The village of Valensole
Although the origin of the name is not certain, it was in 1699 that the rebus of coats of arms recorded in the General Armorial of France confirmed the name "sunny valley" as the origin of the word Valensole. Let's face it, with 300 days of sunshine a year, it's the weather that has guided human activity and shaped the Valensole plateau since ancient times.
Aux alentours
Where is the village of Valensole?
From the campsite, head towards Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and follow the signs for Riez. In early summer, you'll cross the immense lavender fields (lavandin to be precise) that have made the Valensole plateau famous, before reaching the village perched at an altitude of 595m. Valensole is about 35 kilometres from Clos de Barbey and the Gorges du Verdon.
A brief history of the village of Valensole
The Valensole area has been cultivated since ancient times, but the village was located further east, as evidenced by excavations that have brought to light fragments of grey granite columns and the ruins of huge villae (farmhouses) destroyed in late antiquity. This destruction must have prompted the inhabitants to take refuge on a higher ground that was easier to defend and fortify: the present-day village of Valensole.
In the Middle Ages, following successive donations, most of the territory belonged to the Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy. Saint Mayeul, born in Valensole in 910, became the fourth abbot between 954 and 994.
A sign of the village's good economic health, the population already exceeded 3,000 in the 17th and 18th centuries, despite the vicissitudes of history, including the Wars of Religion and the plague in 1632.
What to do in Valensole
Taking part in events
If you're visiting Valensole in the summer, you can take part in the Saint-Jean funfair in June, the Lavender Festival on the 3rd Sunday in July and the Full Moon Market in July or August, depending on the summer full moon.
Walking and cycling in Valensole
Explore the area around the village on foot or by bike. There's also a fun trail to explore the village with the whole family.
The Valensole plateau
Stroll around at sunset to take your best photos amidst the lavender fields. Tours are organised to enable you to visit the farms and find local lavender products.
In the 19th century, almond trees and truffle oaks dominated cultivation on the plateau. Each almond tree was capable of producing more than 35 kg of almonds, and this crop made the fortunes of the landowners. Still present today, these trees have slowly given way to lavender, which paints the landscape blue every early summer.
The gardens of Clos de Villeneuve
Open from April to September from 2pm to 6pm by appointment only. Château de Villeneuve dates back to the 18th century, and the gardens are laid out around 7 pools supplied with water by "mines" - galleries dug into the rock to channel the water, a common sight in Provence.
Discovery days in Provence at Valensole
The commune is offering "discovery in Provence" days organised around the themes of Lavender, Olive Trees, Honey and Local Produce.
Valensole's heritage
The Grand Jardin castle
Privately owned, the 17th-century château was remodelled in the 19th century and now houses a guest house.
Le château du Bars
Built in 1627 near the hamlet church.
The royal coaching inn at Villedieu
Built in the 17th century to enable the efficient transport of mail throughout the kingdom.
The chapel of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Villedieu
The building dates back to the 11th century and has changed very little.
The parish church of Saint-Blaise
The church dominates the village. Much altered over time, this was the site of the Cluny Abbey priory founded by Saint-Mayeul in the 10th century.
