Wine-Tour day: in the Gorges du Verdon

Discover the Gorges du Verdon in a Whole New Way

Imagine cruising through the South of France on a vintage sidecar, winding along scenic roads that reveal some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. This full-day tour from Aix-en-Provence, offered by LA BELLE ECHAPPEE, combines adventure, stunning views, and local flavors for an experience you won’t forget. For $416 per person, you’ll visit iconic spots like the Sainte-Victoire Mountain, Lake Esparron, and the Verdon Gorge, with plenty of opportunities to relax, taste, and take photos.

What we really love about this experience is how it turns a typical wine or sightseeing tour into something truly atypical and memorable. First, the sidecar ride adds a sense of fun and intimacy that you just don’t get in a bus or car. Second, the combination of landscapes, from Cézanne’s mountain to turquoise lakes and the dramatic gorge, means you’ll get a wide variety of photo-worthy moments.

One consideration to keep in mind is that mountain roads can be winding, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth taking that into account. Also, the experience is accessible to people with reduced mobility, which broadens its appeal. This tour suits travelers who appreciate scenic drives, authentic local experiences, and don’t mind a bit of adventure on two wheels—that’s what makes it special.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Who is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy outdoor adventures with a touch of luxury, you’ll find this tour compelling. It’s perfect for those who want to see the beautiful landscapes of Provence in a fun, unconventional way. It’s especially suited for adventurous couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for an intimate experience with stunning scenery. Families with older children or teenagers might also enjoy it, especially if they’re comfortable with winding roads and outdoor activities.

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Key Points

Unique transportation: Riding in a vintage sidecar offers an experience that’s as fun as it is scenic.
Breathtaking landscapes: From Sainte-Victoire Mountain to the Verdon Gorge, expect some of Europe’s most dramatic views.
Flexible itinerary: Stops for picnic, swimming, and sightseeing make for a relaxed day.
Wine tasting: Conclude with a visit to a local winery to learn about Provençal wines.
Accessibility: The tour is designed to be reachable for people with reduced mobility.
All-in-one experience: Combines scenic drives, outdoor meals, and cultural discovery in one day.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Pickup

Your adventure begins in Aix-en-Provence, with multiple pickup locations to choose from—ranging from the Paul Cézanne Statue to luxury hotels like La Villa Gallici. This flexibility makes it easier to fit into your travel plans. The pickup time is not specified here, but the tour is organized as a private group, ensuring a more personalized experience.

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The Scenic Ride through Sainte-Victoire Mountain

Once aboard your sidecar, the journey kicks off with a scenic drive through Sainte-Victoire Mountain. This area is famous for Cézanne’s paintings and stunning panoramas of the surrounding countryside. The photo stop here allows you to capture the landscape that inspired countless artists.

The fact that the roads are winding adds a sense of adventure—think open-air, fresh air, and spectacular views around every bend. The review from Sophia from France highlights that the routes offer incredible scenery and that the whole trip was “très réussie” (very successful), which is high praise for a landscape-driven experience.

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Lake Esparron or Sainte-Croix: Picnic and Relaxation

Next, you’ll head north to one of the lakes—Esparron or Sainte-Croix. These turquoise bodies of water are perfect spots for a picnic, which is included if you’ve booked it. The lakes are surrounded by unspoiled nature, offering a peaceful respite from the drive.

Here, you can unpack a picnic with views over the water, take a dip, or enjoy some leisurely swimming or pedal boating. It’s a chance to slow down and soak in the natural beauty, something we particularly appreciate in a day filled with scenic drives.

Crossing the Verdon Gorge

The centerpiece of the day is the Verdon Gorge, often called Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon. You’ll take the Route des Crêtes, a spectacular drive that offers panoramic viewpoints with opportunities to stop and snap photos. The gorge’s sheer walls and emerald waters make it one of the most visually striking natural features in the region.

You’ll love the way the roads hug the cliffs, giving you a sense of being right on the edge of this vast canyon. Returning to the Lac de Sainte-Croix in the afternoon, you’ll find a beautiful spot to relax—whether to swim, rent a pedal boat, or just enjoy the view.

Ending with a Wine Tasting

After a full day of sightseeing and outdoor fun, the tour concludes with a visit to a local winery. This is a lovely way to learn about Provençal wines, their grape varieties, and the winemaking process. The tasting allows you to savor regional flavors and appreciate the craftsmanship behind these wines, which adds a cultural layer to your experience.

Practical Details & Comfort

The tour lasts around one day, with carefully planned transfers between sites. The group is private, and the experience is designed to be wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a broader range of travelers. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing, especially in summer.

A small but thoughtful inclusion is the bottle of water provided—perfect for staying hydrated during the outdoor parts. You might want to bring some snacks for longer stretches or to supplement your picnic.

User Experience and Feedback

Sophia’s review captures the essence of this tour: “Tout était vraiment au-delà de nos attentes,” she says, emphasizing the high quality and scenic beauty of the experience. She describes it as a “véritable échappée” (a real escape), which speaks to how refreshing and different this day is from typical tours.

The tour’s value is evident when you consider what’s included—the personalized pickup, scenic drives, picnic, wine tasting—and its high praise from past clients. The balance between adventure and relaxation is carefully maintained, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

Final Thoughts

This Gorges du Verdon day tour offers an authentic slice of Provence’s natural beauty with a twist of fun and adventure. The sidecar ride transforms landscape sightseeing into a memorable journey, allowing you to feel the wind and see the sights from a unique vantage point.

It’s ideal for travelers craving scenic drives with a bit of adrenaline, those who want an authentic outdoor experience, and anyone eager to combine nature, culture, and regional flavors in one day. The inclusion of a wine tasting adds a cultural touch that rounds out the experience beautifully.

If you’re looking for a luxurious yet adventurous way to see Provence’s most dazzling sights, this tour ticks all the boxes. Remember to prepare for winding roads, pack sun protection, and bring a sense of curiosity—it’s a day designed to create lasting memories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible to people with reduced mobility, making it a more inclusive experience.

How long does the tour last?
It is a full-day experience with transfers, sightseeing, and tasting included, so plan on a day around your schedule.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the sidecar ride, helmet and gloves, a tasting session, and a bottle of water.

Can I book the picnic separately?
The picnic is included only if you book it as part of the tour package. Otherwise, catering is not included.

What are the main highlights of the day?
Expect breathtaking views of Sainte-Victoire Mountain, a relaxing picnic on a lakeshore, a drive through the Verdon Gorge, and a wine tasting at a local winery.

Is there a dress code or specific clothing I should wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection.

What if I don’t like wine?
While wine tasting is part of the experience, the focus is on the landscapes and outdoor activities, so it’s easy to skip if you prefer.

Are children allowed?
The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years due to the nature of the ride and activities.

How winding are the mountain roads?
The roads are winding, which adds to the adventure but might cause motion sickness for some travelers.

Do I need to fill up my tank before the tour?
It’s advisable to fill up your tank before starting, especially since some roads are remote and mountainous.

This Gorges du Verdon tour balances scenic beauty, outdoor activity, and local culture in a way that few other experiences can match. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply looking for an unusual way to explore Provence, this adventure promises stunning views and genuine fun.