Alpes-de-Haute-Provence · Var · Verdon Regional Nature Park
Limestone cliffs, a turquoise river and stone villages, just over two hours from the coast. We leave Nice early, take in viewpoints, the lake and Moustiers at your pace, then drive you back in the evening.
Why go
The Verdon has carved a canyon several hundred metres deep into the limestone, first explored from end to end in 1905 by the speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel. Now protected by the Verdon Regional Nature Park, it brings together dizzying viewpoints, a river of turquoise green, Lake Sainte-Croix and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France and famous for its faience.
From Nice, this is a proper mountain day: an early start, winding roads and car parks that fill up in summer around the lake and the viewpoints. With a driver, you forget about the wheel and the parking, watch the scenery and step out at every stop. From late June to mid July, the Valensole plateau and its lavender fit naturally into the route.
The highlights
We put them in order with you, according to the season, the light and the pace you prefer.
01 · THE MOST DRAMATIC
Starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon, the Route des Crêtes follows the north rim of the canyon and stops at a string of viewpoints, including the Belvédère du Tilleul. The cliffs drop straight to the river: the most striking view of the day.
02 · THE MOST TURQUOISE
Created by the Sainte-Croix dam in the 1970s, the lake receives the Verdon where it leaves the gorge, beneath the Galetas bridge. In season you can hire pedal boats and electric boats to head up between the cliffs, then swim from the shore.
03 · THE MOST CHARMING
Tucked beneath two cliffs, this village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France still makes the faience that made it famous from the 17th century. Above the rooftops, a star hangs from a chain stretched between the rocks, a knight's vow according to legend.
04 · THE MOST LEGENDARY
Near Rougon, this viewpoint overlooks the entrance to the Grand Canyon du Verdon, a few minutes' walk from the car park. It is also one end of the Sentier Blanc-Martel, the classic hike along the floor of the gorge.
05 · THE MOST SEASONAL
Between the Durance and the Verdon, the plateau lines up rows of lavender and lavandin to the horizon. The bloom usually runs from late June to mid July, before the harvest; outside that window, we suggest more time in the gorge instead.
A typical day
An example programme, adjusted to every request: times, stops and breaks are agreed with you before departure. During the bloom, we add the Valensole plateau at the start of the day.
07:30 · NICE
Saloon or van depending on your group, water on board. We take the A8 motorway and then the roads of the Haut-Var, with a break if you wish on this drive of just over two hours.
09:45 · MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE
Lanes and faience workshops, a look at the hanging star and, for keen walkers, the stepped path up to the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir above the rooftops.
11:30 · LAKE SAINTE-CROIX
The mouth of the gorge seen from the bridge, an electric boat in season, then lunch by the lake or in a nearby village, with no parking to worry about.
14:00 – 16:30 · VERDON GORGE
Stops at the north-rim viewpoints from La Palud-sur-Verdon, then Point Sublime above the entrance to the Grand Canyon, before heading on to Castellane.
19:00 · NICE
Back via Castellane, the Route Napoléon and the hills behind Nice, another way to see the region. The direct motorway route remains possible if you prefer.
The road from Nice
Nice
Departure
A8 motorway
Towards Le Muy
Aups
Haut-Var
Lake Sainte-Croix
Along the shore
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Gateway to the gorge
Practical information
Around the gorge the roads are narrow and winding. Your driver adjusts the pace and plans stops: let us know in advance if anyone is prone to travel sickness.
Allow about four hours of driving for the round trip, plus the short drives between stops. Leaving around 7:30 gives you time to enjoy it without rushing and be back by early evening.
The lanes of Moustiers are steep and cobbled, and the viewpoints are reached by short paths. Bring closed shoes, especially if you plan to climb up to the chapel.
In season, rental outfits offer pedal boats, canoes and electric boats at the Galetas bridge. It gets very busy in July and August, so it is best to go before noon.
In summer it is hot on the plateau and by the lake alike. Bring water, a hat and swimwear if you would like a dip in Lake Sainte-Croix.
Part of the Route des Crêtes is closed in winter, and summer storms can build quickly. We check the roads and the forecast the day before and adjust the order of stops.
Our options
TRANSFER
From Nice or the airport to your accommodation in Moustiers, by the lake or in the gorge, luggage included.
Fare confirmed before booking
MOST REQUESTED
A same-day return trip with a driver at your disposal: Moustiers, Lake Sainte-Croix, the Route des Crêtes and Point Sublime, planned with you.
Fare confirmed before booking
LAVENDER SEASON
During the bloom, usually from late June to mid July, a day that starts in the fields of the plateau before Moustiers and the lake.
Fare confirmed before booking
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See the tourFrequently asked questions
Another question? Message us on WhatsApp and we will reply with a programme and a fare.
Allow about 2 h 15 for the 145 km to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, depending on traffic. The return via Castellane and the Route Napoléon takes roughly the same time and shows you different scenery.
Yes, it is our most requested option. It is a long day, with about four hours of driving for the round trip, hence an early start and a realistic programme.
The bloom usually runs from late June to mid July, varying with the year and the field. After the harvest the fields are cut, so we give you the latest news before you book.
Yes, at the closest permitted drop-off point: the viewpoint car parks, near the Galetas bridge or at the entrance to Moustiers, whose centre is explored on foot.
The fare depends on the duration, the number of passengers and the stops you choose. Send your date and wishes on WhatsApp: the fare is confirmed before booking.
Yes, if you are experienced walkers: the driver drops you at one end of the trail and collects you at the other. It is a demanding hike, with tunnels where a head torch is essential.
Guest experiences
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Combine with
Your day in the Verdon
Number of passengers, pick-up address, a wish for lavender, swimming or viewpoints: we come back to you on WhatsApp with a programme and a fare confirmed before booking.
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, published by their authors under free licences.
