Private Tour to Gorges du Verdon and its Lavender Fields

Experience the Best of Provence: Gorges du Verdon and Lavender Fields Tour

Imagine a day exploring some of France’s most breathtaking scenery — towering cliffs of the Gorges du Verdon, charming Provençal villages, and endless lavender fields in full bloom. For around $1,008 per group, this private tour offers a personalized way to see the highlights of this region with a dedicated guide. With around 11 hours of total time and the flexibility to customize stops, it’s perfect for those who love stunning landscapes, authentic villages, and a touch of adventure.

What we really like about this experience are two key aspects: first, the knowledgeable guides who bring each stop alive with commentary, and second, the unmatched scenery — from soaring cliffs and panoramic vistas to fragrant fields of lavender. The tour’s carefully curated stops ensure you get a true taste of Provence’s diverse charms.

A potential consideration is the mountain roads — they’re narrow, winding, and can be a bit choppy, which might cause discomfort if you’re prone to motion sickness. Also, it’s a long day, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with full-day outings and a fair amount of driving.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy beautiful landscapes, small villages, and personalized experiences. It’s especially ideal if you want the flexibility to spend more time at a favorite spot or indulge in an upscale lunch. Families with older children, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see the true heart of Provence will find this tour well worth the price.

Key Points

• Personalized private experience with a dedicated guide and vehicle.
• Flexible stops and timing to suit your interests — from lavender fields to village visits.
• Spectacular scenery with panoramic views over cliffs and lakes.
• Authentic local villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane.
• Comprehensive itinerary covering 8 different stops, including a boat ride.
• Long but rewarding day with 11 hours of exploring, ideal for those who love full itineraries.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Cascade du Saut du Loup

At 8:30 am, you’ll meet your guide — likely a personable local who knows the area inside out. The first stop is the Cascade du Saut du Loup, where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a short walk to marvel at the waterfalls. The ruins of Créolières from the 5th century add a touch of history, and the visit includes a small admission fee. It’s a peaceful start, setting the tone for a day of natural beauty and history.

Castellane: A Charmingly Rustic Village

Next, a cozy coffee break in Castellane allows you to soak in Provençal charm. This village is famed for its market days, and the small town vibe is perfect for a quick stroll. The stop is only 35 minutes, so it’s enough time to browse local crafts or just enjoy the atmosphere.

Gorges du Verdon: The Main Event

The highlight for many is the Gorges du Verdon, often called France’s Grand Canyon. Here, you’ll enjoy a short trek to the edge of the gorge, where the scale and beauty are staggering. You’ll see cliffs over 800 meters high, with vultures soaring overhead and climbers tackling the rock faces. The drive along the ridge road offers three panoramic viewpoints to take in the vastness of the gorge and the shimmering Verdon river below. Expect about 1.5 hours, with ample time to absorb the views and take photos. One reviewer noted that the scenery is so impressive that it prompted a lot of “Wow” moments.

La Palud and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Villages in Bloom

Midday, you’ll stop in La Palud for a leisurely lunch, with options to explore or relax. Then, the tour continues toward Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a village renowned for its earthenware craftsmanship and windmill waterfalls. The visit includes a walk to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel, perched above the village, offering “breathtaking panoramas” and a chance for the more adventurous to climb 280 steps — a tradition for making wishes since the 11th century.

Lake of Sainte-Croix: Water Fun and Scenic Relaxation

Next, you’ll arrive at Lac de Sainte-Croix, where you can rent a pedal boat or canoe — perfect for the active traveler or those wanting to cool off. The 45-minute stop allows for a quick dip, photo ops, or simply relaxing by the water.

Plateau de Valensole and Lavender Fields

From June to July, the lavender fields bloom in the Plateau de Valensole, giving travelers that quintessential Provencal scent and color. The 30-minute stop is a photographer’s dream, with endless rows of purple stretching toward the horizon. However, some reviews note the lavender might be a week early or late — “about a week too early” was a common comment — so timing can be a bit unpredictable.

Optional Extras: Canoeing and More

Along With sightseeing, the tour offers optional activities like canoeing and pedal boating, which can add to the fun but are not included in the base price. This flexibility means you can tailor the day to your energy levels and interests.

Transportation and Logistics

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation in an air-conditioned private vehicle — a significant plus for comfort after a long day’s drive. The total driving distance is about 300 km, mostly on mountain roads that wind through the hills. The roads are narrow and scenic, but some travelers, especially those prone to motion sickness, have found the ride challenging. One review mentions a driver who is not suited for motion sickness — so if that’s a concern, mention it in advance or bring medication.

The day is structured to maximize your time at each stop, with most visitors feeling they had ample time. Still, some reviews mention feeling rushed at certain stops, especially the lakes, where a bit more time could have been appreciated.

Cost and Value

At just over $1,000 per group, this private tour offers excellent value for those who want a personalized, flexible experience. It’s especially worthwhile if you appreciate the convenience of door-to-door pickup and the ability to customize your day, rather than joining a large, rigid group.

Authentic Reviews and Real Experiences

Many travelers rave about their guides, citing Alex and Ben as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. One reviewer notes, “Alex provided great commentary throughout and was really fun to talk to,” which adds a lot to the sightseeing experience. Others mention how the guides looked after their comfort, offering snacks, water, and even medication for car sickness.

The scenery clearly makes a strong impression. One traveler wrote, “Verdon Gorge is a must-see,” and multiple reviews highlight the stunning vistas and panoramic viewpoints that make this tour memorable. The villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie also get high praise for their authentic charm and craftsmanship.

A few reviewers shared constructive feedback — such as the mountain roads causing discomfort, or the lavender being a bit early — but overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who wants a comprehensive, personalized day exploring Provence’s most iconic sights, this tour is a fantastic option. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a long day of driving and appreciate stunning landscapes and small village charm. The flexibility to spend more time at your favorite stops or indulge in optional activities like boating makes it especially appealing.

This tour offers a great balance between scenic highlights and authentic local culture, all within a manageable price for a private experience. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a small group, you’ll find that the guides’ attentiveness and the scenery’s grandeur make this an unforgettable day.

FAQs

What is included in the price?
The cost covers private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, the guide’s services, and your pickup from your accommodation. Entrance fees to certain sites like the ruins at Saut du Loup are included, but activities like canoeing or pedalo rentals are optional extras.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, starting around 9:00 am and ending late in the evening, with 8 stops along the way.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the guide encourages you to ask at the start if you want to spend more time at a particular place or prefer a more upscale lunch option, making the experience adaptable.

Is the drive difficult for those prone to car sickness?
Mountain roads are narrow and winding, which can cause discomfort. Some guides are better suited for sensitive travelers, so if this is a concern, mention it when booking or bring medication.

What is the best time to see the lavender fields?
The lavender typically blooms from late June to mid-July, but as some reviews note, the timing can vary by about a week. The fields may still have buds outside peak bloom.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most reviews note that the guide is attentive and accommodating, the long drive and mountain roads might be tiring for very young children. Older kids who enjoy scenic drives and outdoor walks should be fine.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Most stops range from 30 to 90 minutes, allowing you plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, which is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts

This private tour to the Gorges du Verdon and lavender fields from Nice offers a well-rounded experience of Provençal beauty, with enough flexibility and expert guidance to make it worthwhile. It’s especially perfect for those who value intimate, customizable adventures over large-group excursions. With spectacular vistas, charming villages, and the fragrant scent of lavender, it’s a full day that captures the essence of southern France in a way that’s both comfortable and memorable.

Whether you’re a photography buff eager to snap unforgettable shots, a culture lover seeking authentic villages, or simply someone who appreciates a good scenic drive, this tour has something for you. Just remember to be prepared for mountain roads and to check the lavender bloom timing so you don’t miss the peak colors — but overall, it promises a day full of natural wonders and authentic Provençal charm.