Set out on a captivating journey through the heart of Provence with the Verdon Gorge and Moustiers Ste-Marie Tour from Aix-en-Provence. Witness the towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of the Verdon Gorge, one of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders. Then, explore the picturesque medieval village of Moustiers Ste-Marie, renowned for its religious heritage and exquisite ceramic artwork. Along the way, gain insight into the region’s renowned lavender cultivation and production. This comprehensive day trip promises to immerse you in the natural and cultural treasures that make Provence an alluring destination.
Key Points
- This 9.5-hour tour from Aix-en-Provence takes visitors to the stunning Verdon Gorge, the picturesque village of Moustiers Ste-Marie, and a local producer in Valensole.
- The tour is transported by an air-conditioned minivan and accompanied by a professional driver/guide, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
- Visitors can admire the breathtaking views of the Verdon Gorge, explore the medieval architecture and crafts of Moustiers Ste-Marie, and learn about lavender production at the Valensole producer.
- The tour provides an opportunity to purchase regional products and souvenirs, but gratuities and food/drinks are not included.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and children under 4 are not allowed, with a maximum of 8 travelers per tour.
Tour Overview
This 9.5-hour tour from Aix-en-Provence takes visitors to the stunning Verdon Gorge, the picturesque village of Moustiers Ste-Marie, and a local producer in Valensole.
Travelers will be transported by an air-conditioned minivan and accompanied by a professional driver/guide.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience.
While gratuities and food/drinks aren’t included, the tour offers the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most breathtaking sights.
Whether you’re seeking stunning natural landscapes or charming villages, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of the area.
Inclusions
The tour includes a professional driver/guide and air-conditioned minivan transport, ensuring a comfortable and informative journey. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights without worrying about transportation.
While gratuities and food/drinks aren’t included, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at a local producer in Valensole, where you can purchase regional products to savor during your day.
The tour is designed to maximize your experience, with a well-planned itinerary that covers the stunning Verdon Gorge, the picturesque village of Moustiers Ste-Marie, and the tranquil Lake of Ste-Croix, all while offering the convenience of a guided tour.
Pickup and Drop-off
For this tour, the meeting point is located outside the main entrance of the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Information Center, where you will be picked up and dropped off at the end of the excursion, which is scheduled to conclude around 6:30 PM.
The tour starts from this centrally-located meeting point, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free pickup for all guests.
At the end of the 9.5-hour tour, the minivan will return to the same meeting point, allowing travelers to easily continue their day or make their way back to their accommodations.
This straightforward pickup and drop-off arrangement makes the logistics of the tour simple and streamlined for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Verdon Gorge
After being picked up from the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Information Center, the tour heads to the stunning Verdon Gorge, one of the must-see highlights of the day.
Carved by the Verdon River, this breathtaking natural wonder features towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters that captivate visitors. Guests will have the opportunity to take in the awe-inspiring views and explore the area’s natural beauty during this part of the tour.
The Verdon Gorge is renowned for its striking scenery, with the vivid blue-green hues of the river contrasting against the rugged rock formations. Visitors can admire the gorge from viewpoints along the rim or venture down to the water’s edge, where they may even have the chance to swim in the refreshing lake.
Moustiers Ste-Marie
From the Verdon Gorge, the tour then heads to the picturesque village of Moustiers Ste-Marie, a highlight of the day’s itinerary. This charming town, nestled beneath towering cliffs, is known for its medieval architecture, religious heritage, and stunning natural setting.
Visitors can explore the narrow streets, admire the famous star-shaped suspension bridge, and discover the unique ceramic artwork and local crafts that Moustiers Ste-Marie is renowned for.
The village offers several attractions to visitors:
- The 12th-century Notre-Dame de Beauvoir Church with its ornate façade
- The Croix de Provence, a pilgrimage site perched atop a nearby mountain
- The Musée de la Faïence, showcasing the town’s centuries-old ceramic tradition
- Scenic hiking trails leading through the surrounding countryside
Valensole Producer
The tour then heads to a local producer in Valensole, where visitors can learn about the region’s renowned lavender cultivation and production.
At the producer’s facility, guests will get an inside look at the process of harvesting, distilling, and bottling the fragrant essential oils that make Valensole’s lavender so sought-after.
They’ll have the opportunity to browse the producer’s selection of lavender-infused products, from soaps and lotions to culinary items and local crafts.
This stop provides a hands-on, authentic glimpse into the agricultural heritage and savoir-faire that defines the Provence region.
Visitors can even purchase some of the producer’s wares to take home as souvenirs of their Valensole experience.
Additional Information
Confirmation for the tour is provided at the time of booking. Guests are advised to bring swimwear and a towel if they wish to swim in Lake Ste-Croix. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate. Children under 4 years old aren’t allowed, with a maximum of 8 travelers per tour.
The tour starts and ends at the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Information Center.
Gratuities and food/drinks aren’t included in the tour price.
The tour lasts approximately 9.5 hours, returning to the starting point around 6:30 PM.
Air-conditioned minivan transport and a professional driver/guide are provided throughout the tour.
Confirmation and Accessibility
Confirmation for this tour is provided at the time of booking, and the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate.
Guests are advised to bring swimwear and a towel if they wish to swim in Lake Ste-Croix. Children under 4 years old aren’t allowed on the tour, which has a maximum of 8 travelers per group.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with the meeting point being outside the main entrance of the Aix-en-Provence Tourist Information Center. The tour ends at the same location around 6:30 PM.
Participants should be prepared for a 9.5-hour excursion from Aix-en-Provence to explore the stunning Verdon Gorge, charming Moustiers Ste-Marie, and a local producer in Valensole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a formal dress code, but comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim in Lake Ste-Croix during the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You can bring your own food and drinks, but they’re not included in the tour price. The tour provider recommends packing a picnic lunch and snacks to enjoy during the stops at scenic viewpoints and the local producer’s site.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour?
There is no option to customize the tour. It’s a standard, pre-set itinerary that can’t be modified. However, guests can bring their own food and drinks if they prefer not to purchase them during the tour stops.
How Many Stops Are Included During the Tour?
The tour includes 3 stops: Moustiers Ste-Marie, Verdon Gorge, and a local producer in Valensole. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore these scenic locations and learn about local products during the 9.5-hour excursion.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The tour duration can’t be extended. It’s a fixed 9.5-hour tour from Aix-en-Provence. Customizing the itinerary or adding stops isn’t possible. Travelers should plan accordingly to experience the highlights within the set timeframe.
Recap
This comprehensive tour offers a captivating exploration of Provence’s stunning natural landscapes and historical charm.
Visitors can marvel at the Verdon Gorge’s towering cliffs and turquoise waters, discover the picturesque Moustiers Ste-Marie, and gain insight into the region’s renowned lavender cultivation.
With a well-rounded itinerary, this day trip provides an immersive experience of Provence’s natural and cultural treasures.
