Nature reserves and ecotourism

What better way to kick off your tour of Provence’s charming villages than with one of “France’s Most Beautiful Villages“? Welcome to Les Baux-de-Provence! Perched on a rocky outcrop, the village boasts breathtaking panoramic views over the Alpilles and Provence. At the foot of the village and its iconic rock lie the must-do Carrières de Lumières. Here, a unique immersive experience awaits, with masterpieces by the world’s greatest artists projected onto the immense limestone walls of this former quarry. Another major sightseeing attraction in the Alpilles Regional Nature Reserve, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is an invitation to delve into Provence’s inimitable lifestyle. From picturesque lanes to historic sites, shaded squares and art galleries, it is the perfect place for a relaxing roam.

With its verdant slopes interspersed with canyons, cliffs and vast, fertile plains, the Luberon Regional Nature Reserve – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – epitomizes Provence’s scenic beauty. Its hilltop villages, built in ancient stone and dotted with vineyards producing fine wines, complete this peaceful picture-postcard, steeped in a soothing lifestyle. Standing under a 12th-century church inside old town walls, the graceful village of Bonnieux overlooks the fertile valley of Calavon. Roussillon nestles at the heart of one of the world’s largest ochre deposits: don’t miss a walk on the Ochre Trail leading from the village through spectacular rock formations swathed in reds and oranges. Last but not least, Lourmarin, the beloved home of Albert Camus, invites visitors to stroll its maze of pedestrian streets, art galleries and sunny café terraces.

Perched at a dizzy height of 500 metres between the Verdon and Durance rivers, Valensole plateau offers up a magical, almost surreal spectacle from mid-June to mid-July, when blooming lavender fields pan out as far as the eye can see. Here, local families have been distilling lavender for generations to obtain a precious and fragrant essential oil. At the gateway to the Verdon Canyon, nestled at the foot of a huge cliff, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – a rightful holder of the “France’s Most Beautiful Villages” label – is famed worldwide for its exceptional earthenware. Just nearby, the turquoise waters of Sainte-Croix lake are a true paradise for canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts. Stop off along the Route des Crêtes to lap up the stunning panoramic views over the Verdon Canyon and, of course, snap some great pics of these remarkable landscapes.

A personality-packed village tucked away in the Verdon Canyon, La Palud-sur-Verdon is a paradise for adventure-seeking sports fans. The base camp for many hiking trails, it is also a rock-climbing hotspot, boasting over 1,500 routes. A little further to the east, on the shores of Castillon lake, Castellane unveils a breathtaking decor. “Le Roc” – a monumental rock soaring to over 180 metres, crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary – stands guard over this village gazing over the emerald waters of the Verdon, where colourful facades rub shoulders with sunny squares. Next, it’s time to head to the Pays de Grasse area and Gréolières, set at the foot of Mont Cheiron overlooking the verdant Vallée du Loup (Valley of the Wolf).

The medieval hilltop village of Gréolières, in the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve, boasts a rich religious and architectural heritage. Its treasures include the remnants of a 13th-century castle, the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre topped with a wrought-iron bell tower, and a Roman milestone marking the site of the Via Ventiana road that used to run from Vence to Castellane. To the south of Gréolières, Gourdon, one of “France’s Most Beautiful Villages”, is perched at an altitude of over 750 metres and offers breathtaking views over the Gorge du Loup and Mediterranean Sea. Last but not least, the walled town of Vence is an invitation to stroll and admire the village’s numerous fountains and Chapel of the Rosary, decorated by Matisse.

Curled at the foot of the Baou – a haven for hiking and climbing enthusiasts – the hilltop village of Saint-Jeannet promises breathtaking vistas spanning the entire Côte d’Azur. Panning out in a spiral around the Eglise Saint Jean-Baptiste, the village prides in its ancient lanes and dry stone walls. Situated at the edge of Mercantour National Park, between the Alps and Mediterranean, the picturesque village of Lantosque gazes over Vésubie valley. Its typical mountain architecture features many religious buildings, including dozens of chapels and the majestic Eglise Saint-Pons. Nicknamed the “Switzerland of Nice”, with its lush meadows, pine woods and charming chalets, Saint-Martin-Vésubie’s majestic lakes, such as Lac de Trécolpas, are truly a sight to behold.

A truly unique experience awaits in the wild countryside of Mercantour National Park: an encounter with wolves at the Parc Alpha, the only wildlife park located within the national park itself. This extraordinary site invites visitors to observe the wolves roaming in semi-liberty and gain a deeper understanding of this mysterious animal – at the heart of every good fairytale and legend – in a magnificently-preserved natural setting. The tour alternates observation, learning and interactive exhibits. Mercantour National Park promises plenty of adrenalin-packed adventures too. Measuring a total of 2,663 metres, the giant zipline at La Colmiane can reach speeds of up to 130 km/hour – totally thrilling!