The Valensole France Encounter

On July 1, 1965, farmer Maurice Masse encountered a landed UFO and two small beings in his lavender field near Valensole, France. When he approached, he was paralyzed by a device. The encounter left physical traces that affected the soil for years and became one of France’s most famous UFO cases.

The Witness

Maurice Masse was:

• A lavender farmer
• 41 years old
• Former Resistance fighter
• Respected in community
• Reluctant witness

The Discovery

At approximately 5:45 AM:

• Masse was in his field
• Heard strange sound
• Saw object among lavender
• Approached to investigate
• Discovered beings

The Craft

He described:

• Egg-shaped object
• About 2.5 meters high
• Resting on legs
• Metallic appearance
• Making humming sound

The Beings

Two entities:

• About 4 feet tall
• Large heads
• Slanted eyes
• Wearing green coveralls
• Examining plants

The Paralysis

When Masse approached:

• One being pointed device
• He was immediately paralyzed
• Could not move
• Fully conscious
• Watched them leave

The Departure

The beings:

• Entered the craft
• Object rose silently
• Shot away at speed
• Masse freed from paralysis
• Stood in shock

Physical Evidence

The landing site showed:

• Circular depression
• Hardened soil
• Lavender wouldn’t grow there
• Effects lasted 10+ years
• Soil was altered

Investigation

French authorities:

• Police investigated
• GEPAN (later) examined
• Masse passed polygraphs
• Physical evidence documented
• Case considered credible

Masse’s Trauma

After the encounter:

• He slept excessively
• For weeks afterward
• Psychological impact
• Never sought publicity
• Reluctant to discuss

Long-Term Effects

The landing site:

• Remained barren
• For over a decade
• Soil analysis showed changes
• Visible evidence
• Scientific mystery

Significance

The Valensole case is significant for:

• Credible witness
• Physical trace evidence
• Long-lasting effects
• Official investigation
• Classic close encounter

Legacy

The Valensole encounter remains one of France’s most important UFO cases. Maurice Masse’s credibility, the physical evidence, and the lasting effects on the soil make it a cornerstone of European UFO research.