Verdon Canyon & Moustiers Ste-Marie tour from Aix-en-Provence

Lavender fields, canyon views and a Provençal village in one morning and afternoon

This day trip from Aix-en-Provence ventures north into Alpes de Haute-Provence to see the Verdon Canyon, Lake of Sainte-Croix and the centuries-old artisan town of Moustiers Ste-Marie. The tour includes a stop at a local lavender producer, a photo stop on the Valensole Plateau when lavender blooms, free time in the village for lunch, and views from the Pont de Galetas overlooking the lake. A professional guide and air-conditioned minivan are included; the tour runs 9.5 hours and is not available from June 10th to July 20th.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Verdon Canyon and Moustiers Ste-Marie

• Stop by a local lavender producer
• Photo stop at lavender fields
• Free time and lunch in village
• Photo stop at Pont de Galetas
• Visit village around Sainte-Croix lake

The Experience

The route starts with a stop at a local lavender producer before heading to the Valensole Plateau for a photo stop when the fields are in bloom. From there you move into Moustiers Ste-Marie, a postcard-worthy Provençal village known for centuries-old artisan craftsmanship, where you have free time to wander, eat lunch and explore at your own pace.

In the afternoon, the tour reaches the Pont de Galetas for views over Lake of Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Canyon. The lake sits at the heart of this scenic region, and the vantage point from the bridge frames both the water and the canyon walls. You'll also stop in one of the villages around the lake before the drive back to Aix-en-Provence. A professional guide who speaks English or French leads the day, and transport is by air-conditioned minivan.

What’s included

• Professional driver and guide in English or French.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• stops at a local lavender producer, the Valensole Plateau photo stop, Moustiers Ste-Marie village with free time for lunch, and the Pont de Galetas viewpoint over Lake of Sainte-Croix.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by A la Francaise Aix-en-Provence

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guided minivan tour from Aix-en-Provence that covers Verdon's canyon views, a lavender producer, and Moustiers Ste-Marie in one day—rather than renting a car or piecing together separate visits.

Traveler reviews

4.61★★★★★★★★★★

85 verified traveler reviews

5 ★66

4 ★9

3 ★8

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is there to do in Moustiers Ste-Marie during the free time?

Moustiers Ste-Marie is a centuries-old artisan town where you can walk the village streets, browse local craft shops and stop for lunch at one of the cafés. The village is known for its traditional craftsmanship, so there's plenty to see on foot.

When do the lavender fields bloom on the Valensole Plateau?

The Valensole Plateau lavender blooms seasonally, and the tour includes a photo stop during blooming time. The tour itself is not available from June 10th to July 20th, so the timing of your visit will determine whether you see the fields in full bloom.

Can I swim in Lake of Sainte-Croix during the tour?

The tour includes a photo stop at the Pont de Galetas overlooking Lake of Sainte-Croix. If you want to swim, bring a swimsuit, though the stop is primarily for views and photos rather than water time.

How long is the drive from Aix-en-Provence to the Verdon Canyon?

The full tour runs 9.5 hours from Aix-en-Provence, which includes travel time, stops at the lavender producer, the Valensole Plateau, Moustiers Ste-Marie village, the lake viewpoint and surrounding villages, plus the return drive.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up. Children under 4 years old are not permitted on the tour.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English or French, depending on the tour departure you select.