A protected territory straddling the departments of Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Verdon Regional Nature Park is full of natural treasures and its architectural heritage will delight lovers of old buildings. The landscapes are very diverse, ranging from limestone plateaux and steep cliffs to lakes and oak and pine forests.

The park offers a series of amazing sites such as the superb Verdon Gorges or the Valensole Plateau, with its lavender fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Not forgetting the lakes of Sainte-Croix and Castillon, places of incomparable beauty where the turquoise blue waters are a magnet for visitors. You can swim, take a pedalo ride, and go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding!

A wide range of animals and plants live in this generous natural environment, particularly eagles, bats, chamois and roe deer. But there are also rare species such as the shrike, griffon vulture and white-clawed crayfish. The lakes and rivers of the park abound with trout and pike, a fisherman's delight.

With such landscapes, this nature-lovers' destination is also a marvellous playground for outdoor activities. White-water sports, rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding... there are so many options! It's worth noting that the Verdon Regional Nature Park contains nearly 1,000 kilometres of marked paths. A boon for hikers!

The park is also dotted with charming villages full of interesting heritage. One of them, Trigance, is perched on a hill and has old houses, picturesque little streets and a medieval castle. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, nestling at the foot of two rocky peaks, is famous for its faience pottery. Near this beautiful village, at the heart of the Valx estate, is the Verdon Park Visitor Centre, where you will find all the information you need to explore the area. Castellane is another unmissable village. Dating from the Middle Ages, the remains of the ramparts and Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock, perched on top of an imposing cliff, always impress visitors. Castellane is also the starting point for a number of hikes. As for Bauduen, with its narrow streets and old stone houses, it has the privilege of offering a beautiful view of Lake Sainte-Croix!

Famous all over the world for its faience earthenware, the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages", forms a remarkable group of buildings. Typically Provençal and looking rather like a nativity scene with the big gold star hanging above it, the village is full of charm with narrow streets and little squares to wander through, refreshing fountains, faience workshops and boutiques, and smartly-fronted houses dominated by the imposing Lombard Romanesque bell tower of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church.

Ceramics fans should make a point of visiting the faience museum for its fantastic collection of fine glazed earthenware dating from the 17th century to today produced by master potters from Moustiers.

Above the village, built into the high limestone cliffs, stands Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel. This beautiful Romanesque-Gothic building is only accessible on foot and takes 20 minutes to reach via a steep footpath consisting of 262 stone steps and lined with stations of the cross. At the top, walkers are rewarded with a fantastic view over the village rooftops, the Maire valley and Valensole plateau.

Moustiers faience earthenware, a tradition spanning centuries, is made in the charming Provençal village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It became famous all over the world thanks to its fine glazed earthenware produced in the 17th and 18th centuries. Recognisable by its distinctive floral designs, the craft is perpetuated today by a number of workshops in the village.

Worth a visit: the faience museum in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which contains remarkable pieces produced by 17th- and 18th-century master potters.

Located in Verdon Regional Nature Park (Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon), on Valensole plateau, the pretty little town of Riez has preserved much heritage from its rich past in its historic centre: the remains of a Roman temple and an early Christian baptistery, fortified gateways, ramparts, a clock tower and many old houses, including the Hôtel de Mazan, a Renaissance mansion. Riez is also home to a number of boutiques selling arts and crafts, and local produce.

Every July, a colourful and action-packed two-day Renaissance festival takes place with processions in traditional costumes, Renaissance dancing, a local produce market, a ball and many shows.

Twenty or so miles west of Draguignan, the community of Salernes has a wonderful ceramics museum. Based in an old tile factory, it tells the story of the ceramics trade and particularly the manufacturing of the famous hexagonal tiles named tomettes, made right here in Salernes. These terracotta tiles are typically used on the floors of houses in Provence.

Through its permanent exhibitions, the museum invites you to discover an incredible collection of over 2,000 tiles dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. There are also creations by potters and archaeological pieces charting nearly 7,000 years of the ceramics trade in the Salernes area. The museum also puts on temporary exhibitions devoted to contemporary designers.

A natural border between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, the Verdon Gorges are located between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and form an exceptional natural site with contrasting landscapes. The River Verdon, with its bewitching colours, has shaped this site for thousands of years. Today, the gorges form an impressive canyon, the biggest in Europe, where the limestone cliffs reach heights of up to 700 metres. A real paradise for climbers, who have hundreds of climbing routes to enjoy!

Discover the wild and unspoilt landscapes of the lower gorges and listen out for the calls of the famous birds of prey that have made the gorges their home: griffon vultures and cinereous vultures. Why not try and get closer to them by trying your hand at paragliding? A sensational and awe-inspiring experience lies in store.

As you can see, the Verdon Gorges are ideal for enjoying many activities. Hikers can choose between several marked paths like the Blanc-Martel path, leading to the heart of the gorges and the foot of the cliffs. Unmissable! White-water sports enthusiasts will also be kept busy: with rafting, canyoning, kayaking and canoeing to choose from, you will have a great time trying to tame the currents. Thrill-seekers should head for the impressive Artuby Bridge, where you can go bungee jumping.

Dotted with a number of viewpoints like the Mescla Balconies or Point Sublime, the scenic gorges route offers a pleasant drive through beautiful landscapes. You can also leave the car at home and travel by electric bike along the ridge road starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon, which offers superb views.

The surrounding area has several lakes which are nice for a swim, pedalo ride or picnic, such as Sainte-Croix and Esparron.

Covering 2,200 hectares, Lake Sainte-Croix in Var is the largest lake in Verdon. This immense reservoir was created in 1973, following the construction of a dam on the course of the Verdon, and is now a major resort in the region. In addition, the magnificent colour of the water, varying from turquoise to emerald, always makes an impression…

With its many landscaped beaches, the lake is an ideal place to unwind, swim and enjoy water sports. With windsurfing, pedal-boats, canoe-kayaks, catamaran, stand up paddle and electric boats, you will be spoilt for choice. If you're looking for a more peaceful experience, the lake has less busy areas too, hidden behind the pines and oaks.

Take the time to stroll along the paths around the lake and breathe in the scents of Provence. Nearby are some villages that are well worth a visit, like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Nestling between two cliffs, it invites visitors to discover the talent of its faience-makers.

Located in the heart of Provence, in Verdon Regional Nature Park (Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon), the Château d'Allemagne-en-Provence is both medieval and Renaissance in style, with an imposing 12th-century crenellated tower and elegant façades with mullioned windows. Inside, visitors will discover a beautiful spiral staircase connecting the tower to the Renaissance section, and a splendid monumental fireplace with decorative plasterwork.

This village in Var is thus named due to the presence of two châteaux: one overlooking the village and the other on the Nartuby riverbank. In an unspoilt, green setting above the Nartuby Gorges, Châteaudouble still has a medieval look about it. The cobbled streets, vaulted passages, 18th-century dwellings, washhouses and chapels help to preserve this authentic atmosphere. And if you look closely at the houses, you will be able to see their sculpted pediments, a mark of the Templars. Built in the 16th century then extended in the 17th, the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation contains lavish furnishings including three altarpieces and listed baptismal fonts. But the attractions of the village don't stop there: to enjoy a magnificent view of the gorges, head for Place Beausoleil at the top of the village!

A listed site, the Nartuby Gorges not only offer beautiful walks in the heart of nature, but are also a favourite playground for climbers, with more than 400 climbing routes at their disposal. During your outing, remember to look up at the sky: you might see a golden eagle.

Valensole plateau is situated at an altitude of 500 metres in the south of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, near Digne-les-Bains and the Verdon gorges, and covers an area of 800 km². Fields of lavender, the famous Provençal scented plant, abound here, alongside wheat fields and a host of charming villages such as Saint-Martin-de-Brômes, Riez and Esparron-de-Verdon.

The best time for lovers of typical Provençal landscapes to visit is June and July, when Valensole plateau is awash with beautiful blue lavender in bloom. It's a sight – and scent – to behold!

Foodies should head to the village of Valensole, famous for its subtle- and delicate-tasting lavender honey, to treat their taste buds!

Several lavender-related festivities are organised in the area: the Fête de la Lavande in Valensole in July, and the Corso de la Lavande and Foire de la Lavande in Digne-les-Bains in August.

In inland Var, Draguignan enjoys a pleasant Provençal atmosphere. The medieval past is still very much in evidence and adds great character to this erstwhile city of the counts. The old town features ancient houses with carved doors, washhouses, chapels and the Porte de Portaiguières gate, a remnant of the fortifications. But the most representative structure is the Clock Tower. Crowned by a wrought iron campanile, it offers a beautiful view of Draguignan and the Nartuby valley from the top.

You are sure to enjoy a stroll along the plane tree-lined streets and can admire the Church of Our Lady of the People, a Flamboyant Gothic building from the 16th century.

From the Malmont orientation table in the heights of Draguignan, you can revel in the view of the Maures and Esterel massifs. A botanical path will take you through the superb Mediterranean vegetation.

Draguignan has several museums like the Artillery Museum and the Museum of Folk Arts and Traditions of Mid-Provence. The latter is about the traditional activities that used to take place in this part of Southern France.

Lastly, take a little trip back to Prehistoric times with a look at the fascinating Fairy Stone (Pierre de la Fée), which happens to be one of the most imposing dolmens in Provence!

Described by the writer Jean Giono as "Verdon's romantic oasis", the pleasant spa and health resort of Gréoux-les-Bains, situated in Verdon Regional Nature Park (Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon), is famous for the beneficial, healing properties of its water. The Thermes Troglodytes thermal baths, located next to a large shady park, offers medical treatments, as well as fitness and relaxation programmes.

But Gréoux-les-Bains is also a picturesque old village dominated by the imposing Château des Templars where regular art exhibitions and, in summer, shows are put on.

The lovely little town of Castellane on the banks of the Verdon river is a stopping place on the Napoleon Road (Route Napoléon) surrounded by beautiful, wild mountains. Dominated by the famous rock on which Notre-Dame du Roc chapel stands, the Provençal old town is a maze of picturesque narrow lanes, fortified vestiges like the Tour Pentagonale (five-sided tower) and Porte de l'Horloge (clock gateway), and the beautiful Place Marcel Sauvaire square – the heart of Castellane's action.

34 Rue Nationale is a house where Napoleon stopped to lunch on 3 March 1815 on his return from the island of Elba. Open to the public, it is today the Middle Verdon museum of popular arts and traditions.

Walking fans must not miss following the footpath that leads up to Notre-Dame du Roc chapel from behind the church in around 30 minutes. The view from the top over the surrounding countryside is magnificent!

As it is located in Verdon Regional Nature Park, Castellane makes an excellent base for hiking along the park's numerous walking trails, and for canoeing, kayaking and rafting in the clear water of the Verdon river.

About twenty kilometres from the Verdon Gorges nestles an adorable, authentic and well-preserved village, with an atmosphere of real serenity. Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Bargème stands on top of a rocky hill at an altitude of 1,097 metres, making it the highest village in Var. Imagine the view it offers! An unobstructed panorama of the valley, the Canjuers Plateau and the Maures Massif.

The village is dominated by its old feudal castle, built in the 13th century. Although much of it was destroyed in the Wars of Religion, you can still see its keep, its round towers and the ruins of its surrounding walls.

Bargème is typical of Provence's old feudal villages, as evidenced by the remains of the past which you can see on your walk. Enter the village through one of the fortified gates, like the Porte de Garde, to discover them. As you stroll along the narrow streets, you can admire old houses, vaulted passages and ramparts. This journey back in time will enchant lovers of old buildings and medieval heritage!

Founded in 1146, Thoronet Abbey in Var is one of three Cistercian abbeys in Provence, along with those of Silvacane and Sénanque.

Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean forest, in an isolated spot in the hinterland of the Maures Massif, it is a real architectural gem. It's interesting to note that it was built according to an ancestral technique, which consisted in laying cut stones without mortar. This construction process has helped to give the place a sense of serenity that is very conducive to meditation...

The beauty of the church with its clean lines, the cloister with its twin arches and the chapter house with its sculpted capitals, is particularly striking. Yet that is not the Romanesque abbey's only attraction. Indeed, the acoustics in its church create a very long resonance time - one of the longest in the world! - and make it a major centre for Gregorian chant. The concerts held there are always highly acclaimed.

As the administrative centre of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence département, a stopping place on the Napoleon Road (Route Napoléon), a spa and health resort and the lavender capital, the town of Digne-les-Bains has plenty to interest visitors! The historic centre, dominated by Saint-Jérôme cathedral, features picturesque pedestrian streets and Saint-Charles hill. It is also home to the must-see Gassendi museum devoted to local history, art and science. Housed in a 16th-century former hospice, it contains collections of 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century painting, as well as contemporary artworks, stuffed animals and physics and optical instruments.

Specialising in the treatment of respiratory and rheumatic problems, the Thermes de Digne-les-Bains thermal baths north of the town offer spa cures as well as fitness breaks and well-being treatments. The new water fun park, set in the heart of the thermal bathing establishment's extension, includes an indoor pool connected to an outdoor pool, along with a spa. Definitely one for relaxation fans!

Digne-les-Bains also organises the Corso de la Lavande every August, a five-day lavender festival featuring parades of flower-covered floats, a producers' market, shows, concerts, dances and fireworks.

Situated where Provence meets the Alps, in the Digne foothills, the Réserve Géologique de Haute-Provence is the biggest geopark in Europe! Covering a protected area of 2,300 km², this open-air museum is crossed by a network of waymarked discovery trails and is home to an impressive amount of fossils. Among its geological gems are a rock shelf covered in giant ammonites, the fossilised skeleton of an Ichthyosaurus (La Robine site) and fossilised bird footprints. It is an incredible journey through 300 million years of history!

Also not to be missed is the unique Musée-Promenade in Digne-les-Bains, a part open-air museum with a large wooded park dotted with contemporary artworks, as well as exhibition rooms where remarkable fossil collections are on display.

Manosque, situated in the Durance valley at the entrance to the Luberon, possesses a typically Provençal old town. Once through the imposing Saunerie gateway, you discover charming, pretty squares with fountains and café terraces, and picturesque narrow streets lined with old houses. Places of interest include the very lively Rue Grande and listed buildings like the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-de-Romigier, the Romanesque-Gothic church of Saint-Sauveur, the town hall with its magnificent façade and the 14th-century Soubeyran gateway.

Worth a visit: the Centre Jean Giono, housed in a mansion, for its exhibition devoted to the Manosque-born writer and his works.

As for events, Manosque hosts the annual new oil celebration in late January and the Festival des Correspondances literary event in September. And for fans of local produce, a Provençal market is held every Saturday morning in Place du Terreau square. A feast for the eyes, nose and palate!

Nestling in unspoiled scenery near Castellane in Verdon Regional Nature Park is Castillon artificial lake, a magnificent stretch of emerald-green water overlooked by the charming village of Saint-Julien-du-Verdon. Both this village and Saint-André-les-Alpes boast a water sports centre offering numerous activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing and pedalo boating. Holidaymakers and walkers will also find waymarked footpaths around the lake.

At the gates of the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park, in the department of Var, the little town of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume possesses the biggest Gothic building in Provence! This superb and unusually large monument is the basilica. Erected between 1295 and 1532, it was unfortunately not completed as the portal and bell tower were never built.

Its fame has spread beyond our borders for its crypt contains the relics of St. Mary Magdalene. Yet the basilica also has many other wonders such as a 16th-century altarpiece with 16 panels depicting the Passion of Christ, a carved walnut choir with 94 stalls, and sarcophagi from the 4th and 5th centuries. The monumental organ, built in 1773, has no less than 2,960 pipes.

Forcalquier, located not far from Lure mountain and the Luberon, was the capital of a medieval earldom and has retained a rich heritage from this past. The historic centre, which lies at the foot of the citadel hill, features ancient streets, Place Saint-Michel square with a Gothic fountain, Notre-Dame-du-Bourguet cathedral and the Franciscan Cordeliers convent. Also not to be missed is the magnificent view over the rooftops of the town and the surrounding landscape from the citadel – where the former castle of the Counts of Forcalquier stands – and Notre-Dame-de-Provence chapel.

In Var is a series of nine hilltop villages full of remarkable medieval heritage, surrounded by unspoilt landscapes. This is Pays de Fayence.

Clinging to the hillside, Fayence is famous for its international gliding centre. Its charm lies in its winding streets, its watchtower, a remnant of the old castle of the Bishops of Fréjus, its fountains and washhouses, bread oven and ruined ramparts. Enter the large 18th-century Baroque church dedicated to St. John the Baptist and go up to the foot of the Clock Tower, where there is an orientation table, to enjoy a beautiful view of the village rooftops and the surrounding mountains.

The balcony of the Esterel, Montauroux is a patchwork of narrow streets, little squares and fountains, providing a peaceful atmosphere to this 11th-century Provençal village. Don't miss the Chapel of St. Bartholomew and its lavish interior decoration dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Perched on a rocky outcrop, the feudal castle of Callian is surrounded by typical medieval streets lined with old houses. If you go up to the highest point in the village, you will see the Esterel and Tanneron massifs spread out before you. You will also be able to spot the bell tower of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, clad in glazed tiles.

At an altitude of 814 metres, Mons is the most elevated village in Pays de Fayence! Walk along the narrow old streets, admire the beautiful Baroque altarpieces in the church and enjoy an extraordinary view from Place Saint-Sébastien.

Tourrette is remarkable for its little flights of steps and vaulted passages. Walk along one of its narrow streets to reach Place de l'Horloge, the highest point in the village, with a magnificent view of the Maures Massif, the Esterel, and the sea in the distance!

If you like flowers, you will love the village of Tanneron, with its mimosa-covered hillsides. The mimosas are in bloom between December and Marsh, offering a beautiful sight and filling the air with their fragrance.

Seillans, meanwhile, is listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Cobbled streets, fountains, a feudal castle, the Porte Sarrasine gate and a 12th-century church make up its historical heritage.

Situated on the edge of the Esterel Massif, the village of Saint-Paul-en-Forêt is surrounded by pine and oak forests. Lovers of old buildings will enjoy a stroll along its charming alleys and should head for the 18th-century Church of St. Paul and the Chapel of St. Joseph. The latter stands on Pincounillier hill and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Nestling in a preserved natural environment, the village of Bagnols-en-Forêt has pleasant wooded areas and is ideal for walks in the heart of the countryside, where there is no lack of views over the surrounding scenery. Nearby are the Blavet Gorges, whose rocky walls stand 80 metres tall and will take your breath away.