Day Tour to Valensole Lavender Fields, Gorges du Verdon & Moustiers from Aix-en-Provence
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Expect light walking and short stair climbs; a moderate level of fitness keeps the day comfortable.
Overview
Spend a single, carefully paced day exploring Valensole’s lavender fields, the cliffside village of Moustiers and the vertiginous Gorges du Verdon, with hotel pickup from Aix-en-Provence. This private tour blends easy walking, a pedal-boat on Lac de Sainte-Croix and timed stops for the best views.
Day Tour to Valensole Lavender Fields, Gorges du Verdon & Moustiers from Aix-en-Provence
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You climb into an air-conditioned van in Aix-en-Provence before dawn and watch the Provençal light unfold. Roadside villages blur into rows of stone pines and olive groves, and then, suddenly, the plateau opens: low, purple waves of lavender breathing scent into the air. Later, the road narrows and the limestone walls of the Verdon canyon appear, sheer and pale, the river below daring you to drop your voice and listen.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Time your visit for bloom
Lavender on the Valensole Plateau peaks in June–July; if you go outside that window expect green fields rather than purple seas.
Bring comfortable walking shoes
Moustiers’ streets are cobbled and uneven—sturdy shoes will make browsing pottery shops and chapel paths easy.
Hydration and sun protection
Temperatures can climb quickly on the plateau; carry an extra water bottle and sunscreen even though bottled water is provided.
Reserve camera time at Galetas viewpoint
Ask the guide to stop at the Galetas bridge for the best panoramic shot of the Verdon canyon and Lac de Sainte-Croix.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Griffon vultures riding canyon thermals
- Foxes and occasional wild boar in scrubby hills
History
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has been a center for faience pottery since the 17th century; lavender cultivation transformed Valensole’s rural economy in the 19th–20th centuries.
Conservation
The Gorges du Verdon and lake are sensitive environments—stay on marked paths, minimize noise on the lake, and support local businesses that follow sustainable practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in Aix-en-Provence
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on cobbles and uneven village paths.
Wide-brim sun hat and sunglasses
Protects from strong sun across the open plateau.
summer specific
Light layers or windbreaker
Early mornings and lake breezes can be cool; layers add comfort.
spring specific
Compact camera or smartphone with wide-angle lens
Necessary for capturing expansive plateau and canyon panoramas.