Scents & Well-being
in authentique haute-provence
Set out on a sensory journey through the heart of Haute-Provence — hilltop villages, intoxicating scents, unspoiled nature, and moments of pure relaxation, all woven together into one unforgettable route.
This is a discovery route for those who seek places where well-being and natural wonders come as one.
your journey
stop 1
Start your day in Mane, a charming village, labelled Villages & Cités de Caractère, with a wonderful first stop: the Musée et Jardins de Salagon, an exceptional site where history and nature intertwine beautifully. Its themed gardens are a true olfactory journey — aromatic and medicinal plants, rare flowers, and centuries of botanical knowledge laid out across a landscape that invites you to slow right down.
Exhibitions, workshops, guided tours, and performances round out a rich programme that runs throughout the year.
Picnic tables are available on site for a peaceful lunch in this serene setting.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Caramélerie is just steps away — a place to savor exquisite handcrafted confections alongside a charming butterfly garden.
And before you leave, stop in at the Maison de Produits de Pays to browse and pick up local specialties. The perfect way to take a little piece of Provence home with you.
stop 2
After a good breakfast, make your way to Simiane-la-Rotonde, a hilltop village, labelled Villages & Cités de Caractère, that never fails to impress. Visit the medieval castle, then step into the world of essential oils at the Young Living aromatherapy laboratory on the upper floor — a fascinating sensory experience exploring the remarkable properties of locally sourced essential oils.
For lunch, the Restaurant de l’Abbaye de Valsaintes is an outstanding bistronomy table set in exceptional surroundings, with panoramic views that make the meal all the more memorable.
Spend your afternoon in the Jardins de l’Abbaye de Valsaintes, awarded the prestigious Jardin Remarquable label — an extraordinary tapestry of rose varieties, a dry garden, a permaculture kitchen garden, and meditative spaces that invite genuine stillness. At the heart of the garden stands the abbey church, the last remaining vestige of the fourth Cistercian abbey in Provence — open to visitors, and on certain days alive with the sound of Gregorian chant. Workshops, conferences, and a boutique are also on site.
Check their programme before you visit.
Looking to extend that sense of calm? Wellness retreats — yoga, meditation, personal development, and more — are available both at Valsaintes and at various venues around Simiane-la-Rotonde: Home Shanti Home, Les Coustètes, and Gîte de Chaloux.
stop 3
This stop brings you to Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire, a village labelled Villages & Cités de Caractère whose authenticity shines through every cobblestone lane and calade.
Follow Le Chemin des Étoiles — a waymarked path winding through the old streets up to an orientation table with sweeping views over the surrounding region.
Along the way, information panels trace the history of astronomy from antiquity to the present day.
Then continue your journey under the stars. The Centre d’Astronomie offers daytime and evening sky observation sessions, planetarium shows (Plénitude Étoilée), and a rich programme of astronomy discovery activities. The team will guide you through the wonders of the universe at your own pace. Come ready to be amazed.
To close the day on a restorative note, Domaine Rûmi is a deeply peaceful retreat offering training courses, residential stays, workshops, and wellness treatments — exactly the kind of place this route was made for.
stop 4
This stage is an enchanting journey through the lavender fields and perfumes of Provence, best explored by car or e-bike for a full immersion in the iconic Haute-Provence landscape, with the majestic Mont Ventoux forming a backdrop along part of the route.
During the flowering season — mid-June to late July — the lavender fields deliver a visual and olfactory spectacle that stays with you long after you’ve left.
As you make your way across the Plateau d’Albion, stop in at Entre Lure et Ventoux, a boutique between Banon and Revest-du-Bion. Their lavender and lavandin essential oils, chestnut cream, lavender honey, and much more are not to be missed.
When lunchtime comes, several charming spots invite you to pause.
In La Rochegiron, picnic tables sit beside a beautifully restored 19th-century distillery — peer through the gate to discover its period copper still, a precious testament to traditional craft.
For a quieter moment in the heart of nature, stop at the foot of the Chapelle Notre-Dame de l’Ortiguière in Revest-du-Bion. This history-laden sanctuary is located in a lush green setting, perfect for a restorative pause.
And for those who prefer their lunch at a table, L’Auberge de Montsalier serves up a hearty, convivial meal rooted in authentic local cuisine and warm Provençal hospitality.
stop 5
A stop in Banon is simply unmissable. This beautiful hilltop village is one to be savored slowly.
Wander through the upper village’s cobblestone lanes, past elegant old residences, ancient doorways, and the magnificent 14th-century machicolated gateway. Stop in at the Office de Tourisme to pick up the historic village trail map.
Winding back down along the Rue de la Bourgade, let the gentle, authentic atmosphere of Banon lead you to the legendary Librairie Le Bleuet — one of France’s largest independent rural bookshops and a true local institution. Browse the shelves, let a cover or a title catch your eye. Inspiration is everywhere.
Right next door, Glacier Terra Délice is an irresistible gourmet pause: artisanal, organic ice creams crafted from local produce, best enjoyed on the spot or lingered over beside the village fountain. Pure pleasure, for the taste buds and the eyes alike.
To extend this exploration of local flavors, visit the Confiserie Chocolaterie Leblanc, the Biscuiterie de Banon, the Bals’Art vinegar maker, or the village fromageries, a wonderful opportunity to meet passionate artisans and leave with a delicious souvenir of Provence.
And if you’d like to take care of yourself while you’re here, Banon has you covered. Energy healing, Reiki, Access Bars, and more are on offer at Douce Heure d’Aurore and Ar Moni Om — welcoming spaces for a moment of deep relaxation in perfect harmony with the village’s natural serenity.
stop 6
Return to Mane to round off the experience. Take your time browsing the boutiques of the Pitaugier artisan zone, at the heart of the Route des Saveurs et des Senteurs — Collines de Provence, Ciel d’Azur, Cueilleur de Douceurs, Oliviers & Co, and more. A wealth of artisanal, local, and beautifully scented products to awaken every sense.
In the afternoon, treat yourself to an exceptional well-being pause at the Spa L’Occitane en Provence, set within the elegant surroundings of the Couvent des Minimes. Relaxation, serenity, and world-class treatments await.
The establishment is also home to two restaurants — one bistronomy, one gastronomic — the perfect way to extend the experience in a spirit of refinement and quiet indulgence.
stop 7
Ready for a breath of fresh air in the heart of the Luberon? Three superb hiking routes set off from Vachères:
Le Tour de Vachères: a perfect loop to discover the charms of the village (approx. 1h30).
Le Belvédère de Vachères: a longer route linking the villages of Oppedette and Vachères, rewarding walkers with exceptional views over the surrounding landscape (approx. 6 hours).
Vachères – Aubenas-les-Alpes — a heritage-rich trail taking in castles, 13th-century churches, a priory, mills, calades, ancient rampart remnants, and beautiful Renaissance residences.
Detailed maps for all three walks are available at our tourist information offices for €2.
After the effort, time for some well-deserved comfort. Take a well-earned break in a peaceful and restorative setting — here are a few ideas to keep the relaxation going:
in Vachères: Mill’Arts Bien-être; in Oppedette: Domaine de St Quentin; in Reillanne: Shiatsu / Yoga, La Source, Luxo’Magnetik, Mu Jie, Maison Rose.
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.”
“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.”
“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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Haute-Provence’s Heritage
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.
Family Adventures
in Haute-Provence
Get ready for a vacation filled with discovery and excitement for all ages!
Our vast territory offers endless possibilities. Whether your children love exploring historical sites, seeking thrilling experiences, or simply having fun, Authentic Haute-Provence promises unforgettable moments for every family.