A Motorcycle Trip Near the Verdon

For this motorcycle trip that is a short walk from the Gorges du Verdon, Gréoux-les-Bains will be your starting point. Known for its thermal baths, this Provençal village is lively throughout the year. From there, take the undulating D952 towards the famous gorges in the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon. With its little streets and squares adorned with fountains, the village of Saint-Martin-de-Brômes is worth a look. Otherwise, head on a few kilometres further, to Allemagne-en-Provence. A visit to its 12th-century castle, transformed during the Renaissance and classified as a historical monument, will leave a lasting impression. Get back on the road to head to Riez.

Once you arrive at Riez, let yourself be tempted to take a tour of the old village: you won’t be disappointed! Multi-coloured facades, andrones (passageways covered by houses), charming café terraces, and even Roman ruins: Riez has many charms. Now it’s time to take the D953 to reach Puimoisson. About 1 kilometre after the village turn-off, don’t miss the D108, where you’ll set off across a plain, bordered by lavender and wheat fields. In the distance, you can see the village of Saint-Jurs, nestled at the foot of a mountain.

The enchanting landscapes of Haute-Provence are all yours: in every season, the small roads in this region see little traffic. The winds of freedom blow across the vast expanses of the Verdon. Just before reaching Saint-Jurs, turn off onto a little road, prohibited for vehicles of more than 19 tons. It will gently slope 7 kilometres to Estoublon, then continues to the village of La Bégude-Blanche. Don’t take the D907: you’ll miss 5 kilometres of delightful bends! At the end of a series of swooping bends, the straight D8 will guide you to the Plateau de Valensole.

In June and July, the powerful fragrances of the blue gold of Provence will intoxicate you until your head starts spinning. The spectacle of the blue spikes undulating in the wind as far as the eye can see is just as intense. As you leave Valensole, a distillery may catch your eye. This is the chance to uncover the secrets of the distillation of lavandin. Now it’s time to get back to Gréoux-les-Bains. For 21 kilometres, the road has a series of easy-going bends which will bring you back to your starting point.