Private Day Trip from Marseille to Valensole and Moustiers4.5(291 Reviews)9 hours
From€1,300.00per person
Listing ID : 67385
4.5(291 Reviews)
Private Day Trip from Marseille to Valensole and Moustiers
9hDuration
Max 12 peopleGroup Size
English, FrenchSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration9 Hours
Group SizePrivate
Starts AtMarseille
LanguagesEnglish, French
Marseille Shore Excursion
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
1
Departure from Marseille Port
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.
2
Manosque — L'Occitane Factory Visit
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.
3
Valensole Plateau — Lavender Fields
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.
4
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — Medieval Village
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.
5
Lake Sainte-Croix and Verdon Canyon Views
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
This is a private shore excursion designed to return you to the Marseille cruise terminal well before your ship's departure. Please provide your ship's all-aboard time when booking.
Duration
Approximately 9 hours, departing from and returning to Marseille cruise port.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket for higher elevations. A camera is strongly recommended.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy at the time of booking. Private tours are subject to specific terms.
Accessibility
The tour involves moderate walking on uneven cobblestone streets and unpaved field paths. It is rated moderate difficulty. Not recommended for guests with significant mobility limitations.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome. Adult supervision is required for young children near the lake and canyon overlooks.
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.
When is the best time to see the lavender in Valensole? ▼
The lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau are typically in full bloom between approximately June 10 and July 20. Exact dates vary each year depending on weather and growing conditions.
Is this tour available outside lavender season? ▼
Yes, the tour operates throughout the year. Outside of bloom season, the plateau is still scenic, and all other stops — Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the L'Occitane factory, and Lake Sainte-Croix — remain fully accessible.
What is included in the L'Occitane factory visit? ▼
The visit covers a guided tour of the historical production facility in Manosque, where you can learn about ingredient sourcing and the manufacturing process. It does not include mandatory purchases, though a shop is available on-site.
Will we have free time to explore on our own? ▼
Yes, free time is built into the stop in Valensole village, and guests have time to walk independently in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. As a private tour, the schedule has some flexibility.
Is the tour guaranteed to return before my ship departs? ▼
The itinerary is designed to return to the Marseille cruise terminal in time for standard departure windows. You should share your ship's all-aboard time with the operator at booking so the schedule can be planned accordingly.
What level of fitness is required for this tour? ▼
The tour is rated moderate. Guests should be comfortable walking on cobblestones and uneven terrain. There are no strenuous hikes, but sturdy footwear is recommended.
Marseille Shore ExcursionProvence Day TripLavender Fields ValensoleMoustiers-Sainte-MarieL'Occitane Factory TourLake Sainte-CroixVerdon GorgePrivate Tour MarseilleAlpes de Haute-ProvenceCruise Excursion FranceManosque VisitFrench Riviera Hinterland
This tour operates from Marseille, the principal cruise port of southern France, and travels north into the Alpes de Haute-Provence department. Key destinations include Manosque (population approx. 22,000), home to the L'Occitane en Provence headquarters; the Valensole Plateau, one of Europe's most productive lavender-growing regions at roughly 600 metres elevation; the classified village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie at the western gateway to the Verdon Gorge; and Lake Sainte-Croix, a reservoir of approximately 2,200 hectares fed by the Verdon River. The region sits between the Luberon to the west and the Pre-Alps to the east, offering a landscape distinct from the coastal French Riviera and increasingly popular among cruise passengers seeking inland Provencal experiences.
