A Family Adventure in
Authentique Haute-Provence
Pack your bags — this is a vacation where curiosity runs wild and memories are made for the whole family!
Authentique Haute-Provence is built for families who want it all. Whether your kids are history buffs, thrill-seekers, food explorers, or born adventurers, there’s something here to spark every imagination — world-class museum collections, iconic sites, treasure hunts, outdoor adventures, and incredible local flavors. A week here is a chance to recharge, soak in the region’s natural beauty, and share moments that bring everyone closer together.
Here’s our suggested week-long itinerary — equal parts fun, relaxation, and cultural discovery, with something to delight every member of the family.
your journey
stop 1
Your first stop, and a village that delivers on every level.
If you’re visiting on a Tuesday morning, don’t miss the lively Provençal market right in the heart of the village square — or catch the smaller Saturday market near the gendarmerie.
Start your day with a stroll through the old village, where cobblestone lanes and ancient wooden doorways take you straight back to the Middle Ages. At the very top, look for the magnificent 14th-century machicolated gateway. Higher still, the former church known as the Église Haute has been beautifully repurposed as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions and concerts throughout the summer season.
Winding back down along the Rue de la Bourgade, you’ll stumble upon one of France’s most beloved independent bookshops — Librairie Le Bleuet, a true institution and an absolute treasure trove for readers of all ages. On sunny days, settle into the shaded garden for a well-deserved pause.
Banon is also a destination for food lovers. Sample the legendary Banon goat’s cheese, pick up treats from the Confiserie Chocolaterie Leblanc, the Biscuiterie de Banon, or indulge in the Brindille de Melchio — there’s something for every palate.
Feeling adventurous? Jokair’Parapente offers tandem paragliding flights for those who want to see Haute-Provence from a whole new perspective.
Back on the ground, the Office de Tourisme has a lovely walking trail — Le Grou de Bane — and there’s a great playground for younger explorers near the hiker’s rest stop.
The real family highlight? A visit to a local goat cheese farm. Kids are absolutely fascinated by the making of the famous Banon goat’s cheese — from milking to aging — and some farms even offer hands-on workshops where children can try making their own little cheeses. From 6:30 PM, you can watch the traditional hand-milking at Carniol — a charming little hamlet that makes for a lovely end to the afternoon.
stop 2
Perched high above the surrounding countryside, Vachères rewards visitors with sweeping 360° panoramic views — an unmissable photo opportunity, especially when the lavender is in full bloom. Head first to the Musée Pierre Martel, a paleontology museum that traces the history of this territory across centuries, then take time to wander through its typically Provençal lanes to the Église Saint-Christophe, which comes alive as a cultural space each summer.
Just a few kilometers away, Sainte-Croix-à -Lauze moves to its own quieter rhythm. Hiking trails fan out in every direction — from easy strolls to more demanding routes — and you can visit the Angora goat and Merino sheep farm completely free of charge, with a stop at the Mohair en Provence boutique for a look at their beautiful range of mohair products.
Head up to the heights of Reillanne for a scenic picnic — the Sunday morning Provençal market here is wonderfully lively.
Browse the local library or pop into the Musée des Arts, then climb to the parvis of the Église Saint-Denis for that breathtaking panorama over the Luberon. From there, set off on a walk around the Prieuré de Carluc — a beautifully preserved medieval complex of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, listed as a Historic Monument, tucked between Reillanne and Céreste.
End your day in Montjustin, a village of just 57 souls, crowned by its fortress and the Église Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. Spot the sundial engraved with Roman numerals — and look up the programme at L’École Buissonnière à Dos d’Éléphants, a wonderfully spirited local association that has become a true cultural cornerstone of the area. Weekly concerts, shows, and traditional communal meals make for the kind of spontaneous, warm evening you’ll talk about for years.
stop 3
Make your way to Saint-Maime and spend the morning at La Ferme de Titou, a certified discovery farm with over 80 miniature animals — donkeys to feed and cuddle, playgrounds for the little ones, and a picnic area for the whole family. Allow around two hours. Still in the village, the Musée de la Mémoire Ouvrière — Mines et Mineurs de Provence offers a moving window into the lives and labor of the region’s mining communities — a genuinely compelling visit for curious minds of all ages.
Just next door sits the hilltop village of Dauphin, one of four villages on our territory honored with the prestigious Villages et Cités de Caractère label. Its beautifully preserved medieval streets — narrow calades winding beneath covered passages — lead up to the castle ramparts, where the views are simply spectacular. The village is also home to a wonderful community of local artisans: potters, ceramicists, woodturners, and ironwork artists. For something truly special, La Fée d’Arlane offers workshops in permaculture and eco-gastronomy.
If time allows, round off the afternoon with a family fishing session at the Étang de Steph in Saint-Maime — activities run throughout the year.
stop 4
Simiane-la-Rotonde, a Villages & Cités de Caractère, takes its name from the striking circular dungeon that crowns the hilltop. Explore the medieval castle with its exhibition rooms, inner courtyard, and the fascinating Young Living Laboratory — and don’t miss the treasure hunt specially designed for young visitors. A guided village tour reveals artisan boutiques and hidden gems, including Mirabilis, a charming tea room and curiosity workshop tucked into the village lanes.
The covered market hall offers a balcony with views that seem to stretch forever. Before you leave, stop in at Le Domaine du Jas de l’Agachet for a wine and olive oil tasting with a passionate couple (reservation recommended).
Head next to the Abbaye de Valsaintes, where beautiful gardens await — and during school holidays, Wednesday brings the Rendez-Vous des Petits Jardiniers workshop for children. The on-site restaurant, with its extraordinary views, is perfect for a long, unhurried lunch.
As the day winds down, make your way to Oppedette for one of the most spectacular sunsets in all of Haute-Provence. In season, catch a drink at La Planche à Pain, right in the heart of this stunning stone village perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff.
An unmissable natural landmark of Authentique Haute-Provence— the Gorges d’Oppedette are a breathtaking sight: 2.5 kilometers of limestone canyon, up to 140 meters wide and 200 meters deep in places.
The parking area leads to a magnificent belvedere with information panels and a well-marked trail. Allow around 2 hours via the ladder route, or 3 hours for the full circuit.
For families with young children, the Saut du Moine — a gentle 30-minute walk nearby — is clearly waymarked and GPS-friendly.
stop 5
Another Villages & Cités de Caractère, Mane invites you to wander its beautiful lanes before heading to the artisan zone of Pitaugier, where local producers offer everything from Provençal scents to fine oils — Ciel d’Azur, Colline de Provence, Oliviers & Co, Cueilleur de Douceurs, and more.
Then take your time at the Prieuré de Salagon — one of the region’s absolute highlights. Guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, and magnificent gardens await, including a dedicated trail game for children. Just steps away, the Caramélerie and its butterfly garden are well worth a detour — France’s only caramels made with olive oil, a one-of-a-kind treat. Stop in at the Maison de Pays next door for local products and the perfect Provençal souvenir.
Before leaving Mane, one visit is unmissable: the Château de Sauvan. Known as the Trianon de Provence, this classified Historic Monument — with gardens awarded the prestigious Jardin Remarquable label — is a genuine journey through time. Two hours with an exceptional guide — mesmerizing for children and adults alike. Book ahead.
stop 6
This is a village made for slow mornings and starry nights. A Villages et Cités de Caractère, Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire rewards those who wander — artisan boutiques, a lovely café terrace, and a guided village tour that brings its layered history to life. Start at the Tourist Information Bureau to pick up tickets for the village tour, the windmill, the Centre d’Astronomie, and the Observatoire de Haute-Provence, while browsing a rotating programme of exhibitions.
Throughout the year, the Centre d’Astronomie offers an outstanding family programme, while the village’s artisans welcome visitors for workshops in sculpture, pottery, and more. A visit to the local miellerie (honey farm) is another lovely option.
 A few kilometers away, the village of Saint-Martin-les-Eaux offers a pleasant walk around its sulfurous springs — a quieter detour for those with a little extra time.
For your evening, an astronomy discovery session at the Centre d’Astronomie is an experience like no other — particularly magical for children seeing the night sky through a telescope for the very first time.
stop 7
Round off your week with a morning walk in Vière, a beautifully wild natural setting above the village of La Rochegiron. Back in the village, discover a working alembic still in the village center, alongside a playground and picnic tables — the perfect unhurried morning.
From there, Revest-des-Brousses has a family treasure hunt waiting at the town hall. Fuel up at the Bistrot de Pays — L’Auberge de la Petite Casserole, or spread out at the playground picnic area just below the village. Then treat the family to an extraordinary visit at the Château du Villard (daily at 3 PM — reservation required, recommended for ages 10 and up). For younger children, the stables across the way at Écurie de Madiba offer gentle pony rides.
Close out your adventure in Aubenas-les-Alpes — whether you head there on foot or by car — with a stop at Gaec Lure Luberon, a wonderful farm where organic and local produce takes center stage. A final taste of the land — and the perfect note on which to end a week well spent.
témoignages
“En Haute-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie est un trésor caché. Ce village enchanteur, avec ses ruelles pavées et sa célèbre faïence, m’a offert une expérience inoubliable. Un véritable joyau où tradition et beauté se rencontrent.”
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“En Haute-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie est un trésor caché. Ce village enchanteur, avec ses ruelles pavées et sa célèbre faïence, m’a offert une expérience inoubliable. Un véritable joyau où tradition et beauté se rencontrent.”
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“En Haute-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie est un trésor caché. Ce village enchanteur, avec ses ruelles pavées et sa célèbre faïence, m’a offert une expérience inoubliable. Un véritable joyau où tradition et beauté se rencontrent.”
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explore other discovery routes
Haute-Provence’s Heritage
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Uncover the soul of Authentic Haute-Provence through journeys that reveal its landscapes and the stories of those who have shaped this remarkable territory.
Here, time seems to pause, inviting you to wander, savor, and explore the hidden layers of a land steeped in history and tradition.
Senses & Wellness
Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of Haute-Provence, discovering picturesque villages, captivating fragrances, pristine nature, and moments of pure relaxation.
This experience invites you to explore unique destinations where well-being and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly.
An unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!
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