DISCOVER FRANCE
We were intrigued to see a heavy iron
chain with a five-pointed golden star
hanging between two huge rock faces,
above the valley. The cross dates from the
13th century and was hoisted up there by
a local baron by way of thanks for his
freedom when he finally returned home
after being captured during one of the
medieval Christian crusades. While you’re
here, drive to the wonderful Lac de St
Croix, where the water takes on a pure
aquamarine colour.
Moustiers itself has narrow streets and
tightly-packed buildings crowned with
pretty pantiled roofs. It is famous for its
ceramics known as Moustiers Ware. The
museum is set in an old crypt and boasts
some original 17th and 18th-century
pieces, but you can also find modern-day
artists continuing the tradition in their
workshops, as well as local painters by the
side of the road.
The following day, leaving the dramatic
scenery of the gorge behind, we arrived at
the peace and quiet of gentle Valensole, the
“the pace slowed down a notch and we felt
centre of the lavender-growing region of
France. You won’t be able to resist winding
down your windows as you drive past
ourselves begin to really unwind”
mile-upon-mile of fragrant purple fields.
The scent of the lavender fills the air and
envelops you in a true sense of calm.
ABOVE: French
you cross an ancient draw bridge flanked by the entrance to Europe’s ‘Grand Canyon’. As well as being famous for its lavender,
farmers’ market
twin towers. Once inside, you find yourself That’s quite a claim to live up to and we the town is also known for its honey bees.
among a network of rambling, narrow weren’t disappointed. There’s even a honey bee museum where
medieval streets. Although not quite on the American you can visit hives and see beekeepers at
It was an idyllic day. We stopped for a scale, this is an incredible natural work. Don’t go home without buying some
delicious lunch of fish soup made with phenomenon. The winding azure Verdon of the special lavender honey – delicious!
tomatoes, saffron and olive oil and served river cuts through the rock face to form Our last couple of nights in Provence
P
with spicy croutons and cheese, and then fabulous vistas and create the perfect were spent at Gordes. This is a
W
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spent the afternoon wandering, sipping setting for kayaking, white water rafting, quintessential hillside Provençal village
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3
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c pastis at cafés and watching the locals go hiking and climbing. Even if you don’t fancy with terraces spilling down into gentle
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about their daily life. Very relaxing. any adrenalin-pumping extreme sports, you countryside. It is popular with both tourists
From here we travelled to Castellane – won’t fail to be impressed by the dramatic and artists alike, who all appreciate its
beauty of the landscape. impressive location, narrow medieval lanes
We hooked up for the next three nights and vaulted arcades.
INFORMATION GETTING THERE
at the Camping des Gorges du Verdon in We stayed at Camping Flory, just outside
the heart of the Verdon Natural Regional nearby Avignon, on a pine-covered slope
For information on ferries – and special fares for Club
Park, and next day took a tour of the gorge facing Mont Ventoux. We called in at
members – see
www.caravanclub.co.uk. The Club’s Travel
by road, following a 70-mile circular route. Avignon, otherwise known as the ‘City of
Service (tel 01342 316101 or see
www.caravanclub.co.uk) can
Leave your caravan behind for this one the Popes’, and Abbaye de Senanque. Here
also advise on overseas campsites, and it makes bookings and
because you’ll encounter twisty and we watched monks gathering the lavender
organises Continental holidays for caravanners and motor winding roads, hairpin bends and sheer out in the fields, and felt like we’d taken a
caravanners.
drops – not for the faint-hearted – but we step back in time.
were fine in our trusty Volkswagen camper! That was the image we were left with
The route is also best undertaken in the of Provence: a gentle, timeless place,
INFORMATION SITES
summer, as the roads can stay icy until late where one sunny day drifts into another
spring. The scenery is outstanding and we and life seems unhurried. The food is
wouldn’t have missed it for the world. We fabulous and makes great souvenirs – try
Domaines Les Goélands. Tel 00 33 321 102 003 or see
lesdomaines.org Camping Domaine du Chateau de
made a point of stopping off at the Pont de goat’s milk cheese wrapped in chestnut
l’Eperviere. Tel 00 33 385 941 690
l’Artuby to see the bridge which spans the leaves, local olives, lavender honey and
or see
domaine-eperviere.com
Artuby river and watch bungee jumpers freshly-picked wild mushrooms – and
L’Hippocampe. Tel 00 33 492 335 000 leaping into the unknown with wild treat yourself to some local arts and crafts
or see
l-hippocampe.com abandon (a spectacular place to try it if such as olive wood carvings, delicate
Camping des Gorges du Verdon.
you’re feeling brave). glassware or pottery, to remind you of
Tel 00 33 492 836 364 or see
camping-gorgesduverdon.com
Opposite Castellane is Moustiers- your trip for many years to come.
Camping Flory. Tel 00 33 490 310 051
or see
avignon-et-provence.com/ camping-
Ste-Marie. Set on the edge of the ravine in Provence is unhurried, unpretentious
vacation/camping-flory
an absolutely stunning setting, this town and unequivocally beautiful. It’s not only
offers a magnificent view across the gorge. the artists who are tempted to stay! a73
50 DISCOVER TOURING
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