Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Haute-Provence & the Southern Alps
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Why Go?
Haute-Provence undulates eastward through lavender fields, from the Luberon toward the
Southern Alps - and eventually Italy. North of the Côte d'Azur, the mountains rise in sheer
cliffs from the Mediterranean, crowning southeastern France with craggy peaks snow-
capped through springtime and creating plunging red-rock river gorges and deep green val-
leys. You may only have time to carve a small route through this little-visited region of wil-
derness, but the majestic landscapes are worth the effort: they're an escape from summer's
heat, and will change the way you apprehend space.
Haute-Provence's western flanks are marked by several isolated, unspoiled hilltop vil-
lages, west of the Vallée de la Durance - the dividing line between foothills and mountains.
Magical Moustiers Ste-Marie is the gateway to Europe's largest canyon. In the east, six
geographically diverse valleys define Parc National du Mercantour, whose 'Valley of Won-
ders' wows with 36,000 Bronze Age rock carvings.
