Touring the region to the east of Greoux

We started out one morning to explore the scenic areas east of Greoux.  We visited two lakes, Lac d'Esparron which was not far from town, and Lac de Sainte Croix which was a much larger lake 30 km to the east.  Each was very beautiful and was created by putting a dam on the Verdon river.  There are camping, picnicking and beach facilities and lots of water activities (boats, canoes, and pedalos) available on both lakes when it is warm; but we were there in the cold season with our coats, hats and gloves on, so we didn't go near the water.  We did, however, picnic by Lac de Sainte Croix and had a gorgeous view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

From there we drove across the Valensole plateau to go to Moustiers Sainte Marie.  The plateau is covered with lavender fields, and although the lavender was still dormant, the contrast of the rows of dark plants with the blue sky and white clouds was amazingly beautiful.  Unfortunately, the camera was in the "other" car.

Moustiers Sainte Marie is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France because of the way it is built on platform terraces a hundred meters up the side of a limestone cliff.  A spring flows out of the cliff and creates a waterfall that divides the town and provides water power.  We saw the remnants of an ancient aquaduct system there.  There are some good pictures here: Gallery of 13 photos for Moustiers-Sainte-Marie  http://www.beyond.fr/villphotos/moustiers-photo-gallery.html

Viewpoint  for Lac de Saint Croix

The map tells us that if we are looking straight ahead we are looking toward Italy, and that looking to the left we are seeing the Alps (snow-covered mountains).

The village of Les Salles sur Verdon below our viewpoint.

A panoramic view of the viewpoint and our picnic table.

Eating lunch above the Lac de Sainte Croix

Notice the "twins" in this picture and an extra leg behind A.  The things you can do with your cell phone!

Above Moustiers Sainte Marie, the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel sits high in the notch of the cliff. The chapel dates back to the 8th century and was built on the site of an older chapel from the 5th century.

Apparently the steep path up to the chapel has been used for pilgrimages up the mountain since 470! We climbed it too. 

Rest stop and view halfway up

Ancient defensive walls for the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel

The gate - but we still have 1/3 of the way to go.

Beautiful stained glass windows in the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel.

Looking back down from the top to see the pathway we had taken.

A wider view from the top with Lac de Sainte Croix at the upper left.

We made it!

Back down in Moustiers Sainte Marie next to the waterfall that divides the town.

A and M looking at the waterfall from the town square.