Summary
On the morning of 1 July 1965, lavender farmer Maurice Masse was working in a field near Valensole when he heard an unusual whistling sound. He reported discovering a strange grey object resting on the ground and two small humanoid figures nearby. As Masse approached, he claimed that one of the beings pointed a tube-like device toward him, leaving him temporarily unable to move. The figures then entered the object, which rose from the field and rapidly disappeared. The incident was subsequently investigated by the French Gendarmerie, who documented unusual traces at the reported landing site.
Additional Notes
Masse described the object as an unusual oval-shaped craft with a dome and a central support beneath it. He reported approaching to within several metres before becoming temporarily immobilized while remaining conscious. After the object departed, investigators examined the site and recorded a depression and other marks in the ground. Changes to the vegetation were also reported. The French Gendarmerie investigated the incident, and the case was later reviewed by GEIPAN, which continues to classify it as an unexplained Category D phenomenon. No photographs of the reported craft or beings are known to exist.
The Location Today
The reported encounter took place in a lavender field near L’Olivol, outside Valensole. The area remains associated with the account, but the present ownership and access rights of the exact parcel have not been confirmed.
- Environment
- Field / Farmland, Village / Rural Area
- Time of Day
- around 5:45 a.m.
- Evidence Level
- Official Record
- Visiting the Location
- Unknown
- Ownership of the Location
- Unknown