A Tour of the Verdon Museums

According to the GECE Barometer 2024¹, more than one in two French people visited a museum or cultural site over the past 12 months. If you also enjoy this type of activity, don’t miss the Verdon museums during your stay with us. Combining history, heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary art, these sites are the perfect complement to your holiday. Such cultural breaks are ideal between two hikes or a refreshing swim in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Discover without further delay five museums located less than an hour away from our campsite in the Verdon.

Art lovers, this place is for you. The Simon Segal Museum immerses you in modern and contemporary 20th-century art, less than one kilometre from our campsite. The permanent exhibition features more than 280 paintings from the Bruno Bassano collection. You will admire works from the Paris, Toulon and Bourges schools, signed by Segal, Van Dongen and Brigand, among others.

But that’s not all. At the back of this Verdon museum, a doorway leads to the Resistance Museum. Here, you will discover a moving chapter of French history and the Resistance in Haute-Provence through authentic objects, photographs and documents.

Two visits for the price of one, comfortably explored in about 1.5 hours.

Address: avenue Albert 1er, 83630 Aups.

Are you familiar with woodturning? According to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourisme², this craft tradition has made Aiguines famous since the 16th century. During your holiday near the Verdon Gorges, you can discover it at a site located 21.6 km from our campsite.

The Woodturners’ Museum highlights this unique Provençal know-how. It skillfully brings together historic pieces, such as studded pétanque balls, and contemporary creations. Thanks to the quality of its collections, the museum has been awarded the Musée de France label.

Wondering about the activities offered by this Verdon museum? Permanent and temporary exhibitions regularly animate the space, and creative workshops for children aged 6 to 12 are also organised. An educational and fun visit of around 45 minutes, sure to enrich your stay.

Address: 1 Place de la Résistance, 83630 Aiguines.

A visit to the Museum of Prehistory of the Verdon Gorges is designed as a true chronological immersion. From the moment you enter, you are transported through time. The clear and educational museum route is based on striking life-size reconstructions: prehistoric camps, hunting scenes and a faithful representation of the stratigraphy of the Baume Bonne cave.

You will admire an impressive collection of authentic artefacts discovered during excavations: knapped flint tools, pottery, ornaments and animal bones from hunted species. Models, films and interactive displays further enhance the understanding of different periods. The display cases showcase in detail the remains illustrating the evolution of humankind, its techniques and its art. Be sure to take a photo of the dioramas to keep a souvenir of this journey into the past. The museum also explores the evolution of the Verdon landscape and its impact on prehistoric societies.

Get ready for a journey through time. In Quinson, a grey metal door opens onto a building designed by architect Norman Foster. Welcome to one of the largest prehistory museums in Europe. Here, the history of humankind in Provence is told over a million years, from the Paleolithic to the Bronze Age. This museum in the Verdon showcases the region’s archaeological treasures. The many activities for children and adults alike make it a must-see stop. Some of the activities on offer include:

• Workshops to learn how to make fire or knap flint.
• Introductory archery sessions.
• Guided visits to the authentic Baume Bonne cave with a museum guide.

For a self-guided visit of the Museum of Prehistory of the Verdon Gorges, allow **at least 2 hours**.

Address: route de Montmeyan (D11), 04500 Quinson.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is famous for its suspended star, but also for its faience. The Faience Museum pays tribute to this tradition. Did you know that under Louis XIV, its finesse and delicacy were renowned throughout the kingdom, according to the local tourist office³? In this Verdon museum, awarded the Qualité Tourisme label, you will discover the history of this craft, its techniques and its distinctive decorative styles, such as the “Grotesques”.

According to visitor reviews, this site is particularly appreciated for:

• The warm welcome and clear explanations.
• The collection of **more than 300 exceptional pieces**.
• **Free admission for children under 16**.

The exhibitions can be visited in **less than one hour**.

Address: rue du Seigneur de la Clue, 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Would you like to enrich your stay with cultural visits? Book your accommodation at Oasis du Verdon now and set off to discover these museums.

Sources:

¹ GECE. (2024). Baromètre 2024 des publics des musées et des lieux patrimoniaux.
https://www.gece.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Barometre-2024-des-publics-des-musees-et-des-lieux-patrimoniaux-Institut-Gece.pdf

² Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourisme. (n.d.). Musée des tourneurs sur bois – Aiguines.
https://provence-alpes-cotedazur.com/que-faire/culture-et-patrimoine/lieux/musee-des-tourneurs-sur-bois-aiguines-fr-2871452/

³ Municipality of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. (n.d.). Faience Museum.
https://www.moustiers.fr/fr/patrimoine-culturel/musee-faience