Top timeless tours and activities in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

In the Hautes-Alpes

It’s definitely possible to fly close to the sun without burning your wings! In Saint-Véran, a village in Queyras where the sun’s rays beam down 300 days a year, lies the “Maison du Soleil et de l’Astronomie”, a museum space inviting visitors on a voyage through the solar system, stars and galaxies of our universe. Opt for a self-guided or guided tour and plunge into a world where time stretches out to infinity… If you enjoy hiking, head up to the “Observatoire de Saint-Véran Paul Felenbok” for an even more intense astronomical experience. Locate at an altitude of almost 3,000 metres, the observatory is accessible on foot, or with snowshoes or cross-country skis according to the season. A breathtaking panoramic view awaits you at the summit, where you can enjoy stargazing under the dome. Renowned for its extremely pure starry skies, the Hautes-Alpes is home to another must-do astronomy hotspot: Plateau de Bure. This is the site of the NOEMA observatory, a radio telescope comprising 12 satellite dishes tuning in to the mysteries of the universe. Accessible to hikers, the site, perched on the highest point of the Dévoluy peaks, hosts enthralling scientific tours.

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Une publication partagée par Camille (@frenchiexplore)

In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

If you enjoy stargazing but hiking isn’t your favourite hobby, the Planétarium de Haute-Provence is made for you. Here, at the “Centre d’Astronomie de Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire”, the heavens are reproduced inside a dome, offering an immersive plunge into the vastness of space plus a guaranteed disconnect from everyday life. The Centre also hosts nighttime outdoor skywatching sessions led by expert guides. It’s time to get our head out of the clouds now and look down towards the Corniche Sublime road, running along the top of the Verdon Canyon. A stop-off at the Balcons de la Mescla unveils dizzy views over the waters of the Verdon river, converging with the river Artuby. Enjoy a rejuvenating break before getting back on the road: take a moment to empty your head and let the bubbling waters down below transport you.

In the Alpes-Maritimes

Does taking to the heights help you take a step back? If that’s the case, slip into your walking shoes and head up to Roc d’Orméa from the village of Castellar. The hike is challenging, with an uphill slope of around 1,000 metres, but it’s worth the effort. During your climb, you’ll come across the ruins of Vieux Castellar, cross a dense forest of Scots pines and cross the mountain pass of Col du Berceau before reaching your prize at the summit of Roc d’Orméa: breathtaking panoramic views stretching all the way to the Med and Côte d’Azur, mountains and even Italy! If you fancy a change from the mountains but still need a break from the hubbub, nothing beats the underground world. Near Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey lies a sublimely surreal site: a grotto called “La Grotte de Baume Obscure”. Entirely sculpted by water, the astonishing relief of this rocky limestone hollow is now exalted with tasteful lighting, offering a remarkable and very unusual show. A great opportunity to slip into the skin of a caver without the struggle – the grotto is very easy to reach!

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Une publication partagée par Julie Vandal | Photographe Marseille (@sunwhere_fr)

In the Var

The underground world of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. This time, let’s head to the village of Le Pradet to discover the “Mine de Cap Garonne” one of France’s most beautiful mineralogical sites. This ancient copper mine, now transformed into an underground museum, offers a fascinating immersion in the history of the local miners and the rock that has shaped the mine, whose mineral treasures attract many scientists from the world over every year. Once you’re back on the surface, treat yourself to a breath of sea air with a trip to Giens peninsula. If you walk right to the end you’ll come to Cap d’Escampobariou, where you’ll find a sort of stone ramp leading to an ancient lighthouse built in the 19th century. As you gaze out over the infinite waters, you’ll have the impression you’re standing at the end of the world… To your left, you can go down the slightly steep steps to Calanque d’Escampobariou, a beautiful cove hidden down below.

In the Bouches-du-Rhône

At the foot of the Sainte-Baume hills basks a haven of peace steeped in lush and refreshing vegetation: Parc de Saint-Pons. Located a stone’s throw from Gémenos and very easy to get to, this park features incredibly diverse vegetation irrigated by the Fauge, a torrent gushing from a natural spring that supplies an entire network of streams, fountains and waterfalls – a fairytale setting that gives you the impression you’ve stepped into a magical and secret world. Over the course of your stroll, you’ll come across old stone mills, ruins and bridges, a chapel and a 13th-century abbey, standing witness to a bygone era. Towards the Alpilles hides another stone treasure: the “Carrières de Lumière”. Set at the foot of the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence, at the heart of the strange and mysterious rock formations of the Val d’Enfer (Valley of Hell), this ancient limestone quarry has now been converted into a multimedia exhibition centre. A bewitching decor that inspired Dante’s “Inferno” and Cocteau’s “Testament of Orpheus”, perfect for today’s immersive exhibitions inviting visitors on a stirring deep dive into the world’s greatest masterpieces.

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In the Vaucluse

Chapelle de la Santonne definitely holds its own when it comes to art and the bizarre! Built by modern art enthusiast Roger Petit, this little chapel – a genuine artistic gem harbouring numerous symbols – is reminiscent of a portal to another world… Designed in the shape of a fish and evoking Jesus Christ and the life of abundance promised to Christians, the chapel is partially dug into the ground. The interior features magnificent stained-glass windows, a mosaic with a heart at its centre and an olive tree depicting Christ with raised arms. Last but not least, let’s wind up our selection of novel sites in harmony with nature with a trip to the Luberon and its famous cedar forest. Located near Bonnieux, this forest was originally planted in 1962 by two foresters who came up with the idea of importing Atlas cedar seeds to reforest this part of the Luberon. The site now spans 620 acres and offers a myriad of delightful, shaded walks accessible to all. Steeped in scents of cedar, the “Sentier du Portalas” trail – a loop measuring just 3 km – takes you through the heart of the forest to a plateau offering sweeping views over Durance valley.