or sitting in the heated area for the more chilly ones. The menu offers a wide variety of options to suit all tastes: delicious composed salads, charcuterie boards, well thought out daily specials and generous portions of meat. When it comes to dessert, the café gourmand is easily devoured. One of the chef’s specialties is the homemade hamburger with artisanal bread. The presentation of the dishes is pleasing, and the service is quick, making it a great choice for those in a hurry. In the evenings, this brasserie-bistro transforms into a tapas bar, offering a tapas menu with a wide selection of wines, cocktails and beers. Hervé, the owner, is a fan of music and rugby, thus it is not uncommon to come across a live concert by a local band or a live broadcast of a sporting event. In summary, L’Étoile offers excellent value for money and is a pleasant stop in Digne-les-Bains on the Alpine road. To top it all, a large car park is located right in front and the Tourist Office is only a few metres away. Lunch service: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Dinner service: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm"

The hôtel du Lac offers you a warm and pleasant welcome. We are located near the lake where hikes and picnics are waiting for you. You can walk around the lake in 2h. We have 16 entirely renovated bedrooms with bathroom, WC, TV, Wifi and satellite channels in all bedrooms. A free car park is available and pets are allowed. Garage for cars (5€), free for bikes and motorbikes.

Gîte for 4 people located in the heart of the charming village of Marcoux. The main assets of the gîte are the panoramic view and the swimming pool. The layout of the gîte is full of surprises, with many objects diverted from their original function.

Fabrice and Marie receive you in their campsite in the heart of Provence. Located 900 m away from the hilltop village of Thoard, the Moulin de Thoard campsite is a haven of peace surrounded by nature. Come enjoy the benefits of the Duyes valley. For one night or for longer stays, you will find peace and quiet in our magnificent human-size campsite located in the heart of Provence. In this fast-paced society, it is increasingly difficult to find real time for yourself. When taking over the Moulin de Thoard campsite, we wanted to put forward values that are precious to us, such as benevolence, solidarity and authenticity. It is through our exchanges that we wish to share moments of well-being with you. Here, you will find a calm and restful place in the middle of a natural setting. The valley of Thoard is set back from the main tourist routes, which allows it to keep its authenticity. We buy from local producers, breeders and shops, to offer you quality products in our campsite. This way, we favour short supply chain, limiting our environmental impact as much as possible. We are also very concerned about your well-being and the quality of our reception. Your arrival is for us a privileged moment to which we give all our attention. After a few administrative formalities and safety instructions, we will accompany you to your pitch or rental accommodation. We will show you all the facilities of the campsite so that you can fully enjoy it. Our campsite has: 3 huts, 1 chalet, 1 chalet on stilts, 1 perched caravan, 2 mobile homes, 1 tipi, 1 lodge tent, 1 Safari tent. The campsite is also open to motorhomes within the limits of the allocated space. A service area is provided by the village outside the campsite. You will find all the information you need to prepare your stay on our website. Do not hesitate to contact us for further information. Welcome !

Dynamise, weld & relax with vibrant experiences (bike, paddle, canoe, kayak, climbing...) we will do it with great care and good humor ! Adapted and adaptable formulas & careful programs who have already seduced many companies. Several leisure bases : at Bandol, Entrecasteaux & St Antonin du Var, designed to accommodate groups. High performance sports equipment, controlled aquipment regularly (sea kayak, canoe, Moutain bike, E-Bike, minibus, climbing equipment...) Moving to your chosen location thanks to a very mobile logistics. An experienced team & a network of recognized stakeholders (Oenologist, tour guide's, graduate sports monitor, painters, artists...) Serious references for groups : Bouygues, SFR, EDF, Firemen from Marseille, SNCF, La Poste, Vinci, Crédit Foncier (bank)...

The silo (structure for storing bulk materials) of Riez was built in 1937 and proudly adopts the architecture of its time: like a high ship in the town head, it looks like a small building with a modern style. It is built out of reinforced concrete, a material which is inexpensive, healthy and fire resistant. Details were thorough. Its construction was seen as a major event by the people of Riez. Many years later and higher up on the plateau, new "grain sheds" were built and certified as heritage of the 20th century.

On the Route de Montagnac, you'll have a breathtaking view of the town of Roumoules perched on its hillock.

The colonnade is located near the Colostre river: four monolithic Roman columns of grey granite, topped with Corinthian capitals in white marble, still support a richly carved architrave in limestone. They are the last vestiges of the portico of a temple dedicated to Apollo, raised in the late 1st century AD. Their distinctive feature is to have been kept in place since ancient times. The building was listed as a historical monument in 1840.

The Blanchon fountain (under the Colostre bridge) may date from half of the 18th century. We know that it was repaired in 1826. It is fed by a spring whose water arrives so far through a small underground canal that crosses the cellars of some houses. This system, sometimes poorly maintained in the past by the owners of the houses in question, sometimes diverted for their benefit, could lead to a bad flow at the fountain.

The Colostre is a biological reservoir of great importance for lower Verdon and Durance. But it lost its beauty during the twentieth century, from a bed in braids to a more straight and steep path. If the number of fish species has decreased, the river and its valley still shelter some emblematic species such as the Beaver or the Small Horseshoe bat. A restoration project is under way to restore its good functioning and all its vitality.

1 / You are on the L. Gardiol path: look up. The attic of the village houses often had a dovecote, facing south. We can notice the flight grid surrounded by green and brown glazed tiles.

It takes its source on the slopes of Mount denier and cross the plateau of Valensole to throw itself at the foot of the Greoux dam. The Colostre is a biological reservoir of great importance for Lower Verdon and Durance, allowing aquatic species to reproduce and grow there. The river is home to some iconic species such as the White-footed Crayfish or the Beaver. It could still accommodate many others, such as Chabot or Otter.

The Blanchon fountain (under the Colostre bridge) may date from half of the 18th century. We know that it was repaired in 1826. It is fed by a spring whose water arrives so far through a small underground canal that crosses the cellars of some houses. This system, sometimes poorly maintained in the past by the owners of the houses in question, sometimes diverted for their benefit, could lead to a bad flow at the fountain.

The Lapidary Museum of Riez was created in 1929 by Marcel Joannon, better known under the name of Marcel Provence. Installed from its origins in the Paleochristian Baptistery (5th century), it includes a set of lapidary furniture mainly from the Gallo-Roman period (stelae, altars ...).

Like many villages of Provence, the city of Riez has moved a lot, alternating situation of lowland and "perching" . One can think, without having the formal proof, that the first inhabitants of the place (the Reii, who gave their name to the present city) had invested the heights of Saint-Maxime hill. Natural opium, at the junction of two fertile valleys (those of Auvestre and Colostre), the site is ideal: all at once accessible and protected.

5 minutes from Forcalquier. This authentic inn, housed in a late 18th-century farmhouse, offers traditional, quality cuisine in a green setting.

Gastronomic restaurant / Fish specialties Shaded terrace in summer. Seminars, weddings, anniversaries, possibility of takeaway meals. 50 places inside - 30 places on the terrace. Menu from 27€

Restaurant in a traditional and quiet village offering Mediterranean cuisine with Corsican and Armenian influences. We cook mainly with fresh products and favor short food supply chains. We offer Corsican and Armenian specialties. We also cook traditional recipes.

Pub, bar, brasserie in the center of Digne les Bains. "L’Étoile is a beautiful brasserie with terraces that stretch out at the beginning of Boulevard Gassendi, facing the Étoile roundabout and its parking lots. For nearly fifteen years, it has been a popular spot for those who enjoy basking in the sun or sitting in the heated area for the more chilly ones. The menu offers a wide variety of options to suit all tastes: delicious composed salads, charcuterie boards, well thought out daily specials and generous portions of meat. When it comes to dessert, the café gourmand is easily devoured. One of the chef’s specialties is the homemade hamburger with artisanal bread. The presentation of the dishes is pleasing, and the service is quick, making it a great choice for those in a hurry. In the evenings, this brasserie-bistro transforms into a tapas bar, offering a tapas menu with a wide selection of wines, cocktails and beers. Hervé, the owner, is a fan of music and rugby, thus it is not uncommon to come across a live concert by a local band or a live broadcast of a sporting event. In summary, L’Étoile offers excellent value for money and is a pleasant stop in Digne-les-Bains on the Alpine road. To top it all, a large car park is located right in front and the Tourist Office is only a few metres away. Lunch service: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Dinner service: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm"

A modern restaurant with a stylish setting, a large terrace overlooking the park, facing the village and not overlooked. Home-cooked cuisine.

Inventive cuisine with local and seasonal products with an organic tendency. The restaurant offers, not only, but mostly traditional cuisine, with seasonal, local, and if possible organic products. All dishes are homemade.

Traditional restaurant located near the small village of Marcoux (route de Draix) Mountain specialties in winter Pierrade - raclette - Savoyard fondues - mountain burger

Located in the Sainte Baume, near the grotto of Saint Mary Magdalene, Hostellerie de la Sainte Baume offers traditional, family-style cuisine. Single menu on reservation. Weekly menus and reservations on the website.

Stay in Gréoux-les-Bains, Between Provence and Verdon: Accommodation & Must-See Attractions Gréoux-les-Bains, a charming spa town nestled between the Verdon Natural Park and the Luberon, is the perfect destination for a getaway combining relaxation, wellness, and exploration. With its renowned thermal baths, stunning Provençal landscapes, and picturesque villages, Gréoux-les-Bains offers a truly unique experience in the heart of Provence. Accommodation in Gréoux-les-Bains – Résidence Côté Provence The Résidence Côté Provence – Terres de France welcomes you to a warm and elegant setting, just a short walk from the thermal baths and town center. Its fully equipped and comfortable apartments are ideal for spa retreats, Provence getaways, or family vacations. Enjoy a residence featuring a swimming pool, wellness area, and all the amenities for a relaxing stay. Places of Interest The Gréoux-les-Bains Thermal Baths: Experience the therapeutic benefits of these renowned healing waters. The Verdon Gorges: Explore Europe’s largest canyon, perfect for rafting, hiking, and paddleboarding. The Valensole Plateau: Marvel at the famous lavender fields in full bloom between June and July. The Templar Castle: A historic landmark overlooking the town, offering a glimpse into medieval history. Esparron Lake: A beautiful setting for swimming, canoeing, and nature walks. Book your stay at Gréoux and immerse yourself in the charm of Gréoux-les-Bains and Provence!

A quiet family campsite in the heart of the Provençal countryside between Digne les Bains and the Verdon. In the heart of Provence, a region renowned for its sunshine, blue skies and Alpine air, La Célestine campsite offers a variety of accommodation options on a flat 3-hectare area, located only 16 km from Digne les Bains. Bordered by the river Asse and close to the Gorges du Verdon and its lakes (Sainte Croix, Castillon, Esparron) the campsite offers many activities on site and in surrounding areas. Enjoy a 750 m² lake directly on the campsite.

Refuge of the C.A.F (French club promoting mountain sports) - this cottage is located on one of the most open viewpoints on the Verdon Gorges. This is a unique accommodation on the Route des Crêtes with a typical Provençal charm. An exceptional location on the Grand Canyon, starting from the famous Blanc-Martel and Imbut trails, a stage of the GR4, at the core of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, for your hiking, climbing, mountain biking and white water trips. Jean Faure, the new guard will welcome you as of March 26, 2016

Opening 15/05/2020 > 27/09/2020 At the entrance of the largest canyon in Europe, the Huttopia Gorges du Verdon campsite welcomes you on a unique site on the banks of the Verdon with a beautiful swimming pool and private access to the beach…

3 star apartment of 55 m2 on the ground floor of the owners' house. Quiet area, open view, close to nature and the city. Very well exposed and bright. Two rooms (18 and 21 m2), very well equipped, new bedding of 160 cm, large terrace, small garden.

Independent apartment on the ground floor of a villa, private garden, very quiet place, 300 m away from Ferréols lake.

Gite away from the city centre On the second floor of the Château des Sièyes, this self catering gîte d'étape welcomes individuals and groups (on reservation and deposit payment starting from 7 people), halfway between the city centre and the commercial area of Digne les Bains. The gîte is part of the heritage of the city of Digne les Bains. The ""Provence Alpes Agglomération"" community manages it under its responsibility for tourism.

Independent 3-star bungalow - Private garden - Parking - Internet. Open view on the mountains. Custom care for all types of guests: hikers, thermal baths users. 32m² apartment, equipped kitchen, ceramic hob, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge with freezer, oven, microwave, waste separation, plenty of storage space, terrace, garden, separate WC, bathroom, television, collective swimming pool, jeu de boules set, tennis, entertainment room. WIFI on guest's request. FM Radio.

Eastern exposure, very sunny 1 room apartment. Garden level with terrace, panoramic view of the city and the mountains. In a quiet place.