The French Southern Alps are a place of craftsmanship, agriculture, and pastoral activities, supported by 450,000 inhabitants who are proud of their culture and their land. Situated in the central-northern part of Provence, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, have everything to captivate the lovers of nature and authenticity.

There are numerous medieval villages in very scenic hilltop settings or surrounded by mountains or fields of lavender, to discover while traveling around the region. Yet the highlight goes to the Verdon Regional Natural Park area. This Park is in the region around Moustiers and Castellane and includes the Gorges du Verdon, the biggest canyon in Europe that offers the most incredibly majestic natural wonders in the Provence area.

Nearby, we have the very large Lac de Sainte-Croix, a popular leisure site. Lovely views across the lake are to be seen from Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. North of the lake you can visit Moustiers, an attractive village situated below a great cliff, that is classified as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”.

On the northern edge of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, with 300 days of sunshine a year, lies the Plateau of Valensole famous for its lavender and truffles. During the blooming period from mid-June to mid-July, the whole plateau bursts into an explosion of colours, and an inebriating scent fills the exceptionally pure air of the region.

 
A Ski resorts an hour from the sea?!...