The Valensole Encounter

On the morning of July 1, 1965, Maurice Masse, a lavender farmer in Valensole, Provence, encountered a landed UFO and two beings near his field. The encounter left him temporarily paralyzed and caused long-term physical effects. The case was thoroughly investigated by French authorities and remains one of the most detailed close encounter reports in European UFO history.

The Witness

Maurice Masse was a 41-year-old farmer, respected in his community, with no history of mental illness or attention-seeking behavior. He was a former member of the French Resistance during World War II. His credibility was considered unimpeachable by investigators.

The Encounter

At approximately 5:45 AM, while working in his lavender field, Masse heard a whistling sound. Investigating, he found an egg-shaped object about the size of a small car resting on four legs among his lavender plants.

Near the object stood two beings approximately four feet tall, with large bald heads, high cheekbones, and hole-like mouths. They wore gray-green one-piece garments. The beings appeared to be examining his lavender.

When Masse approached, one of the beings pointed a tube-like device at him. He was immediately paralyzed, unable to move though fully conscious.

The Departure

The beings entered the craft through a sliding door. The object rose, tilted, and flew away at tremendous speed, disappearing in seconds. Masse remained paralyzed for approximately 15 minutes before gradually regaining mobility.

He did not immediately report the incident, confiding only in his wife and father. It was only when they noticed a circular mark where the object had landed—and the lavender plants’ refusal to grow there for years afterward—that the story became public.

Investigation

The case was investigated by French military intelligence and civilian researchers. The landing site showed unusual characteristics: calcium carbonate had absorbed into the soil where the legs had rested, and lavender would not grow in the circular area for approximately a decade.

Masse was deeply affected by the experience. He suffered from extended sleep requirements for months afterward, sometimes sleeping up to 16 hours a day. He became withdrawn and reluctant to discuss the encounter.

Assessment

The Valensole case is considered one of the most credible close encounter reports. Masse had nothing to gain and much to lose by telling his story. The physical evidence—the landing trace and crop effects—provided corroboration. His subsequent physical symptoms suggested genuine trauma rather than fabrication.

Maurice Masse went to his grave maintaining his account. Something landed in his lavender field that morning, something not of this world.