Quinson brings together prehistoric history and the landscape of the Basses Gorges du Verdon. The museum, a walk through the historic town centre and the surrounding trails each offer a different focus. If you are planning a visit to the Grotte de la Baume Bonne, note that access is available only on a guided tour and with a reservation.
Prehistory at the Museum and the Préhistosite
The Musée de Préhistoire des gorges du Verdon presents archaeological objects from around 60 sites in Haute-Provence and the Verdon. The collection therefore highlights finds from a wider area, rather than from a single site. The museum building, designed by Norman Foster, is integrated into the entrance to Quinson.
From the museum, a free, family-friendly orientation trail leads to the reconstructed prehistoric village at the Préhistosite. There, visitors can learn how to make fire without matches. This brings the archaeological objects to life through a hands-on activity in the reconstructed village. The Grotte de la Baume Bonne adds another dimension to the prehistoric focus as a historic monument, but has its own access requirements.
Grotte de la Baume Bonne: Trail and Access
The discovery trail to the cave is easy, 5.7 kilometres long and designed as a two-and-a-half-hour round trip. Check the route details before setting out. The trail reaches the Calliandre viewpoint, which offers views over the Quinson plain, the lake and the entrance to the Basses Gorges du Verdon.
The cave itself is closed to the public. It can be visited only as part of a tour led by a museum guide, and a reservation is required. The trail and the cave visit are therefore separate parts of the excursion: the trail leads to the viewpoint, while access to the cave requires a guided tour and a reservation.
Fountains in the Historic Town Centre
The Circuit des Fontaines is a cultural trail through eight 19th-century fountains in the historic town centre of Quinson. Its focus is distinct from the prehistory presented at the museum: here, the fountains and local history take centre stage. For visitors who want to discover the town through its historic centre, this trail offers a focus of its own, alongside the museum, village and walking trails.
Explore the Basses Gorges du Verdon on Foot or by Water
The Basses Gorges du Verdon, accessible from Quinson’s water sports centre, are designated as a Natura 2000 site. From the centre, you can explore the gorges towards Esparron by canoe or kayak. Operators and seasonal availability may change, so check these details before planning your trip around them.
A walking trail also runs through the Basses Gorges. It was renovated in 2014 to ensure safe access and preserve nature. Access restrictions may vary by season, so it is advisable to check before setting out. The options differ mainly in how you explore the gorges: canoeing or kayaking takes you onto the water towards Esparron, while the trail explores the gorges on foot. When choosing between these activities, take account of availability and seasonal access conditions.
Discover more destinations: Valernes, La Brillanne, Mison, Aubenas-Les-Alpes, Castellane, Roumoules, Larche, La Javie
For the regional travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
