We travel to Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix, where the water shifts from turquoise to deep green and the canyon walls reveal a scale photos cannot capture. Along the way there are viewpoints, small towns and places where you naturally want to stop and take it all in.
The destination is Verdon Gorge — one of the most impressive natural sites in southern France and the second-largest river canyon in Europe. It is an area of massive rock walls, natural viewpoints and lake Sainte-Croix, where the water changes colour from turquoise to deep green depending on the light and weather.
On the way, we pass through Grasse, drive mountain serpentines and stop at several points where the canyon best reveals its scale.
In summer, the route may also include the lavender fields on the Plateau de Valensole — the largest lavender-growing area in the world. From mid-June to early July, entire hills turn purple, and the scent is noticeable long before arrival.
This tour combines landscapes, water, relaxed driving, small towns and time for breaks where it makes sense. It is not just a transfer — it is a day to slow down, enter the rhythm of Provence and see its different faces.
The best period is April to early October.
This is when the canyon has the best light, the lake reaches a suitable temperature and water equipment is available.
High season: June – August
Between 20 June and 10 July, the tour may include a visit to the lavender fields on the Plateau de Valensole (about 30 minutes from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie).
Winter season (November – March):
- no kayak or pedal boat rentals,
- water too cold for swimming,
- some attractions closed,
- the canyon is less evenly lit due to the low winter sun.
The daily schedule may differ in winter.
This is a full-day tour. Pickup is from Nice or from locations along the route.
Travel is by Mercedes V-Class (2021) — a 7-seater van with space and comfort suitable for mountain roads.
Recommended to bring:
- comfortable clothing suited to the weather,
- swimwear (in season),
- head covering,
- comfortable shoes and optionally flip-flops,
- a small backpack or bag.
With groups of 5–6 people, only small luggage fits in the rear compartment.
For people sensitive to motion sickness – The roads are scenic but winding. If needed:
- take motion sickness medication in advance,
– avoid heavy meals before departure,
– sit in the front or second row.
Minimum participant age: 4 years.
The tour runs approximately from 06:00 to 21:00.
Total distance is about 350 km.
Times may vary slightly depending on season and conditions.
The plan can be adjusted — if the group prefers more time by the water at the expense of another stop, the route is adapted. In most versions, the day ends with a calm walk in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Price per person from €100 *
* Exclusivity / smaller group (less than 6): €600 divided by the number of participants.
- Meals are at participants’ own expense.
- Unlimited water and small snacks are provided.
Water equipment (seasonal):
- pedal boat: €20 / hour (up to 5 people)
- kayak: €15 / hour (up to 3 people)
Map
06:00-21:00
21:00+ – Return to Nice and end of the tour.
Grasse
Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey
Lac de Sainte-Croix
Aiguines
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir
Castellane
St-Paul-de-Vence
Plateau de Valensole
Schedule
06:00 – 06:30 – Pickup from accommodation.
06:30 – 07:30 – Departure from Nice towards Grasse. Coffee stop, breakfast and bakery shopping in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.
07:45 – 10:30 – Drive above lake Sainte-Croix and entry into Verdon Gorge. Viewpoints along the way and a short stop in Aiguines.
10:30 – 13:00 – Time at the lake — possibility to rent pedal boats or kayaks, swim and rest.
13:00 – 13:15* – During lavender season (approx. 20 June – 10 July), an optional stop at the Plateau de Valensole — the largest lavender fields in Europe.
13:15 – 13:30 – Short photo stop at Pont du Galetas.
13:30 – 16:00 – Time in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — lunch, walk, optional climb to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel (several hundred steps), tasting local products and souvenir shopping.
16:15 – 19:00 – Drive towards Saint-Paul-de-Vence, along the northern side of the canyon, with several scenic viewpoints, a break in Castellane and a short “surprise stop” connected with local nature.
19:15 – 20:30 – Walk through Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
20:30 – 21:00 – Return to Nice and end of the tour.
This schedule applies roughly from April to October.
In winter, the plan may change.
Flow of the day
We leave early to avoid traffic and reach the canyon around 10:00. After the first hour of driving, I usually stop at a bakery for coffee and something to take away. The road then leads through mountain sections with views over the French Riviera from around 1000 metres above sea level.
The canyon looks best from the southern side, which is why I make several short photo stops there. At the lake, it is possible to use water equipment and enter the canyon itself — this is the most “water-focused” part of the day, lasting about 2 to 2.5 hours.
In the afternoon, we visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most characteristic towns in this part of Provence. It is a good place for lunch, a walk and, if desired, a visit to the chapel. Local ice cream or honey-based beer is worth trying there.
The return route follows the northern side of Verdon Gorge, where the highest viewpoints are located — over 1000 metres above sea level. Along the way, I make a few short stops before heading towards Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where the day usually ends with a calm walk through medieval streets.
During the drive, we pass many places characteristic of the region, including Grasse, Aiguines, lake Sainte-Croix, Verdon Gorge, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Route des Crêtes, Mont d’Azur nature reserve, Gréolières, Cascade du Saut du Loup and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
See Verdon through the eyes of Riviera Go!
Before heading out to the Verdon Gorge, you can get a real feel for the journey through two short films by Riviera Go!, filmed during this very tour, with me and the group on the road together. The videos show the drive from Nice, the scale of the canyon, Lake Sainte-Croix, lavender landscapes and nearby Provençal villages, capturing the atmosphere of the day and what makes Verdon one of the most impressive natural destinations in southern France.
