Private Day Trip to Manosque, Valensole, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Lake Sainte-Croix
A private journey through lavender fields, medieval villages, and turquoise canyon lakes in the heart of Provence.
This Provence shore excursion from Marseille takes you deep into the Alpes de Haute-Provence, where landscapes shift from sun-baked lavender plains to dramatic limestone gorges carved by the Verdon River.
You will visit three of the region's most iconic destinations in a single day: the fairy-tale village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the perfume and cosmetics capital of Manosque, and the plateau of Valensole — one of the world's most celebrated lavender-growing areas.
The excursion concludes at Lake Sainte-Croix, a vast turquoise reservoir perched at the entrance to the Verdon Gorge. Because this is a fully private tour, the pace and focus can be adjusted to match your interests throughout the day.
Tour Highlights
Walk through the sweeping lavender fields of Valensole Plateau during peak bloom season, from mid-June to mid-July.
Tour the L'Occitane en Provence production facility in Manosque and discover how the brand crafts its natural beauty products.
Admire the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Sainte-Croix with views over the entrance to the Verdon Canyon.
Explore the medieval hilltop village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, renowned for its hand-painted faience ceramics and dramatic cliff-side setting.
Travel in a private vehicle with a dedicated guide, giving you flexibility and personal attention throughout the nine-hour itinerary.
Photograph some of France's most photogenic natural scenery, including canyon overlooks and lavender rows stretching to the horizon.
Itinerary
Your private guide collects you directly from the cruise terminal in Marseille. The drive north into the Alpes de Haute-Provence takes roughly 90 minutes through increasingly scenic countryside.
Arrive in Manosque, the birthplace of L'Occitane en Provence. A guided tour of the historic factory introduces you to the sourcing of Provencal ingredients and the various stages of production.
Drive onto the Valensole Plateau, where rows of lavender extend across the landscape. Between approximately June 10 and July 20, the fields are in full bloom and the air is heavy with fragrance. Free time is available to walk among the rows and take photographs.
Discover the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, suspended between two limestone cliffs above a rushing stream. The village is known for its centuries-old faience pottery tradition, its Romanesque church, and the star suspended on a chain between the cliffs above.
The day concludes at Lake Sainte-Croix, where the Verdon River feeds a broad reservoir of striking blue-green water. From the shoreline, you can see the dramatic opening of the Grand Canyon du Verdon before returning to Marseille.
What Is Included
Included
- Private transportation from Marseille port for the full day
- Professional licensed guide throughout the tour
- L'Occitane factory guided visit in Manosque
- All fuel and parking fees
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Any optional entrance fees to paid sites
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Provence Day Tour
Secure your spot on this private excursion from Marseille and spend a full day discovering Provence's lavender plateaus, historic villages, and canyon lakes at your own pace.
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