Between river and scents

First stop: Forcalquier, lying to the north of the Luberon Regional Nature Reserve. From the top of the citadel, the 360° vistas spanning the Luberon massif, Durance valley, Lure mountain and Valensole plateau, are simply stunning. Below, the old town invites you to stroll through its lively lanes lined with craft workshops and shaded squares dotted with inviting terraces. Forcalquier also boasts an ancient aromatic and medicinal plant heritage – you can enjoy a deep dive into it at the Artemisia Museum, a unique sensory and learning experience retracing the history of plant know-how, from traditional uses and distillation to wellness products. Scents, textures and stories accompany the tour, for a first immersion in the world of Provençal fragrances.

The second stage of your tour follows the Durance river upstream to the Hautes-Alpes area and boasts breathtaking views of Sisteron’s impressive citadel. Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the valley, it is aptly nicknamed the gateway to Provence. Continuing north, you will come to Méouge Gorge, a natural gem lapped by turquoise waters and lined with limestone cliffs and pebble beaches. An official Natura 2000 site, this preserved gem, with its gentle yet wild character, is the perfect place for a walk or spot of reverie by the water. At the end of the day, you will be returning to Sisteron for the night. Revel in the charm of the old town and remarkable vistas over the Durance river, in an atmosphere blending Alpine and southern influences.

The Baronnies Provençales is a secretive place, where nature reigns supreme. The village of Ribeyret, nestled among low mountains and forests, offers a peaceful escape from the madding crowds. This is the perfect place for stargazing, shrouded in silence and pure air. The nearby Baronnies Provençales Observatory invites you to look up and get a fresh perspective on life. With virtually no light pollution, the site boasts exceptional conditions for discovering constellations, planets and various celestial phenomena. The observatory hosts various activities and observation evenings open to all, whether fervent astronomers or simple curiosity-seekers. From rejuvenating day to starry night, Ribeyret promises an awe-inspiring experience rooted in both the earth and stars.

Your fourth day begins with a visit to the superb medieval villages of Rosans and Saint-André-de-Rosans, in the heart of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Reserve. Bedecked with a Saracen tower, ancient gates and wonderful old shop signs, the fortified village of Rosans brims with reminders of its medieval past. Just next door, Saint-André-de-Rosans also upholds the memory of centuries past and harbours the remains of an old priory, vaulted passageways and old stone houses… As you head down towards Laragne, the atmosphere becomes more lively. This Provençal town, nestled in Buëch valley, is renowned for its market – a genuine firework display of colours, aromas and local produce. Sun-kissed fruits, cheeses, sweet-scented herbs and regional specialties offer a delicious and vibrant display.

Clinging to the slopes of Mont Ventoux, the village of Brantes offers spectacular views over Toulourenc valley. Here in this magnificent setting, Les Aventurières du Goût hosts cooking classes and workshops paying homage to wild plants, local produce and recipes inspired by this beautiful location – a gourmet and committed experience, inviting visitors to (re)discover Provence through taste. A change of era awaits in Vaison-la-Romaine, with the discovery of one of France’s largest Roman sites. The archaeological sites of Puymin and La Villasse unveil Roman villas, baths and old streets, testaments to the wealth of this ancient hub, while a magnificent Roman bridge spans the Ouvèze River and connects the ancient town to the medieval city perched atop a rocky outcrop. Wind up your day in a swirl of history, colour and craftsmanship with a visit to the Mei Line studio – an invitation to explore the ancient art of natural dyes.

The iconic village of Malaucène in the Ventoux area lies at the gateway to Toulourenc Gorge, where the river meanders between cliffs, forming beautiful pools of translucent water. This is also one of the best starting points for climbing Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence, at your own pace – whether on foot, by bike, by car, or on the local shuttle. At the summit, the incomparable panoramic view embraces the Alps, Rhône Valley and Provence. On the way down towards Albion Plateau, Sault offers a gentle immersion in lavender fields and aromatic expertise. Local distilleries, such as Vallon des Lavandes and Aroma Plante, continue to fly the flag of unique lavender essential oil know-how, while Le Vadrouilleur distils gin and pastis redolent with floral notes of Provence. A truly original sensory experience.

For this final stage of your tour, the route crosses Nesque Gorge, one of Provence’s most impressive canyons. Carved into plateaux by the river over thousand of years, this stunning canyon measures around 20 km in length and up to 400 metres in depth. The road alternates tunnels cut into the rock and viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas over the white cliffs – don’t miss the Castellaras viewpoint, overlooking the Rocher du Cire (wax rock). Various trails allow you to get closer to the Nesque riverbed, admire the troglodyte chapel of Saint-Michel d’Anescal nestled under the rock face, or simply observe the wealth of flora and fauna in this official Biosphere Reserve. Continuing south, the gentler scenery signals your gradual return to Marseille.