Turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix with rocky cliffs and bridge at Gorges du Verdon, France
Medieval village nestled among limestone cliffs and forested hills in the Gorges du Verdon region, France
Charming village street in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie with limestone cliffs and shops along Gorges du Verdon tour route
Group white water rafting on turquoise waters of Gorges du Verdon canyon
Charming stone restaurants with colorful flower balconies nestled among lush green trees in Gorges du Verdon village
Kayakers paddling on turquoise river beside towering limestone rock with chapel at Castellane, Gorges du Verdon

Nice, France

Private Full-Day Tour of Gorges du Verdon and Sainte-Croix

10 hoursMin 1 guests
Duration10 hours
Group SizePrivate group
Starts AtHaute Provence, France
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, French, Portuguese
Private Full-Day Tour

Gorges du Verdon Private Tour

A full day through the Grand Canyon of France, lavender fields, and medieval villages of Haute Provence


This private, full-day experience takes you deep into the landscapes of Gorges du Verdon, one of the most dramatic canyon systems in Europe, carved by the turquoise Verdon river over millions of years.

Only your group participates, which means a pace and focus tailored entirely to your interests. The itinerary moves through natural wonders, historic villages, and one of the largest artificial lakes in Western Europe.

The region of Haute Provence combines geological spectacle with centuries of cultural heritage. From a fortified medieval town perched at the foot of a sheer cliff to a village renowned for its hand-painted ceramics, each stop adds a distinct layer to the day.

Between June and August, the lavender fields of the region reach their peak bloom, adding a vivid purple backdrop to the canyon scenery. The tour is rated easy, making it accessible for most travelers regardless of fitness level.

Tour Highlights

Explore the Gorges du Verdon, known as the Grand Canyon of France, with its towering limestone cliffs and emerald river below.

Visit the vast Lac de Sainte-Croix, a stunning turquoise reservoir formed where the Verdon river meets the surrounding hills.

Walk through Castellane, a 16th-century village standing at the gateway to the gorges, dominated by its iconic limestone Roc.

Discover Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the Capital of Faience, celebrated for its distinctive hand-painted pottery tradition.

Admire the lavender fields in full bloom from June through August, a defining image of the Provence landscape.

Travel as a private group with a dedicated guide, ensuring a personalized experience from departure to return.

Cover a scenic circuit through the heart of Haute Provence, with carefully selected stops in natural and historic settings.

Itinerary Overview

1
Departure and Drive into Haute Provence

Your private tour begins with a scenic drive into the Haute Provence region. The landscape transitions gradually from urban surroundings to open countryside and forested hills.

2
Castellane: Gateway Village

The first stop is Castellane, a historic village founded in the 16th century. It sits at the foot of the Roc, a dramatic vertical cliff that defines the town's skyline and marks the entrance to the gorges.

3
Gorges du Verdon: The Grand Canyon of France

You drive along the rim of the Gorges du Verdon, stopping at viewpoints that look down into the canyon carved by the Verdon river. The cliffs here reach heights of up to 700 meters.

4
Lac de Sainte-Croix

The tour continues to the Lac de Sainte-Croix, a large artificial lake with brilliant turquoise water. The lake sits at the western end of the gorges and offers a contrasting, open panorama.

5
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Village of Faience

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a village built into a cliff face above the plain, famous since the 17th century for its faience ceramics. You can explore its steep lanes and browse its pottery workshops and galleries.

6
Lavender Fields and Return

Depending on the season (June through August), the route passes through fields of flowering lavender before the return journey. The day ends after approximately 10 hours.

What Is Included

Included

  • Private transportation for your group
  • Professional guide for the full duration
  • Stops at Gorges du Verdon viewpoints
  • Visit to Lac de Sainte-Croix
  • Time in Castellane village
  • Time in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
  • Lavender field stops (June to August)

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal purchases and souvenirs
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities for the guide

Important Information

This is a private tour. No other travelers will join your group. Please read the following details before booking.
Duration
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours from departure to return.
Meeting Point
Meeting point details will be confirmed after booking. The tour departs from the Haute Provence area.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the season. Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera. A light jacket is recommended even in summer.
Cancellation
Please refer to the cancellation policy provided at the time of booking. Private tours may have specific conditions.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy overall, but some viewpoint areas involve short walks on uneven terrain. Contact the operator in advance if you have mobility requirements.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome. The private format allows the pace to be adjusted for families with young children or older participants.

Reserve Your Private Tour

Secure your private full-day tour of the Gorges du Verdon and experience the natural and cultural highlights of Haute Provence at your own pace.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children and families?
Yes. The tour is rated easy and is suitable for all ages. As a private experience, the pace can be adjusted to accommodate families with young children.
When is the best time to see the lavender fields during this tour?
Lavender in the Haute Provence region typically blooms between June and August. Booking during this period gives you the best chance of seeing fields in full color.
Will other travelers join our group on this tour?
No. This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate. You will have the guide and vehicle exclusively for your party.
Are meals included in the tour?
Meals and beverages are not included. The villages visited, including Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane, have cafes and restaurants where you can stop for lunch.
What is the difficulty level of this tour?
The tour is rated easy. Most of the day is spent in a vehicle traveling between viewpoints and villages, with only short walks required at each stop.
Can the itinerary be customized for our group?
As a private tour, there is more flexibility than a group experience. Contact the operator before or after booking to discuss any specific interests or adjustments.
Gorges du VerdonHaute ProvencePrivate TourGrand Canyon of FranceLac de Sainte-CroixCastellaneMoustiers-Sainte-MarieLavender FieldsFaience VillageCanyon TourFull Day TourProvence Nature
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: gorges-du-verdon-private-tour

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

10 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - Speaking Guide

French - Speaking Guide

Portuguese - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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