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On the vast plateaus of Valensole we immerse ourselves in the heart of the lands of this emblematic plant. On this bike trip, we could (almost) let us guide by our sense of smell to follow the paths through the almost endless lavender fields shining in deep viollett. Inspired by the singing of the cicadas we explore this idyllic plateau in the Alpes de Haute Provence, which is also part of the regional Nature park Verdon. We catch sight of the famous cliffs of the Verdon gorge and enjoy the panorama of the imposing peaks of the Maritime Alps on the horizon. The further part of our cycle tour leads us along the Verdon to the picturesque lakes of Sainte-Croix and Esparron. Especially the latter, with its unspoilt nature, is ideal for a rest and refreshment. Throughout the route, you can visit distilleries, farms or museums to learn more about the legendary plant, which is the soul of Haute-Provence. An invitation to experience.
Itinerary start : Rendezvous with the organization team is fixed on day 1 at 10am in Esparron. Please arrive in your cycle clothing. On request we can book the previous night’s accommodation for you in Esparron.
Our trip along the lavender routes of the Valensole plateaus starts with beautiful views of Lake Esparron from a that runs around the lake from the north. Its turquoise water matches beautifully with the green tones of the surrounding pines and oaks. We then follow the Verdon into a picturesque valley that leads us to Gréoux-les-Bains. After a short stop in its narrow streets, we climb for a while before we finally reach a traditional transhumance path, the "draye des troupeaux". From this path, overlooking the vast plain filled with lavender fields, we can admire the mountains of the Verdon Nature Park in the foreground and the peaks of the Mercantour National Park in the background. We are now on the plateau of Valensole, a historic centre of lavender cultivation. Soon afterwards we reach the village of Valensole, the first stage of our tour. A visit to the "Lavender Museum" as well as a walk through the old alleys is a must. Night in a guest house in the village or in the nearby surroundings.
Distance: approx. 35 km; altitude gain: 550 m
Today lavender fields await us as far as the eye can see. The mixture of the straight rows in the fields and the Provençal hills is unique. A few pretty hamlets and villages interrupt our progress every now and then. We reach the other end of the plateau overlooking the imposing lake of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The panorama on this turquoise surface is magnificent. Night in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon (or surroundings) with view on the lake.
Distance: approx. 40 km; altitude gain: 400 m
Today we will first glide down to the shores of the lake Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where broom, pine and boxwood contrast with the transparent turquoise waters. After riding around the lake, we wind our way through oak groves on lonely country roads and cross the Verdon several times at small gorges or lakes. The village of Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon located on a hilltop offers us once again a magnificent panorama of the mountains of the Verdon and the Mercantour mountains. Our tour ends with the entrance to the flowery valley of Albiosc, surrounded by richly blooming gardens and forests. The castle of Esparron, which dates back to the 13th century and owned by the Castellane family, stands with its imposing facades at the end of a beautiful avenue of plane trees. End of the tour on the shore of lake Esparron.
Distance: approx. 35 km; altitude gain: 500 m
Itinerary end : The trip ends in Esparron at around 4pm. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Esparron.
Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.
Itinerary start : Rendezvous with the organization team is fixed on day 1 at 10am in Esparron. Please arrive in your cycle clothing. On request we can book the previous night’s accommodation for you in Esparron.
Our trip along the lavender routes of the Valensole plateaus starts with beautiful views of Lake Esparron from a that runs around the lake from the north. Its turquoise water matches beautifully with the green tones of the surrounding pines and oaks. We then follow the Verdon into a picturesque valley that leads us to Gréoux-les-Bains. After a short stop in its narrow streets, we climb for a while before we finally reach a traditional transhumance path, the "draye des troupeaux". From this path, overlooking the vast plain filled with lavender fields, we can admire the mountains of the Verdon Nature Park in the foreground and the peaks of the Mercantour National Park in the background. We are now on the plateau of Valensole, a historic centre of lavender cultivation. Soon afterwards we reach the village of Valensole, the first stage of our tour. A visit to the "Lavender Museum" as well as a walk through the old alleys is a must. Night in a guest house in the village or in the nearby surroundings.
Distance: approx. 35 km; altitude gain: 550 m
Today lavender fields await us as far as the eye can see. The mixture of the straight rows in the fields and the Provençal hills is unique. A few pretty hamlets and villages interrupt our progress every now and then. We reach the other end of the plateau overlooking the imposing lake of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The panorama on this turquoise surface is magnificent. Night in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon (or surroundings) with view on the lake.
Distance: approx. 40 km; altitude gain: 400 m
Today's stage is a loop on the Valensole plateau, where the lavender shimmers in the morning light. Soon we reach the small valley of the river Colostre. The pretty little Roman town of Riez is perfect for a stroll through its narrow streets and a break on a café terrace. We then continue down the valley and soon reach the village of Allemagne-en-Provence, where a castle was built in the 13th century by the influential Castellane family. We then return to the Valensole plateau, where the lavender has now taken on the warm tones of the late afternoon. Night in the same accommodation as the previous evening in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.
Distance: approx. 40 km; altitude gain: 350 m
Today we will first glide down to the shores of the lake Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where broom, pine and boxwood contrast with the transparent turquoise waters. After riding around the lake, we wind our way through oak groves on lonely country roads and cross the Verdon several times at small gorges or lakes. The village of Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon located on a hilltop offers us once again a magnificent panorama of the mountains of the Verdon and the Mercantour mountains. Our tour ends with the entrance to the flowery valley of Albiosc, surrounded by richly blooming gardens and forests. The castle of Esparron, which dates back to the 13th century and owned by the Castellane family, stands with its imposing facades at the end of a beautiful avenue of plane trees. End of the tour on the shore of lake Esparron.
Distance: approx. 35 km; altitude gain: 500 m
Itinerary end : The trip ends in Esparron at around 4pm. On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Esparron.
Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.
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