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Page 3 of 3  | | Verdon Grand Canyon |
From Luberon take the route A 100 to the plateau Valensole and stop at the Grand Canyon du Verdon, also called the Gorges du Verdon, the second deepest valley in Europe.  | | Canyon du Verdon |
This spectacular deep canyon forms a border between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var. Up to 2,300 ft deep and 13 mi long canyon varies in width between 20 and 330 ft at the bottom and 660 to 5,000 ft at its rim. Although it's much smaller than Arizona's Grand Canyon. From Castellane to the village of Rougons, the Verdon River flows clear and swift, and the road follows along the banks. At Rougons, by the Point Sublime, the river plunges into the narrow rock walls, and there's no escape until it comes out the western end before flowing into Lac de Ste Croix. Accessing the canyon from the west, Moustiers-Ste-Marie or Lac de Ste Croix, gives you the option of driving along the North Rim (D952) or the South Rim (D71, via Aiguines). A full loop around the canyon is just over 62 mi, including the Route des Cretes, and takes a very full day.
 | | Verdon Gorge and Sainte Croix |
Lac de Sainte Croix is magnificent turquoise lake was formed by the barrage de St. Croix, built on the Verdon river in 1975. Sitting on the open Plateau de Valensole and the Grand Plan de Canjuers, the lake has a feeling of endless space and light. At the northeastern end of the lake at the Pont du Galetas, an almost invisible slot in the mountain wall hides the deep, wild Verdon canyon where the rushing green waters of the river enter the lake. There is easy access to much of the lake shore, and plenty of beaches and picnic areas. Boat, canoe and sailboard rental is available from just a few places, including the village of  Bauduen at the southern tip of the lake, and the village of Ste-Croix-de-Verdon along the northwestern shore. The hikers can take GR99 hiking trail, which passes the lake along the southeastern side. To the west, the GR99 goes by the village of Artignosc-sur-Verdon and the lower Gorges du Verdon. To the east, the GR99 goes the full length of the fabulous Grand Canyon du Verdon, along the southern edge through the Cornishe Sublime.
 | | Colorful fields in Provence |
The last stop is in small city Grasse, witch has served the country well in the art of perfume production for centuries. The French perfume industry began in Grasse in the 16th century. It is here that master perfumers recognize around 6000 scents. In Grasse are planted highly prized flowers, including lavender, jasmine,  | | Lavender fields |
roses, mimosa, orange blossom and violets. Pauline Bonaparte, the Emperor's sister, spent the winter of 1807-08 in Grasse, recuperating her mental and physical strength. Queen Victoria vacationed through several winters in Grasse, staying at the Rothschild's or at the Grand Hotel. Napoleon himself passed through Grasse on 2 March 1815, but didn't have time for vacation. Somewhere down in the old village a narrow street comes out onto the Place Godeau, with the 10th-11th-century Notre Dame du Puy cathedral and its huge 18th century clock tower.
 | | Provence countryside |
Don’t forget stop by “produits regionaux” and by in little shops something from Provencal treasure like place mats,  lavender scent in pot pourri, pottery, candies, oils, vinegars, olives, foie gras, or honey from lavender. Exploring the countryside makes hungry and there is a good possibility to sit down in one of the vineyards, tast a glass of one of the famous wines with a cheese plateau and then indulge in the delicious cuisine of the Provence. A Mediterranean influence brings hot spices and seafood. Because of the mountainous country, without the rich farmlands and herds of dairy cattle, Provencal cooking uses very little milk, and goat  cheeses are predominant. Garlic, olive oil, olives and the abundant "herbes de Provence" are the spirit.
More information about Provence:
Hotels in Avignon: http://accutravel.net/avignon/hotels
Webcams in Provence: http://accutravel.net/avignon/webcams
Weather forecast for Provence: http://accutravel.net/avignon/weather
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Bauduen at the southern tip of the lake, and the village of Ste-Croix-de-Verdon along the northwestern shore. The hikers can take GR99 hiking trail, which passes the lake along the southeastern side. To the west, the GR99 goes by the village of Artignosc-sur-Verdon and the lower Gorges du Verdon. To the east, the GR99 goes the full length of the fabulous Grand Canyon du Verdon, along the southern edge through the Cornishe Sublime. ;)
lavender scent in pot pourri, pottery, candies, oils, vinegars, olives, foie gras, or honey from lavender. Exploring the countryside makes hungry and there is a good possibility to sit down in one of the vineyards, tast a glass of one of the famous wines with a cheese plateau and then indulge in the delicious cuisine of the Provence. A Mediterranean influence brings hot spices and seafood. Because of the mountainous country, without the rich farmlands and herds of dairy cattle, Provencal cooking uses very little milk, and goat ;)
cheeses are predominant. Garlic, olive oil, olives and the abundant "herbes de Provence" are the spirit. ;)
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