Private Day Trip: Verdon Gorge, Castellane, Moustiers from Cannes

Explore Provence’s Natural Wonders on a Private Day Trip from Cannes

This private day trip from Cannes offers a personalized journey through some of Provence’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the Verdon Gorge, the charming town of Castellane, and the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Priced at $701.25 per person, this 9-hour experience is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sights without the crowds and with tailored attention from a professional guide. The tour departs at 8:00 am, with pickup included, ensuring a smooth start from your Cannes accommodation.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its customizable itinerary and the inclusion of transport in a luxury Mercedes minivan. The small group setting—only your private party—means you get the flexibility to explore at your own pace. While the drive involves some winding roads and longer travel time from Cannes, the scenery and stops make for a memorable day immersed in the stunning Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region.

Key Points

• Private tour with a maximum of your group for personalized attention
• Price of $701.25 per person for a full 9-hour experience
• Visits include Castellane, Point Sublime, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Lac de Sainte-Croix
• Luxury Mercedes minivan with air conditioning and onboard commentary
• Stops at scenic viewpoints with free admission
• Fully customizable itinerary to match your interests

The Private Tour Starts in Cannes with a Flexible Schedule

This private day trip begins with a pickup from your Cannes location at 8:00 am. The tour guarantees a comfortable journey in an 8-seater luxury Mercedes minivan, equipped with air conditioning and onboard commentary in both English and French. The small group size, only your party, allows for a more intimate experience and flexibility to tailor the stops to your preferences.

The tour’s flexibility is one of its main strengths. You can prioritize specific sites or linger longer at favorites, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a personalized adventure. The tour provider, Tour Azur, emphasizes safety and quality with regular safety checks before departures.

Discover Castellane, the Gateway to Verdon Gorge

The first stop is Castellane, a village renowned for its dramatic location atop a rocky escarpment. Here, the spectacular chapel appears to float above the town, offering a unique photo opportunity. With around 30 minutes allocated, visitors can explore the medieval streets and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Castellane’s charm lies in its combination of history and natural beauty. The spectacular chapel is a highlight, and its commanding position makes it a perfect spot for photos. Since no admission fees are required, you can enjoy the town’s scenery and architecture at your own pace.

View the Entrance of the Verdon Gorge at Point Sublime

Next, the tour moves to Point Sublime, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the Verdon Gorge’s entrance. This photo stop lasts about 20 minutes and offers a chance to photograph the verdant, winding river far below the majestic canyon walls.

This viewpoint is famous for its breathtaking vistas and is an ideal spot to take in the scale and beauty of Europe’s most impressive river canyon. The free admission makes it easy to linger and capture memories of this natural marvel.

Wander the Medieval Streets of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

The highlight for many visitors is the 1 hour and 30 minutes spent in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a village well known for its earthenware pottery. The village’s medieval streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll, with quaint shops selling handmade pottery and local crafts.

The village is famed for a star hung high above on a chain, which the 12th-century knights and locals have linked to vows made to God. The charming atmosphere and artisan shops make this stop a perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic relaxation.

Enjoy the Scenic Beauty at Lac de Sainte-Croix

The tour includes a 10-minute photo stop at Lac de Sainte-Croix, a serene lake with emerald-green waters surrounded by mountains. This spot offers an excellent opportunity to capture the glistening lake with the Verdon Gorge in the background.

While brief, this stop provides a peaceful moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and snap photos of the crystal-clear waters and lush landscape.

Practical Details and Transport Quality

The tour’s luxury Mercedes minivan ensures a comfortable journey through often winding and narrow roads. The vehicle features air conditioning and is prepared with safety checks to guarantee a secure experience. The onboard guide provides commentary in both English and French, with other languages available on request.

The pickup service from your Cannes accommodation makes logistics straightforward. With a moderate physical fitness requirement, the stops are mostly scenic viewpoints and towns, suitable for most travelers who can handle some walking.

Customization and Flexibility of the Tour Itinerary

One of the best aspects of this private tour is its customizability. While the listed stops provide a solid outline, the guide can adapt the day based on your interests. Whether you want to spend more time exploring Moustiers pottery shops or prefer additional scenic viewpoints, the guide can accommodate.

This flexibility makes the experience ideal for those who want to tailor their day and avoid rigid schedules. Since the stops are relatively short—generally 10 to 30 minutes—you can enjoy a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.

The Experience Provider and Booking Details

Tour Azur manages this tour, ensuring professional guidance and safety. Booking is available well in advance, with an average reservation period of 158 days, indicating strong interest and popularity. The full refund policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering peace of mind.

The tour is guaranteed in both English and French, with other languages available on request. Tour duration is approximately 9 hours, wrapping up back in Cannes around late afternoon, making it a convenient day trip option.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private day trip is ideal for small groups or individuals seeking a personalized experience of Provence’s natural and cultural sights. It suits travelers who appreciate scenic viewpoints, medieval villages, and scenic drives. The moderate physical activity involved makes it accessible for most, but those sensitive to winding roads should be prepared.

The luxury transport and expert guide ensure a comfortable and informative day, perfect for those who want a relaxed yet enriching exploration of the Verdon region.

Verdon Gorge in Detail: Europe’s River Canyon Jewel

The Verdon Gorge is the tour’s centerpiece, renowned as Europe’s most impressive river canyon. The Point Sublime viewpoint offers an unforgettable panoramic vista of the canyon, with the Verdon river meandering through the steep walls. The gorge’s crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs draw visitors from around the world.

While the tour does not include a direct canyon hike or boat ride, the photo stops and viewpoints provide ample opportunity to appreciate its grandeur. The drive into the canyon is a highlight, with scenic views along the winding roads.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Pottery and Medieval Charm

The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a highlight for its medieval streets and reputation for pottery craftsmanship. Visitors find the shops filled with handmade ceramics, and the star hung over the village adds to its fairy-tale atmosphere. The 1 hour and 30 minutes allow plenty of time to explore, shop, and soak in the scenic surroundings.

The village’s history and artisan tradition make it a memorable stop, especially for those interested in local crafts and medieval architecture.

Lake of Sainte-Croix: Serenity in the Mountains

The Lac de Sainte-Croix provides a beautiful scenic backdrop at the end of the day. The photo stop here allows visitors to capture the emerald waters framed by mountains and forests. While brief, it’s a peaceful spot to reflect on the day’s sights and enjoy the breathtaking landscape.

This stop complements the earlier viewpoints and offers a relaxing conclusion to the trip before heading back to Cannes.

Final Thoughts on the Private Verdon Gorge Day Trip

This private tour from Cannes offers a comprehensive and customizable way to experience some of Provence’s stunning scenery. The combination of scenic viewpoints, medieval villages, and natural wonders makes for a well-rounded day. The luxury transport and professional guide ensure comfort and informative commentary throughout.

While the drive involves some winding roads, the short stops and flexible itinerary make it suitable for most travelers seeking a scenic, relaxed adventure. The high rating and positive review underscore its popularity, especially among cruise ship visitors and those craving a personalized Provence experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
The stops are mostly scenic viewpoints and towns, with limited walking required, making it suitable for most travelers with moderate physical fitness. However, some uneven surfaces and short walks may be involved.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is designed to be customizable. The guide can adapt stops and timing based on your interests, providing a personalized experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transport in a luxury Mercedes minivan, a professional driver/guide with onboard commentary, and guarantees in English and French. Food, drinks, and entrance fees are not included.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is recommended well in advance, with the tour often booked around 158 days ahead due to its popularity and limited availability.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing full refunds if plans change.

This private day trip is an excellent choice for those seeking a personalized, scenic exploration of Provence’s most impressive landscapes from Cannes.