Before heading into the Gorges du Verdon, this is one of the best places to understand what you’re actually exploring. It’s calm, spacious, and gives context to a landscape most people only see from viewpoints.
Maison du Parc naturel régional du Verdon, located on the Domaine de Valx near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the Lac de Sainte-Croix, serves as the official visitor center for the regional park. Set within a restored Provençal bastide surrounded by 250 hectares of forest, farmland, and traditional agriculture, it offers a different perspective on the Verdon.
The estate includes walking trails, a discovery path, and a small educational farm, where you can learn about local farming practices, including goat breeding and cheese production. The land itself reflects centuries of Provençal agriculture, with olive groves, truffle fields, and an old irrigation system still visible.
This is not a dramatic stop like the canyon viewpoints, but it adds depth to your visit by explaining the natural environment, biodiversity, and human history of the region.
👉 Local Tip: Visit this before exploring the Gorges du Verdon. You’ll understand the landscape much better and choose your hikes more strategically.