Gorges du Verdon : Lavender fields, Picnic boat ride & Villages

Key Points

• Includes a scenic boat ride in the largest canyon in Europe, with options for a picnic on the lake and wine tasting.
• Stops at lavender fields and picturesque villages such as Sainte-Croix and Moustiers Sainte-Marie, offering authentic Provençal scenery.
• Duration is approximately 7 hours, with most of the day spent exploring and enjoying outdoor activities.
• Price is around $223.55 per person, including transportation, a picnic, and some entry fees.
• Small group size with a maximum of 6 travelers, providing a personalized experience.
• Weather-dependent activity, with a full refund available if canceled due to bad weather.

Exploring Gorges du Verdon and Its Unique Highlights

This tour from Aix-en-Provence offers an engaging way to experience the famous Gorges du Verdon, known as Europe’s grand canyon. For $223.55 per person, the 7-hour journey includes a boat ride, visits to lavender fields, and charming Provençal villages. The tour is designed for those who appreciate outdoor adventures, stunning landscapes, and authentic local scenery, with most activities taking place in the beautiful natural surroundings of Provence.

The tour begins with a scenic drive through the countryside landscapes of both the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var region, offering an early glimpse of the scenic beauty that characterizes this part of France. Throughout the day, visitors enjoy small group travel, capped at 6 people, for a more intimate experience. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort between stops, and the pick-up and drop-off are conveniently arranged at the Aix-en-Provence Tourism Office.

The Gorges du Verdon Boat Ride: A Calm and Scenic Experience

The highlight of this tour is the boat ride in Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe. For around 3 hours, travelers take a private electric boat across the calm waters of Sainte Croix Lake, one of the most spectacular spots in the area. The boat ride offers the chance to unwind while admiring the towering canyon walls, with the option to jump into the water or simply relax onboard.

A picnic on the lake enhances the experience, featuring a Provencal picnic complemented by local wines. The admission to the boat is included in the tour, and while boat rental costs $38 per hour for up to 6 people, this is optional—most enjoy the included boat experience.

Lavender Fields and Off-the-Beaten-Path Photography

Following the boat adventure, the tour takes visitors to lavender fields, often located off the typical tourist routes. Travelers might find themselves strolling alone among the fragrant purple blooms, capturing photographs that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. The timing of this stop depends on the blooming season, but even after the peak blooming period, the lavender fields remain beautiful and aromatic.

This stop offers a unique opportunity to experience Provence’s iconic scenery in a quiet, less crowded setting, ideal for photo enthusiasts. The guide ensures you get a personalized experience at these less-frequented spots.

Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and the Lake View

The perched village of Sainte-Croix is a highlight, offering stunning views of the Sainte Croix Lake. Visitors have free time for a leisurely walk through the village’s charming streets or to relax by the lake. The incredible vistas from this vantage point are a perfect backdrop for photos and a moment of calm amid the day’s outdoor activities.

If bad weather disrupts the boat ride, the guide offers an alternative visit to the village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie, renowned for its artisans and historic charm. This flexibility ensures that despite weather conditions, the experience remains memorable.

Driving Through Provence’s Countryside

As the tour progresses, the vehicle passes through beautiful landscapes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var region, adding to the scenic journey. While these sections are primarily driving stops, they offer glimpses of traditional Provençal countryside, with rolling hills, fields of sunflowers, and rustic farms. These moments provide a relaxing pause between the main activities and deepen the sense of immersion in the region.

The Village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie: Authentic Provençal Charm

The tour concludes with free time in Moustiers Sainte-Marie, a village celebrated for its artisans, ceramics, and historic streets. Visitors can enjoy a walk through this inspiring place, taking in local craftsmanship and authentic Provençal architecture. The small, charming streets and artisanal shops make it an ideal spot to browse and soak up the local atmosphere.

This stop offers a perfect ending to the day, allowing for personal exploration or relaxing by the nearby lake if time permits. The duration here is approximately one hour, giving enough time for a brief but meaningful visit.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour begins at 9:00 am from the Tourist Information Center in Aix-en-Provence. The return is also back at this starting point, making logistics straightforward. The trip includes pick-up and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a Provencal picnic with local wines.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for weather changes or unforeseen circumstances. Since the activity is weather-dependent, a full refund or rescheduling options are available if conditions are not suitable.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour appeals most to those who want a balanced mix of outdoor activity, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration. The small group size enhances the experience, making it suitable for travelers seeking personalized attention and less crowded sites. It’s ideal for visitors ready to spend the day outdoors, enjoy lake swimming, and discover Provençal villages at a relaxed pace.

While the price includes most activities and transport, be aware that boat rental is an optional extra. The tour’s price point is justified by the quality of the scenery, local guide, and the inclusive picnic, making it good value for those eager to experience Gorges du Verdon and its surroundings.

Final Thoughts on the Gorges du Verdon Tour

This 7-hour excursion from Aix-en-Provence offers a comprehensive taste of Provence’s natural beauty, combining water-based adventures, scenic drives, and authentic villages. The highlight—the boat ride in Gorges du Verdon—delivers stunning views and a peaceful experience on the largest canyon in Europe.

Lavender fields and perched villages add a visual and cultural richness that makes the trip memorable. The small group size and flexible itinerary—especially the alternative visit to Moustiers Sainte-Marie—ensure a personalized experience.

This tour suits those looking for a relaxed yet active day, with beautiful scenery and good value for money. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, photo lovers, and anyone eager to explore the less crowded corners of Provence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off at the Aix-en-Provence Tourism Office are included, along with an air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, and a full refund is offered if canceled due to poor weather.

Is the boat ride suitable for children?
While the tour is generally accessible, the boat ride involves a calm water experience that most will find suitable for families with children, up to 6 people per boat.

What should I bring for the day?
It’s advisable to bring sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes for walking and swimming.

How long is each stop?
The boat ride lasts about 3 hours, lavender and village stops are around 1 hour each, with additional time for driving through the countryside.

What makes this tour different from others?
The combination of a private electric boat, visits to quiet lavender fields, and personalized small-group experience sets this tour apart, offering both scenic beauty and relaxed exploration.