Gorges du Verdon Private Tour: Lake Sainte-Croix & Moustiers

The third-largest lake in France sits ringed by lavender fields and canyon walls.

A private tour of Gorges du Verdon, Lake Sainte-Croix and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for groups up to eight, with hotel pickup and a guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. You travel through the canyon's panoramic overlooks, stop in the 16th-century village of Castellane at the gorge's gateway, then explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, ranked among France's most beautiful villages and known worldwide for its handmade faience pottery. The day ends at Sainte-Croix Lake, the third-largest in France, surrounded by lavender fields.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Verdon Gorgepassing by
2. Lake of Sainte-Croix1h

Explore Gorges du Verdon and villages

• Admire panoramic views en route
• Visit historical village Castellane
• Discover pottery village Moustiers Sainte-Marie
• Experience Lake Sainte-Croix activities

The experience

Ten hours in an air-conditioned vehicle means you cover ground without driving yourself. The route starts with views of Gorges du Verdon itself (the driver stops when you ask for photos along the way), then moves into Castellane, a walled village from the 14th century that sits at the foot of a rocky outcrop called the Roc. From there, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie appears built into a hillside like an amphitheater, its narrow streets lined with faience workshops and studios. The village sits at the gateway to the gorge, so you get views back toward the canyon and out across the lavender fields and mountains.

Lake Sainte-Croix is the centerpiece: it's the third-largest lake in France, and the tour ends there so you can walk the shore or simply sit with the water and the surrounding landscape. In summer, the lake opens for swimming, canoeing, pedal boats and electric boats if you want to get on the water. The whole route is built around what Haute Provence offers: the canyon itself, the water, the villages with their history, and the agricultural landscape that fills the valleys.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a professional guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.

Information

Lasts 10h, runs every day at 08:00, from € 1,150 per group, with a live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

GroupPrivate2 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and PortugueseOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to12h before

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by BINGO TOUR

Is this one for you?Book this tour if your group is up to eight people and you want to see the gorge, the villages and the lake without navigating the winding roads yourself. The private vehicle means your group stays together and the driver knows where to stop for the best views.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie known for?

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is ranked one of the most beautiful villages in France and is famous worldwide for its handmade faience pottery, with unique decorative styles produced in workshops throughout the village.

Can we stop for photos along the Gorges du Verdon?

Yes, the driver will stop on the way to Sainte-Croix Lake whenever you ask, so you can photograph the panoramic views of the gorge.

What can you do at Lake Sainte-Croix?

Lake Sainte-Croix is ideal for swimming in summer or for renting a canoe, pedal boat or electric boat. You can also walk the shore and enjoy the views of the surrounding lavender fields and mountains.

What is Castellane and why is it on this tour?

Castellane is a 14th-century walled village classified as a "city of character" and sits at the gateway to Gorges du Verdon at the foot of a rocky landmark called the Roc. It marks the entrance to the gorge and offers historical and cultural heritage.