Verdon Gorge day tour: Turquoise canyon, lake and lavender fields

Ten hours following the Verdon River through Europe's deepest canyon

A full-day private tour of the Gorges du Verdon in the French Alps, departing from your accommodation with a driver-guide who speaks your language. You drive through the canyon to overlooks 700 meters above the turquoise river, stop at the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for lunch, and visit Lake Sainte-Croix and seasonal lavender fields. Entry to Saut du Loup waterfall is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tourrettes20m
2. Verdon Gorge2h
3. Lake of Sainte-Croix1h

Explore Verdon Gorge and nearby villages

• Drive through Gorges du Loup
• Stop at Saut du Loup waterfall
• Visit Castellane village
• Drive along Verdon River canyon
• Photo stop at Lake Sainte-Croix viewpoint
• Lunch and walk in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
• Walk in lavender fields (seasonal)
• Optional lakeside free time

The experience

Castellane sits at the entrance to the Verdon Gorges, a 180-meter rock crowned with a church that marks the start of the canyon drive. From there, the route follows the Verdon River, named for its surprising turquoise-green color, as it cuts through limestone walls that drop 700 meters on either side. Your driver-guide stops at the viewpoints that frame the canyon best, and the itinerary is flexible: if weather or your preference shifts the day, the guide can adjust the stops and timing to suit you.

Before reaching the gorge, you make a stop at Gorges du Loup to see the natural waterfall of Saut du Loup (entrance is included). The drive then climbs into the French Alps toward Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of France's most beautiful medieval villages, known for its ceramic heritage. You have free time there to walk and eat lunch. Depending on the season and conditions, your guide may offer a choice: a walk through the lavender fields (roughly June through July) or free time at the lakeside instead of the village walk.

The tour ends at Lake Sainte-Croix, where you stop for photos overlooking the water before returning to your accommodation. Transport is in a recent, comfortable vehicle with your guide aboard for the full ten hours. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, French or another language depending on availability.

What’s included

• Transport in a recent and comfortable vehicle.
• a private driver-guide for the full ten hours.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• entrance to the Saut du Loup waterfall.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Riviera Star Tours

Is this one for you?This is a private tour with a single guide and vehicle for your group, so the itinerary can shift with your pace and preferences. If you want more time at one stop or prefer the lake over the lavender fields, the guide adjusts the day. Choose it if you want the flexibility to shape the route rather than follow a fixed schedule with other travelers.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese.

What is the Verdon Gorge like when you arrive there?

The Verdon Gorge is a canyon cut by the turquoise Verdon River through limestone walls that reach depths of 700 meters. Your guide takes you to the viewpoints with the best panoramic views across the canyon, stopping at spots chosen for their photo opportunities.

Can you swim in the lake during this tour?

Lake Sainte-Croix is included as a photo stop at the end of the canyon drive. Depending on weather and your wishes, your guide may offer free time at the lakeside, which can include a swim if you choose.

When do the lavender fields bloom, and do you visit them every day?

The lavender fields bloom from roughly the end of June through the end of July. Your guide offers a walk through them during that season, but may suggest the lakeside instead depending on conditions and what suits your day.

What is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and how much time do you spend there?

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of France's most beautiful medieval villages, famous for its ceramic crafts and history. You have free time there to walk around and have lunch, with the length of the stop flexible based on your pace and interests.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included. You have free time in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to choose and pay for your own lunch, and the guide can suggest places to eat.