Lavender Fields and Gorges du Verdon: A Full-Day Journey Through Provence
Purple horizons, turquoise canyons, and a fairytale village in one unforgettable day.
This Provence lavender day trip combines the iconic Plateau de Valensole, the storied village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and the dramatic turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix into a single carefully paced itinerary. The route is designed to be accessible, visually spectacular, and genuinely informative for travelers of all backgrounds. Best experienced between mid-June and mid-July, when the lavender bloom reaches its peak.
Lavender has shaped Provencal culture for centuries, used historically for its calming and medicinal properties long before it became a photographic subject. Walking through the fields of Valensole offers a sensory experience that photographs can only partially convey, with the combined effect of color, fragrance, and sound creating something that stays with visitors well beyond the day itself.
The itinerary moves naturally from the agricultural landscape of the plateau to the architectural charm of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a village built against a dramatic limestone cliff face. The golden star suspended between the clifftops on a long chain is one of the more curious local legends, and the village is equally known for its centuries-old tradition of faience ceramic production.
The day closes at Lac de Sainte-Croix, an artificial reservoir at the mouth of the Gorges du Verdon whose water takes on a vivid turquoise color due to its mineral composition and depth. It is one of the most photographed lakeside scenes in southern France, and the surrounding woodland provides welcome shade during the warmer months of the season.
Tour Highlights
Walk through the lavender fields of Plateau de Valensole at peak bloom, one of the most visually distinctive landscapes in all of France.
Capture sweeping rows of purple lavender against open Provencal skies, ideal for photographers at any skill level.
Explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a cliffside village with a storied ceramic tradition and a legendary golden star hanging above the valley.
Visit Lac de Sainte-Croix and take in the remarkable turquoise waters at the gateway to the Gorges du Verdon.
Learn about the traditional and modern uses of lavender oil, including its long history in local medicine and perfumery.
Travel comfortably through the Provence countryside with a choice of standard van or premium Mercedes V-Class vehicle.
Optional expert guide available to share in-depth knowledge about lavender cultivation, local history, and canyon geology.
Day Itinerary
The day begins at the Plateau de Valensole, one of the largest lavender-growing areas in France and a globally recognized landscape. Visitors can walk between the rows, learn about the cultivation cycle, and photograph the fields in the morning light before the midday heat sets in.
The group travels to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a village built dramatically against a steep limestone escarpment. Points of interest include the historic aqueduct, the blue camaieu ceramic galleries, and the legendary star suspended on a chain between the two cliffs above the village.
The afternoon is spent at Lac de Sainte-Croix, an expansive lake whose clear turquoise waters are fed by the Verdon River. The lake sits at the base of the canyon and is surrounded by forest, offering a peaceful setting with views of the gorge entrance.
The route includes views of the Gorges du Verdon, often referred to as Europe's answer to the Grand Canyon. The canyon drops steeply from the surrounding plateau, and the combination of rock and water produces one of the most dramatic natural panoramas in southern France.
What Is Included
Included
- Transport by standard van or Mercedes V-Class (your choice)
- Visit to Plateau de Valensole lavender fields
- Stop at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie village
- Visit to Lac de Sainte-Croix
- Optional expert guide with in-depth commentary
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide or driver
- Any entrance fees to optional attractions
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Seasonal Tour
Spaces are limited during peak lavender season, and this route fills quickly between mid-June and mid-July. Secure your spot in advance to avoid missing the bloom.
Book Now
