This lone tree with it's mistletoe stands beside a farm

track just outside the town of Valensole on the Plateau de Valensole in Provence. Valensole currently has an estimated population of just under 3,000 people, which has been steadily increasing since the 1960's. During the 18th century the population was significantly higher than that of today.
There are several possible explanations for the origins of the towns name, none of which can be proven and so this particular question remains a mystery. Valensole is built on a south-eastern facing slope and retains many features typical of the region. The streets are narrow with shutters and doors painted in typical Provence colours. File 0362.