Discover Quinson

Quinson brings together prehistory, cultural walking tours and the Basses Gorges du Verdon. The Musée de Préhistoire des gorges du Verdon, the Grotte de la Baume Bonne and the Circuit des Fontaines each offer a different focus; trails also lead to a viewpoint and through the gorges. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the museum’s collections, the cave visit that requires a reservation, hikes and water activities: they differ both in subject and in the conditions to check in advance.

Museum and prehistory

The Musée de Préhistoire des gorges du Verdon presents archaeological objects from around 60 sites in Haute-Provence and the Verdon. The finds thus place the collection in two named areas and give the museum a broader regional context.

The architecture is also part of the museum’s story: Norman Foster designed the building, which is integrated into the layout at the entrance to Quinson. The archaeological collections and the way the museum building fits into the village entrance are therefore distinct aspects. If you are interested in architecture, you can consider this design alongside the theme of prehistory.

A free, family-friendly orientation trail at the museum leads to the reconstructed prehistoric village at the Préhistosite. There, visitors can learn how to make fire without matches. Fire-making gives the destination a specific focus: alongside the reconstructed village, a prehistoric technique takes centre stage.

Historic village centre

The Circuit des Fontaines is a cultural walking tour of eight 19th-century fountains in the historic centre of Quinson. Rather than focusing on a single attraction, the route brings several fountains together. Its theme is clearly defined: the fountains and their place in the historic village centre. This distinguishes the walk from the museum’s archaeological focus and the reconstructed village.

Hiking trails and gorges

The discovery trail to the Grotte de la Baume Bonne is rated easy, is 5.7 kilometres long and is designed as a two-and-a-half-hour round trip. The trail reaches the Calliandre viewpoint. From there, you can see the Quinson plain, the lake and the entrance to the Basses Gorges du Verdon. Check the route details before setting off.

The Grotte de la Baume Bonne is classified as a historic monument. Access to the cave is restricted: it is closed to the public and can only be visited as part of a guided tour led by a museum guide; booking is required. Arrange your visit before travelling. The hiking trail to the cave does not include access to the cave itself.

The Basses Gorges du Verdon can be reached from the Base nautique de Quinson; they are designated a Natura 2000 site. From the water-sports centre, you can explore the gorges towards Esparron by canoe or kayak. Operators and seasonal availability may change, so it is advisable to check what is on offer in advance.

The hiking trail through the Basses Gorges was renovated in 2014 to ensure safe access and preserve nature. Access restrictions may vary by season. If you are planning a hike, check the conditions before setting off; exploring by canoe or kayak is a separate activity.

Discover more destinations: Rougon, Valernes, Sisteron, Riez, Dauphin, Seyne, Villars-Colmars, Larche.

For the overview of the wider region: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.