Valensole: lavender, Provence tours and village heritage
In France, Valensole belongs to the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, within the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region. Its village occupies a hill between the Valensole plateau and the Notre Dame valley, at an elevation of 595 metres.
Valensole lavender
Lavender and lavandin are cultivated on the Valensole plateau. True lavender crossed with aspic, a wild lavender, produces the hybrid known as lavandin. This hybrid began to be cultivated in the 1920s to 1930s and yields far more essential oil than true lavender. Around Valensole, lavender flowering generally extends from about the middle of June to the middle of July, with weather affecting the dates.
The local lavender festival falls on July's third Sunday. Lavender also had a place in Roman life, when it was used to scent bathing water and clothing.
A private guided day trip to lavender fields lasts 8 hours and includes private transport throughout the day, a professional driver and guide, a visit to the L'Occitane factory in Manosque and an itinerary that can be adapted to the group.
Provence tours
The private day tour of Provence lavender fields from Marseille runs for 8 hours, with a private driver and guide for the day, a private vehicle with air conditioning, transport between all stops and local commentary throughout.
A private day trip from Marseille to Valensole and Lac de Sainte-Croix takes 8 hours and 30 minutes. It includes a private vehicle with a professional driver and guide for the day, a visit to L'Occitane en Provence's historical factory in Manosque, a guided stop on the Valensole lavender plateau, free time in Valensole village, a panoramic stop at Lac de Sainte-Croix overlooking the Verdon canyon and a visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
The private day trip from Marseille to Valensole and Moustiers lasts 9 hours, including private transport for the day, a professional licensed guide throughout and a guided visit to the L'Occitane factory in Manosque.
The plateau and the Verdon
The Valensole plateau, about 800 square kilometres by common tourism estimates, lies mostly between 500 and 600 metres. Its eastern outlook faces the Gorges du Verdon. The gorge forms a narrow valley extending for 25 kilometres, with depths reaching 700 metres. The Verdon river empties into Lac de Sainte-Croix. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie stands at approximately 630 metres above sea level.
Village history and heritage
An old route connecting Apt with Riez passes through Valensole and probably predates Roman times. Valensole claims to be the birthplace of Saint Mayeul, abbot of Cluny, born around 906 to 910. The Estates of Provence held their sessions here during 1629 and 1630.
A round central tower anchors the Château des Bars, which was constructed in 1627. The village has a large covered wash house. The village chapel is the Chapelle Saint-Mayeul (also called the Chapelle des Pénitents). The church of Saint-Blaise overlooks the village and was formerly the seat of a priory of Cluny Abbey; Valensole claims Saint Mayeul as its native son. Olive cultivation in the commune has a history stretching back centuries.
Frequently asked questions
When does lavender flower around Valensole?
Flowering usually lasts from around the middle of June to the middle of July, depending on the weather.
When is the lavender festival?
Valensole holds its lavender festival on the third Sunday in July.
What is lavandin?
Lavandin is the hybrid produced by crossing true lavender with the wild lavender called aspic.
How long is the tour to Valensole and Lac de Sainte-Croix?
The private day trip from Marseille lasts 8 hours and 30 minutes.
What is the elevation of Valensole village?
The village stands 595 metres above sea level, on a hill between the plateau and the Notre Dame valley.
