100% PROVENCE
Lure, Ventoux, Luberon, Verdon... laissez vous envoûter !
Lure, Ventoux, Luberon, Verdon... laissez vous envoûter !
COLOURS, SCENTS, FLAVOURS...
You will find all the products that make up Provence’s charm on the markets: spices, honey, lavender, crafts… but it is above all for experiencing the moment that you should go: let the joy come over you and wander happily through these alleys !
All different, all inspiring:
Monday : the unmissable market of Forcalquier
Tuesday : Banon and a little further in Gréoux-les-Bains and Sainte-Croix-du Verdon
Wednesday : Saint-Etienne-les-Orgues and a little further in Digne, Manosque and Sisteron
Thursday : Céreste and in the afternoon the organic and farmers’ market in Forcalquier
Friday : Revest-du-Bion and a little further in Les Mées and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Saturday : Cruis in the morning and Ongles in the afternoon
Sunday : Mane, Reillanne and Saint-Michel l’Observatoire
In season, many local fairs and farmers’ markets animate the whole region… we will be happy to let you know about them.
DISCOVERING HILLTOP VILLAGES...
The villages of Provence are often “perched”, offering magnificent views of their surroundings.
L’Arbre d’Alice is a great starting point to go and meet them. Why not start with the nearest ones ?
Ongles and its famous “Rocher” : Starting from the house, you can easily walk or cycle around the 8 hamlets of Ongles and discover the most famous of them : the “Rocher d’Ongles”.
Don’t forget to visit the site of Viere, the former capital of the canton, which has just been restored. From there, you will enjoy a superb view of our valley.
Banon: a few miles away, on the hillside, the beautiful neighbouring village of Banon welcomes you with its shops and craftsmen. The village is famous for its goat’s milk cheese and its bookshop “Le Bleuet“, the largest independent French bookshop in a rural area. The place is amazing and worth a visit!
Saint Etienne les Orgues : gateway to the Lure mountain (which rises to 1826 m), this pretty village is the starting point for many hikes. Take the winding road to the beautiful Abbaye de Lure (12th century).
Forcalquier: a pretty little town in the Luberon, with a delightful atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. From narrow streets to small squares, from artists’ galleries to small restaurants, the whole town exudes joy and serenity!
ON THE LAVENDER ROAD...
Jean Giono said of lavender that it is “the soul of Provence”.
From Sault, the Lavender Routes take you through the emblematic landscapes of Haute-Provence to the famous Plateau de Valensole.
If you wish to admire the lavender in flower, June and July are the best months to visit.
Take advantage of your tour to visit the unmissable “Artemisia” museum in Forcalquier. In the remarkable setting of the Cordeliers convent, this museum, dedicated to aromatic and perfume plants, offers a focus on “from wild lavender to cultivated lavender”, as well as perfume creation workshops.
And to finish your day of discovery, back at l’Arbre d’Alice, there is nothing better than a well-being massage with essential oils of Lavender ! Lavender is, in fact, known for its relaxing and soothing properties.
La Provence dissimule ses mystères derrière leur évidence
THE HIKERS' CORNER
The hiking trails pass right behind the house and join the GRP of the mountain of Lure and the GR6 which goes towards Barcelonnette.
You will cross a variety of landscapes, from arid ridges to green countryside. If you prefer to hike in a group, the association “randonner en Haute Provence” will welcome you in Forcalquier with a program adapted to all, young and elder.
If you wish, you can leave directly with your picnic, which we prepare with fresh local products.
After the walk, you will enjoy a rest on the terrace, in the garden or by the pool, or a relaxing session (massage or foot reflexology…).
THE CYCLIST'S PARADISE
Did you know that our department was the first to be awarded the “Territoire vélo” label by the French Cycling Federation?
The roads of Provence are very popular with cyclists. There is a route for everyone: Ventoux and Lure for sportsmen, country roads and small quiet roads for families.
In summer, several passes are even reserved for cyclists at certain times!
Why not start with the tourist loop “Forcalquier – Lure” ? Signposted in both directions, it offers several variants from 38 to 94 km, or take on the “Challenge de Lure”: 18 km of climbing and 1000 m of difference in altitude starting from Saint-Etienne-les-Orgues.
At the Arbre d’Alice, you will find all the small equipment necessary for cyclists (pump, puncture kit…) and you will be able to shelter your bikes in complete safety.
And to end your day in relaxation, enjoy a wellness massage at l’Arbre d’Alice.
RIDE IN PROVENCE...
With its 800 km of signposted bridle paths, our department is an ideal place for horse riding.
Not far from the house, you will be able to meet professionals who will offer you various options : from accompanied rides to free riding.
Warm, soft to the touch, full of curves, the horse is an ideal companion for a day of reconnection to oneself. In synergy, don’t hesitate to take advantage of a sophrology session at the end of the day in the soothing setting of the Arbre d’Alice.
BATHING AND CANOEING...
The “Haute Provence” region offers many possibilities for watersports and water activities (torrents, rivers, canyons, low gorges…).
You can, for example, plan an escapade in the fabulous Verdon massif located at 1 hour drive from the Arbre d’Alice. The famous Verdon canyon offers you 30 km of deep and wild gorges, allowing you to practice canoeing, aquatic hiking, rafting…
The lakes of Esparron and Sainte-Croix, allow the practice of various water activities as well as swimming, in a grandiose setting.
The Durance also offers beautiful canoeing possibilities, for example in the valley of the middle Durance between the Serre-Ponçon dam and the Tallard castle.
Back at l’Arbre d’Alice, enjoy a comforting Well-being Massage to relieve physical fatigue !
ALL THE PLEASURE OF THE GREEN...
For golf lovers, don’t forget your clubs ! Indeed, two very beautiful 18-hole golf courses are close to l’Arbre d’Alice (45 min by car).
The Golf du Luberon is located in Pierrevert, near Manosque, in the South East of the Luberon Park.
The Golf de Digne-les-bains, located at the foot of the Alpine peaks, offers you a hilly and wooded course, as well as the possibility to follow initiation or improvement courses.
Back at l’Arbre d’Alice, you can enjoy a cool drink by the pool, or a relaxation session (Sophrology, Foot Reflexology, Well-being Massage)
TAKE A STEP UP !
Flying over the Luberon in a hot-air balloon… This is a great way to change the angle of view, and to embrace the diversity of the landscapes in a single glance.
Nestled between the Luberon mountain and the Lure mountain, Forcalquier is a protected area ideal for hot air ballooning.
Most flights take place in the morning, to benefit from the light breezes and before the sun heats up the atmosphere.
The perched villages, the shimmering colours… enjoy a hot air balloon flight as a unique moment suspended in time.
Beyond the magical discovery of the landscapes, it is a privileged moment to take “the height”, to escape from the daily agitation and to return appeased.
Back at l’Arbre d’Alice, take advantage of a sophrology session to continue the journey during a creative visualisation.
HEAD IN THE STARS !
Take advantage of an evening at the Arbre d’Alice to observe the starry sky of Provence. The almost total absence of urban light allows an exceptional quality of visibility.
And to go a little further, go to the “Haute Provence” observatory in Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire, a neighbouring village.
The astronomy centre welcomes visitors all year round, and every summer, the “été Astro festival” offers numerous activities (use of telescopes, giant binoculars or even evenings and conferences under the stars !)
and why not take advantage of your stay to read the “Serpent d’étoiles”, a wonderful story-poem by local author Jean Giono ? ( just ask us, we will be happy to lend it to you)
Nous serons heureux de vous aider à organiser au mieux votre séjour selon vos aspirations...
