Wild Alps, Verdon Canyon, Moustiers & Lavender: A Helpful Review

Have you ever dreamt, really dreamt, of seeing unbelievable natural beauty, the kind that just sticks with you? I mean, is that something you have looked for? The southeast corner of France, with its Wild Alps, that really amazing Verdon Canyon, the darling Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and all those aromatic lavender fields, well, it truly has that magic. This is my closer look at what you can expect; hopefully, it’ll make it easier to plan your trip.

Exploring the Wild Alps

The Wild Alps, wow, right? They offer a different experience altogether, that’s for sure. You aren’t exactly talking about well-groomed ski slopes here, rather a more untamed, rugged type of landscape. I would say that makes them great for anybody who loves, like, getting out there and actually seeing wildlife, that is if you are into trails where it feels as though you’re the first person there. In some respects, a lot of trails are available, ones that go all the way from easy walks to more intense, multi-day treks. What’s best to do, you think? Talk to local guides; they can give insight on the best, almost most spectacular spots, and the routes which are more matched to what you can handle. Actually, one memorable walk for me was the one close to the Mercantour National Park – that one was particularly fantastic and very quiet, too.

Did you know, there’s wildlife aplenty to behold. Chances are, if you look closely, you’re probably going to see animals like chamois; marmots are very visible in many parts and a whole load of bird life that you wouldn’t usually see back home. Always have your camera handy, alright? Though you are experiencing these great sights, nature must be looked after with real care, alright. Do respect the environment, take away your trash and stay to existing paths so that you don’t, that, disturb any species nearby. If you enjoy quiet experiences and dramatic mountains, this area ticks boxes for you, like your own custom adventure zone.

The Breathtaking Verdon Canyon

Now, have you seen pictures of the Verdon Canyon? You know, it is regarded as one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring river gorges, you know? The river itself flows such a remarkable turquoise, cutting, as a matter of fact, dramatically through limestone rock, and, actually, it is really just an unreal thing to look at. Seeing it from above is just wonderful, too. Also, it offers great hikes on its rims where it gives unbelievable views into the valley below. I would advise maybe checking out the Sentier Martel. It’s arguably the canyon’s classic trail, even though that requires a full day and, in some respects, that has got some steep parts – it’s all worth it because, wow, those scenic lookouts, those are the business.

If you would prefer getting out on the water then what you really should do is rent a kayak, okay? That gives you the option of seeing the gorge from entirely an unique perspective, more or less. Seriously, paddling through the calmer parts of the river; visiting little caves; simply bobbing and watching the cliff faces towering above, I mean, that’s an out-of-this-world thing, literally. If you’re up for that challenge, rock climbing is an accepted thing in Verdon; loads of different routes sit, so, right there, beginners could definitely learn something as more seasoned climbers will face enough of a test. That said, you need proper gear; do not even attempt something you aren’t confident about. The Verdon is definitely that experience you will talk about, anyway, many years later, alright?

Charming Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is known for its, alright, very attractive village, in that it is nestled into the rock face on the mountain, so literally squeezed right in between, you see? Did you know it is considered one of the “most appealing villages in France,” actually? Right above the settlement there sits that famous gold star which, reportedly, has been there for centuries, or so legend would have it, apparently, gifted from a returned Crusader. Walk along those cobbled roads. Visit the ceramics shops – Moustiers is famous for its faience, after all – do pause at little cafes where you sit and enjoy that café au lait and simply soak up, by the way, that lovely atmosphere. Like you’re supposed to when you visit France.

In fact, don’t fail to visit the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel that has a great location overlooking everything. It is not an easy trek but very picturesque and, anyway, that’s the kind of thing memories are genuinely built from, you know. Take, for example, photos. Moustiers is a wonderful base as from here you may tour the Gorge du Verdon or relax among those lavender fields which is very easy from here. Very touristy, undoubtedly. Actually, that village still keeps an honest identity, in fact, especially when going to markets when those local producers bring in, basically, cheeses and olives, honeys, and, what I like, really good breads. It’s the sort of location to truly sit down in France and only do stuff slowly, right?

The Alluring Lavender Fields

Then the lavender, oh, is that what you were waiting for? Chances are that the lavender fields throughout Provence draw tons of folks to the region during summer, the season of full bloom, okay? When I got there I saw those boundless expanses, very purple in shade and smelling strongly of perfume and visited in a perfect sunny season when even just watching these fields shake gently across the breezes provides a hypnotic sensation. And the picture opportunities, you know, are quite countless and they are incredible as backgrounds, absolutely.

Any chance you are visiting? Do check that Valensole Plateau which gives a wide open look out, it, too is great and not overly swamped either like other popular places can get, usually. Drive or cycle routes enable you to go across these parts in which you should cease often. Like to breathe, stop at small, little farms; just go and visit their distilleries. Lavender stuff exists far further than simply just looking rather or smelling great though as many farmers create oils or soaps; honey also works very well if touched with lavender. Buy those things for actual gifts rather because they do hold more importance considering what location it came directly straight from you see? As someone suggested, I did tour when there were bees round harvesting so much nectar, it had me captivated by this, right. Provence over July – August is pretty great, however prepare it since these things come loaded with the travelers, seriously.

To round off, a visit combining the wild peaks in the Alps and then right down along these astounding sights around the Gorge du Verdon after, too, being totally absorbed amongst a spot like Moustiers as well as taking those perfumes around such perfumed lavender plots offers some form adventure in real nature coupled really alongside those touches typical within those French lifestyles, or so to call, or make up such an amazing outing which feels unforgettable, absolutely.

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