Wild Alps, Verdon Canyon, Moustiers village, Lavender fields

If you’re dreaming of a day trip into the heart of the South of France’s most scenic spots, this tour promises a mix of wild mountain landscapes, historic villages, and fragrant lavender fields. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve looked into what it offers, and it seems like a pretty solid choice for anyone craving classic Provençal scenery without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What I really appreciate about this tour is its combination of natural beauty and cultural charm. The panoramic drive through the Alps showcases some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain scenes, and the stops at the Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte Croix make it clear you’ll get plenty of photo-worthy moments. Plus, the visit to Moustiers Sainte Marie, a village dating back to the 5th century, adds a historic touch, and the lavender fields (which bloom only in June and July) fill the air with scent and color. The cherry on top is a wine tasting at a vineyard, rounding out the day with some local flavors.

One thing to consider is the full-day schedule—it’s packed, which means a lot of ground covered in 8.5 hours. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see a lot but might feel rushed if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, keep in mind that the lavender fields are seasonal, so if you’re traveling outside June and July, that part might not live up to expectations.

This tour seems well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive glimpse of the region’s highlights—from rugged gorges to charming villages and fragrant fields. It’s especially good for those who appreciate scenic drives and don’t mind a busy schedule packed with sightseeing.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The panoramique drive through the Alps and stops at Verdon Gorge provide picture-perfect landscapes.
• Cultural Charm: Visiting Moustiers Sainte Marie offers a taste of historic French village life.
• Seasonal Beauty: Lavender fields bloom in June and July, adding vibrant color and scent.
• Active and Relaxed Mix: You’ll get photo stops, sightseeing, and leisure time, balancing activity with relaxation.
• Vineyard Visit: Optional wine tasting offers a taste of local produce—great for wine lovers.
• Full-Day Experience: A long, well-organized day with plenty of highlights, suitable for those who want to maximize their time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

A Scenic Drive into the Alps

From your pickup point—Antibes, Nice, Cap-d’Ail, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, or Cannes—the journey begins with a roughly 70-minute van ride into the heart of Provence. This drive sets the tone for the day: anticipation of jaw-dropping views. The actual drive through the wild Alps is described as “panoramique,” so you’ll want your camera ready. Expect sweeping mountain vistas, rugged cliffs, and the kind of scenery that makes you glad you left the city behind.

Gorges du Verdon: Europe’s Deepest Canyons

The highlight for many will be the visit to the Gorges du Verdon. These canyons, carved by the Verdon River over 25 km, can reach depths of up to 700 meters. It’s no exaggeration to say that the views here are staggering—raw, imposing, and beautifully wild. You’ll have several stops for photos and quick sightseeing, with about 10 minutes at each spot.

This area is popular for adventure sports, but on this tour, you’ll mainly get to admire the scenery. Travelers often mention how “breathtaking” the cliffs are, and one review noted that “the landscape here is truly one-of-a-kind.” It’s perfect for snapping dramatic photos, especially if you’re into landscape photography.

Lake Sainte Croix: A Jewel of Turquoise Waters

Next up is Lake Sainte Croix, a large reservoir measuring around 2,200 hectares—one of the largest in France. The lake’s turquoise waters are striking and make for an idyllic stop. You’ll have about an hour here, enough time to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps walk along the shoreline.

This spot is also popular for summer activities like paddle boating and swimming, although the tour itself doesn’t include water activities. It’s more about appreciating the view and snapping some photos of those vivid waters.

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Moustiers Sainte Marie: A Medieval Village

After a delicious lunch in this charming village, you get to explore Moustiers Sainte Marie. This place is a real standout—founded in the 5th century, it’s considered one of France’s most beautiful villages. You’ll have about two hours for sightseeing, shopping, and soaking in the atmosphere.

The village is famous for its ceramics workshops, and the Earthenware Museum is worth a quick visit if you’re into crafts. The village’s most iconic feature is the star suspended by a chain stretching between two mountains—an image that’s often associated with the village and its legends. The Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church, built between 1336 and 1361, is another highlight, and the chapel at the top offers stunning views over lavender fields and the surrounding valley.

Lavender Fields (Seasonal)

One of the most iconic images of Provence—lavender fields—are included if you visit during their bloom in June or July. The tour stops at the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel for a stroll through the fragrant fields, which are especially photogenic. Here, you’ll learn about lavender’s role in local crafts, perfume, and honey production.

It’s worth noting that the lavender flowers only bloom in certain months, depending on weather conditions. Travelers visiting outside those months might find the fields less vibrant, so timing is key if this visual is a priority for you.

Scenic Drive Back & Optional Vineyard Stop

On the return trip, you’ll pass through vineyards, where an optional wine tasting can be arranged if timing permits. This is a relaxing way to end the day, sampling some local wines and enjoying the rolling vineyard views.

The Logistics

The tour is designed for convenience: pickup and drop-off are included at several central locations, and transportation is in a comfortable van. The entire day lasts about 8.5 hours, packed with sightseeing, so be prepared for a long but rewarding adventure.

The guide is described as having a university degree, which suggests knowledgeable commentary, and the small group size (up to 8 people) helps keep the experience intimate and flexible. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $1,276 for a group of up to 8, the per-person cost is reasonable considering the full-day itinerary, transportation, and guide. You won’t be paying separately for each stop, and the experience covers a lot of ground. The value depends on how much you want to see in a day—if you’re after a comprehensive, scenic overview of the region, this tour offers a lot for the price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is great for travelers who want a well-organized day with diverse highlights—from dramatic gorges to historic villages and fragrant lavender fields. It’s suitable for those comfortable with a full schedule, and the small group setting makes it easier to ask questions or customize a little if possible. If you have limited time in the South of France and want to maximize your sightseeing, this tour could be a perfect fit.

However, if you’re traveling outside the lavender season or prefer a more leisurely pace, you might want to look for options with fewer stops or more time at each site. Also, be aware that the main focus is on scenery and cultural sights; water activities or extended hikes are not included.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not explicitly labeled as family-friendly, but the tour’s focus on sightseeing and scenic stops can suit older children or teens. Keep in mind the full-day schedule might be tiring for very young children.

Are meals included in the price?
No, food and drinks are not included. The tour provides time for lunch in Moustiers Sainte Marie, but you need to bring your own or purchase something there.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That provides some flexibility if your plans change.

Is the lavender field visit guaranteed?
It depends on the season—lavender blooms only in June and July, and weather conditions can affect the flowering.

How long are the stops at each site?
Most stops are brief (around 10 minutes at the gorges, about an hour at the lake, two hours in the village), designed for quick photos and a taste of each location.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is described as wheelchair accessible, but it’s always best to confirm specific needs when booking.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sports shoes for walking, and binoculars if you want a closer look at the scenery.

Is there free time at each stop?
Yes, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own, especially in Moustiers and Provence.

What if I’m not into wine?
The wine tasting is optional and scheduled if timing allows, so you can skip it if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This South of France tour offers a satisfying mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and fragrant landscapes. It’s a solid choice if you want to see the region’s most iconic sights without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions yourself. Expect stunning views, a well-paced schedule, and a knowledgeable guide to make the most of your day.

For those who love scenic drives, picturesque villages, and the scent of lavender, this trip hits most of the high notes. Just remember, the best times are June and July when the lavender is in full bloom. If you’re after a relaxed experience, this might be a bit busy, but if you’re eager to cram a lot into one day, it’s a pretty good deal.

This tour seems to strike a nice balance between adventure and comfort, making it a good fit for travelers wanting a comprehensive, scenic taste of Provence’s highlights.

Feel free to ask if you’d like more tips on planning your trip or alternative options for exploring this beautiful region!

You can check availability for your dates here: