The Great Outdoors

Take off on a memorable hot-air balloon ride from Forcalquier for a birds-eye view of lavender fields and hilltop villages. At night, the nearby Astronomy Centre in Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire – near the site that spotted the first planet outside of our solar system – hosts stargazing sessions. Sleep at the Couvent des Minimes, a former convent that is now a magnificent luxury hotel in the heart of the Luberon.

Do you see a mushroom or a monster? Near Forcalquier, Les Mourres are made up of weirdly wonderful limestone rocks that offer an otherworldly setting. Ideal for a meditative walk or an easy hike with the family.

Loaded with 2000 square-km of natural wonders and cultural heritage, you can zip through this immense wonderland on an electric or a mountain bike in the Haute-Provence Geopark. Pick from one of 5 discovery routes, where you’ll meet local artisans who are proud of their land and happy to share their savoir-faire. Art lovers should detour to Andy Goldsworthy’s art refuge, Vieil Esclangon. The Ricaud family will welcome you for a night or more at their Le Grand Paris hotel in Digne-les-Bains, the heart of Haute-Provence.

Sail, paddle, kitesurf, or swim. There’s loads of ways to get wet in Europe’s largest artificial lake, which is beautifully set alongside majestic mountains. Score the best views at Le-Sauze-du-Lac then make a pilgrimage to Embrun’s Cathédrale de Notre Dame and the nearby Abbaye de Boscodon, two sublime examples of religious architecture. Afterwards, relax and rejuvenate in the healing baths at the Hotel de Charme de la Robeyère.

At the Italian border and in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Queyras, Europe’s highest inhabited village charms with its winding streets and log cabin chalets (fustes.) perched at an altitdue of 2042 meters. Visit the Maison de l’Artisanat to meet local craftsman and see their skills up close.