24 Hours in Gréoux-les-Bains: A Wellness Getaway at the Entrance to the Verdon Gorges
Ideally located at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon, Gréoux-les-Bains first catches the eye with its thermal baths. However, the village has other pleasant surprises in store: a historic center dominated by the Templar castle, the warm atmosphere of Haute-Provence, the scent of lavender from the Valensole Plateau, and several enchanting lakes just a few kilometers away.
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Are you planning to stop there? Located nearby, our Gorges du Verdon campground offers tips on how to make the most of 24 hours in Gréoux-les-Bains and fully enjoy this beautiful stop in Provence: a stroll through the old village, a wellness break at the thermal baths, and the Verdon landscapes all around!
Why should you plan a visit to Gréoux-les-Bains?
Jean Giono described Gréoux-les-Bains as a “romantic oasis of the Verdon.” This phrase perfectly captures the spirit of the place. This spa town in Haute-Provence attracts visitors as much for its hot springs—known since ancient times—as for its setting, which opens onto the landscapes of the Verdon.
There are several reasons to stop there:
- France’s third-largest spa town, renowned for its naturally hot waters at 42 °C
- A medieval village dominated by the Templar castle, a testament to the town’s history
- Ideally located at the entrance to the Verdon Gorges, between two regional nature parks: Verdon and Luberon
- Close to popular natural attractions, such as Lake Esparron and the Valensole Plateau
- The rich flavors of Provence: lavender, honey, olive oil, goat cheese, almonds, and Sisteron lamb
- A lively town all year round, with markets, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.
Morning: Explore the historic center and its heritage
To really soak up the atmosphere of the area, start your day in the historic center of Gréoux-les-Bains. The village is spread out across a small hill and is easy to explore on foot. The old houses, stone stairways, and small squares immediately immerse you in the atmosphere of Haute-Provence.
The Templars’ Castle
As you make your way up through the village, you’ll feel as if you’re being “drawn” toward the Templar Castle. Built in the Middle Ages, this structure still towers over the town. Today, its inner courtyard hosts several cultural events during the summer. The site remains an important landmark in the history of Gréoux-les-Bains.
The squares and fountains of the historic center
As you stroll leisurely back down into the village, several small squares come into view around the corners of the streets. Some feature fountains typical of southern France. Together, they create a very soothing atmosphere for a morning stroll.
Shops and Products from Provence
The historic center is also home to a few shops and artisans. In particular, you’ll find products from Provence such as honey, olive oil, and lavender, which is abundant in the region. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on delicacies!
A tip from the Oasis Verdon campground: It’s best to visit the village in the morning. The atmosphere is calmer then, and the light really brings out the beauty of the historic facades.
Midday: Savour the flavours of Provence
After the morning stroll, lunchtime comes around quickly. In Gréoux-les-Bains, your lunch break will give you a chance to discover the Provençal way of life. It’s worth noting that the region’s Mediterranean climate—with nearly 300 days of sunshine a year —fosters a wide variety of agricultural production. As a result, a diverse array of local products can be found in restaurant kitchens and at market stalls.
Specialties of Haute-Provence
Provençal cuisine features several iconic local products. First and foremost is olive oil, which is used in many dishes. Then there’s Provençal honey and almonds, which are often used in desserts and pastries. Goat cheeses come from farms in the surrounding hills. Sisteron lamb, highly regarded in the region, also features in several traditional recipes. Lavender and its essential oil are also reminiscent of the nearby Valensole Plateau. Finally, in winter, truffles perfectly complement all these gourmet specialties.
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Lunch in the village
For lunch, there are several restaurants and outdoor seating areas clustered around the Town Hall Square and in the streets of the historic center. This area is one of the liveliest parts of the village, with cafés, shops, and places to sit down and eat.
Some outdoor dining areas overlook the small squares in the town center or near City Hall, allowing you to soak up the village atmosphere while you eat before continuing your tour of Gréoux-les-Bains or heading out to explore the Verdon region.
A tip from the Oasis Verdon campground: The Provençal market in Gréoux-les-Bains is held on Thursday mornings in the Town Hall square and in the streets of downtown. If you stop by before exploring the village, take advantage of lunch to sample some of the products you found at the market stalls.
Afternoon: Relax at the thermal baths or take a nature hike in the Verdon region
The afternoon is the perfect time to slow down. And in Gréoux-les-Bains, you have two options: enjoy the thermal baths that have made the resort famous, or head out to explore the nearby Verdon landscapes.
The Thermal Baths of Gréoux-les-Bains
Thermal baths have been part of the town’s history since ancient times. The Romans were already using the hot springs that flow naturally throughout the town. Today, the resort is home to one of the region’s largest thermal bath facilities.
In Gréous-Les-Bains, the thermal baths offer several modern facilities, including four thermal pools, as well as a wide range of treatments. The treatment programs are specifically designed for rheumatology and respiratory conditions. The water used in the pools comes from the spring and reaches a temperature of about 42 °C.
Even without undergoing a full treatment program, you can still enjoy a relaxing moment in the wellness area and thermal spa.
Enjoy nature to the fullest
Want to enjoy the outdoors after lunch? Gréoux-les-Bains is located on the banks of the Verdon River, allowing you to enjoy the natural scenery without even leaving town. There are several walking trails and outdoor activities to enjoy along the river and in the natural areas near the village.
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the trails around the Verdon River, which are accessible from the resort. These trails offer views of the Haute-Provence countryside and the chance to enjoy a peaceful natural setting. Visitors can also go fishing or try whitewater activities on the Verdon River, which flows through the town.
The town also offers a variety of facilities for staying active outdoors, such as pétanque courts, recreational areas, and sports activities. These facilities complement the opportunities for nature walks around the village.
A tip from the Oasis Verdon campground: After several active days in the Gorges du Verdon, a break at the thermal baths in Gréoux-les-Bains is a great way to slow down. Those who prefer to stay outdoors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery around the village before continuing their stay in the region.
End of the Day: Continue Exploring Around Gréoux-les-Bains
Your day doesn’t have to end with exploring the village. Several well-known sites in the Verdon region are located just a few kilometers from Gréoux-les-Bains. It’s a great way to wrap up the day or kick off the next one by exploring other landscapes in Haute-Provence.
Lake Esparron-de-Verdon
Located just a few minutes from Gréoux-les-Bains, Lake Esparron-de-Verdon attracts many visitors who come to swim, sail, canoe, or fish. The village of Esparron and its castle, with its 12th-century keep, overlook the lake and offer a very pleasant setting for an evening stroll.
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The Valensole Plateau
The Valensole Plateau is one of the most famous landscapes in Haute-Provence. From late June through August, the lavandin fields form wide purple bands among the grain crops. A drive or bike ride takes you across this plateau, located a short distance from Gréoux-les-Bains.
The Verdon Gorge
Located near the resort, the Verdon Gorge is one of the region’s most impressive natural landscapes. This canyon stretches for about 21 kilometers, and its cliffs rise 250 to 700 meters above the waters of the Verdon River.
Nearby Villages and Cultural Sites
There are also several sites worth visiting around Gréoux-les-Bains. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, known for its earthenware workshops, is one of the most visited villages in the Verdon region. The town of Manosque, with its historic center and the Jean Giono Center, is also an interesting stop. In Quinson, the Verdon Gorges Prehistory Museum traces the history of humankind in Provence over nearly a million years.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit to Gréoux-les-Bains
Before heading to Gréoux-les-Bains, here’s some useful information to help you plan your day more easily. Below is additional information about how to get there, the best time to visit, and how long the tour takes.
- Directions: Gréoux-les-Bains is located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, on the banks of the Verdon River, near Manosque and at the gateway to the Verdon region.
- From our campground near Gréoux-les-Bains: it’s about a 50-minute drive through the countryside of the Haut-Var and Haute-Provence regions.
- Quand visiter : la station bénéficie d’un climat méditerranéen avec près de 300 jours de soleil par an.
- Spring: pleasant weather for walks and exploring the village.
- Summer: the liveliest time of year, with concerts, events, and cultural activities.
- Fall: a more peaceful atmosphere for enjoying the landscapes of Haute-Provence.
- Durée de la visite :
- Half-day: Explore the village and take a stroll through the historic center.
- Full-day itinerary: tour of the village, a break at the thermal baths, or an excursion to the Verdon region.
- Tourist Office: For more detailed information on activities, tours, or the events calendar.
Gréoux-les-Bains Tourist Office
7 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville – 04800 Gréoux-les-Bains
Phone: +33 (0)4 92 78 01 08
Gréoux-les-Bains is a great place to stop during a trip to the Gorges du Verdon. In just one day, you can explore its historic center , dominated by the Templar Castle, enjoy the thermal baths to the fullest, and explore the surrounding landscapes—from Lake Esparron to the Valensole Plateau and the villages of the Verdon. And it’s all just a short distance from the Oasis Verdon campground!
