Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Provence

If the Rolland cave as such cannot be visited because of its dangerousness, the hiking trail leading to it remains one of the most beautiful walks at the entrance to the Parc des Calanques. Between the scrubland, hills, breathtaking views of Marseille and the Marseilleveyre massif, you will enjoy a unique setting for a journey that lasts about an hour (do not forget the time of return before starting the climb). The cave takes its name from a legend that a highwayman named after him made his home there in the 18th century. It is even said that there was an invaluable treasure hidden there. In the meantime, it will allow you an unforgettable walk. Choose the off-season.

The Massif massif is one of the most magnificent natural sites in the area of Digne-les-Bains. A route of the Grande Traversée de Des Des (WGIP) leads from the Col de Pierre-Basse to the summit of the Pas-de-le-faille where the landscape is unforgettable. A yellow and green markup allows to reach the village of Des. Here harvesting and hunting are strictly forbidden to protect rare species. 

Climbing up to the great bare summits of the Lure mountain is a must during your stay in the area. Dominating the Pays de Forcalquier on its southern side and the deep Jabron valley on its northern side, classified as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, the Lure mountain culminates at 1,826 m and extends over a length of about fifty kilometres. A picturesque road allows you to cross it from one side to the other, passing by the resort, much to the delight of seasoned cyclists. It is entirely reserved for them on Mondays in summer. Hiking trails also allow you to get there on foot, through the woods, from the small village of Saint-Etienne-les-Orgues. Once you are up there, you will enjoy an exceptional 360° panorama of varied landscapes: Mont Ventoux, Vercors, Cévennes, Southern Alps and even, if the sky is clear, the Mediterranean coast. Between the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean, an exceptional vegetation has developed whose flora, long exploited, is today left to the appreciation of numerous flocks of sheep. A little lower down (around 1,600 m), the resort of Lure offers themed hiking trails (5 senses, planets...) and numerous activities throughout the seasons: scooters on grass, tubbing (downhill on inflatable buoys), mountain biking, astronomy sessions in the summer, sledging, snowshoeing, skiing... in winter. Note: it is possible to eat and sleep on site.

This lake is less known than those of Sainte-Croix or Esparron, but it is worth a visit. Generated by the dam of Gréoux, this water retention created a lake of nearly 13 km length, which has kept a wild aspect. Formerly a narrow canyon invaded by water, it widens a little in places. You can also appreciate the caves in the cliffs, by going there by boat. It is also the departure to go up the low gorges in electric boats or canoe for the most courageous! What to take full of eyes! Very nice place to picnic.

The Massif massif is close to everything. Or far from everything, as you prefer! Less than 50 km from Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Marseille and Arles, it comprises the villages of Aleins, Aura, La Enjoyable, Pélissanne and Vernègues. Hills with garrigues scents, small fountains, cobbled streets, centenaires trees and local markets: you can only be seduced by this small corner of Provence typical and well preserved.