Verdon Gorge and Moustiers Ste-Marie Tour From Aix-En-Provence

The Verdon Gorge and Moustiers Ste-Marie Tour offers a chance to take in Provence’s stunning natural wonders. Explore the dramatic limestone canyon, swim in the serene Lac de Sainte-Croix, and discover the charming village known for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Along the way, witness the vibrant lavender fields and visit a local producer, creating an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking to explore the region’s rich heritage, this tour promises to captivate and leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• A 9.5-hour tour from Aix-en-Provence that visits the Verdon Gorge, Lake of Ste-Croix, and Moustiers Ste-Marie, with a stop at a local producer in the Valensole plateau.
• Opportunity to hike along the Sentier Martel trail in the Verdon Gorge and swim in the serene Lac de Sainte-Croix.
• Explore the charming village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie, renowned for its faience pottery production and featuring the iconic star-shaped aqueduct.
• Wander through the vibrant purple lavender fields of the Plateau De Valensole and visit a local producer to learn about harvesting and distilling.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and a knowledgeable guide, promising an unforgettable experience.

Tour Overview

This 9.5-hour tour from Aix-en-Provence immerses visitors in the stunning natural landscapes of Verdon Gorge and the charming village of Moustiers Ste-Marie.

The tour kicks off with a visit to the breathtaking Verdon Gorge, where travelers can take in the dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.

Next, the group will head to the picturesque Lake of Ste-Croix, where there’s an opportunity to go for a swim.

The tour then moves on to the enchanting village of Moustiers Ste-Marie, known for its art and craftsmanship.

Along the way, the group will stop at a local producer in the Valensole plateau to learn about the region’s agricultural offerings.

With comfortable air-conditioned transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Gorges Du Verdon

Carved by the turquoise Verdon River over millions of years, the Gorges du Verdon are one of France’s most breathtaking natural wonders, plunging over 2,300 feet (700 meters) deep into the heart of the Provence region.

This dramatic limestone canyon offers visitors a chance to marvel at its towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and stunning vistas.

During the tour, you’ll:

• Traverse the famous Route des Crêtes, a scenic drive along the canyon’s rim with sweeping panoramic views.
• Hike along the Sentier Martel trail, getting up close to the gorge’s sheer walls and turquoise pools.
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the serene waters of the Lac de Sainte-Croix at the canyon’s entrance.

Lake of Ste-Croix

At the entrance to the dramatic Gorges du Verdon, the serene Lake of Ste-Croix offers visitors a chance to cool off with a refreshing swim in its clear, azure waters.

This scenic lake is a popular stop on the tour, providing a tranquil contrast to the rugged canyon. Travelers can take a dip, relax on the shores, or explore the surrounding countryside.

The lake’s calm, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, and its picturesque setting amidst rolling hills and olive groves creates a peaceful ambiance.

With its beautiful natural scenery and opportunity for recreation, Lake of Ste-Croix is a highlight of the Verdon Gorge and Moustiers Ste-Marie tour.

Moustiers Sainte-Marie

After taking in the serene beauty of Lake of Ste-Croix, the tour moves on to the charming village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie. This picturesque town, nestled at the base of steep limestone cliffs, is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of faience pottery production.

Visitors can stroll through its narrow streets, admiring the quaint stone houses and stopping to browse the many shops and workshops showcasing the area’s renowned ceramic wares.

The village’s highlights include:

• The iconic star-shaped aqueduct that spans the gorge above the town
• The 12th-century Collegiate Church with its ornate Provençal architecture
• The various pottery studios and boutiques, where skilled artisans demonstrate their craft

Plateau De Valensole

The tour then heads to the picturesque Plateau de Valensole, a vast lavender-covered landscape that captivates visitors with its stunning vistas.

The plateau is known for its extensive lavender fields, which bloom in vibrant shades of purple during the summer months. Travelers will have the opportunity to wander through the fragrant fields and visit a local producer to learn about the process of harvesting and distilling lavender.

This stop offers a chance to purchase authentic lavender products, from essential oils to soaps and sachets. The combination of the serene countryside and the unique local culture makes the Plateau de Valensole a highlight of the Verdon Gorge and Moustiers Ste-Marie tour.

Local Producer Visit

Visiting a local producer in Valensole allows travelers to gain firsthand insight into the process of harvesting and distilling lavender, a signature crop of the region.

The producer shares their expertise, demonstrating the meticulous techniques used to cultivate and refine this fragrant plant into a variety of high-quality products, from essential oils to soaps and sachets.

Visitors can:

• Witness the hand-harvesting of lavender blooms during the peak season
• Observe the steam distillation process that extracts the pure essence of the plant
• Sample a range of artisanal lavender products, each showcasing the producer’s dedication to quality and sustainability.

Tour Schedule

The tour begins at 9:00 am from Aix-en-Provence and ends around 6:30 pm in the same city.

It’s a 9.5-hour tour that takes visitors to the Verdon Gorge, Lake of Ste-Croix, and the charming village of Moustiers Ste-Marie.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers and includes a professional driver/guide, air-conditioned minivan, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Travelers should bring swimwear and a towel if they plan to swim in the lake.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children under 4 aren’t allowed.

Guests can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Important Information

Tourists should bring swimwear and a towel if they plan to swim in Lake Sainte-Croix during the tour. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children under 4 years old aren’t allowed.

Guests can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Some key features of the tour include:

• Visiting the stunning Gorges du Verdon and Lake Sainte-Croix
• Stopping at a local producer in the Valensole plateau
• Enjoying the picturesque town of Moustiers Sainte-Marie

This comprehensive tour offers a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty and charming towns of the Provence region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour company has a strict no-pet policy for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Bringing a pet would not be permitted.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer discounts for seniors or students. The price is the same for all travelers regardless of age or student status. Participants must be at least 4 years old to join the tour.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Stops?

The tour operator likely offers some flexibility to customize the itinerary with additional stops, though this may incur an extra fee. It’s best to inquire directly with them about any customization options and associated costs.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Food and Drinks for the Day?

Food and drinks aren’t provided, so you’ll need to bring your own. A packed lunch, snacks, and water are recommended to keep you energized throughout the day’s activities. The tour doesn’t include any meal stops.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The tour has a fixed 9.5-hour itinerary from 9am to 6:30pm. Extending the tour would require booking an additional or private tour, which isn’t included in the standard package.

Recap

This tour offers an incredible opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Provence.

From the dramatic limestone canyon of the Verdon Gorge to the charming village of Moustiers Ste-Marie, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

The chance to visit a local producer and witness the vibrant lavender fields makes this an unforgettable experience.

With its convenient departure from Aix-en-Provence, this tour is a great way to discover the best of Provence.