The Plateau of Valensole

Published on : May 22, 2025

Reading time: 3 minutes

Table des matières

In short: The Valensole plateau creates a unique landscape of lavender, wheat, and almond trees, on one of the largest territories in France.

A landscape shaped by geology and influenced by the seasons

At 590 meters above sea level, between the Durance, the Asse, and the Verdon, extends a territory with almost infinite appearances: the plateau of Valensole. Over more than 800 km², the fields form a perfect checkerboard, framed by almond trees, lavender, and durum wheat, creating a setting that is both agricultural, mineral, and poetic.

This exceptional site rests on a conglomerate formation made up of pebbles, pudding stones, sandstones, and silt, a true open-air laboratory for geologists. This irregular soil, capable of retaining or draining water depending on the areas, determines the distribution of crops. Agriculture finds a rare balance here, between distinct seasons, moderate altitude, and a dual-influence climate: Mediterranean and alpine.

Iconic crops with a scent of authenticity

If lavender reigns supreme every July, coloring the plateau with vibrant blue, other crops nourish the agricultural identity of the place throughout the year. Durum wheat, the olive tree, black truffle, and especially the almond tree hold an essential place in the local economy.

This fruit tree, whose first blossoms appear as early as February, brought prosperity to the inhabitants in the 19th century. It still contributes to Provençal pastry, particularly calissons from Aix and nougat, thanks to the princess almond, prized for its delicacy. These sweets are often made with local lavender honey, renowned for its aromatic quality.

Lavender, the ephemeral star of a living tableau

Every summer, the geometric alignments of lavender transform the plateau into a sensory masterpiece. The visual atmosphere is enhanced by the penetrating scent of flowers in full bloom. These hybrid varieties, cultivated at altitude, offer a higher yield than fine lavender. They are used in both perfumery and for cosmetic and household products.

A few weeks before their flowering, another plant draws attention: clary sage, a biennial plant with medicinal and aromatic properties. Its cultivation is gradually increasing and diversifying local production.

A plant mosaic that changes with the months

Each season reshapes the atmosphere of the plateau:

March: the almond trees in bloom open under the still-snowy peaks,
July: the blue lavender waves alongside golden wheat,
November: the plowed lands display a deep ochre, contrasting sharply with the winter azure.

This perpetual cycle is enriched by the variety of natural environments: meadows, garrigues, maquis, and forests of holm oaks or Aleppo pines. The entire area is dotted with agricultural sheds, pigeon houses, and dry-stone walls, witnesses of rural life from the past.

A panoramic view of the giants of Provence

From the plateau, the views are grandiose. On clear days, one can see:

the mountain of Lure,
Mont Ventoux,
the Chiran,
the Devoluy massif,
Montdenier,
the Sainte-Victoire and the Sainte-Baume.

The plateau then becomes a natural vantage point to contemplate the Pre-Alps in all their majesty.

A discreet land, rich in traditions and future

Valensole, which gave its name to this territory, stands in the center of the plateau. Its typical architecture, its village festivals, its producers’ markets, and its distillation workshops allow for a better understanding of the role of plants in local culture.

The vineyard, once very present, has nearly disappeared from the plateau. Only a few estates remain in Gréoux-les-Bains or Quinson, still producing wines from this atypical terroir. The evolution of agriculture here unfolds in rhythm with respect for the soil, the climate, and the heritage.