Gorges du Verdon and Perched Villages Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; expect short walks on uneven surfaces and a few stair climbs
Overview
Drive above vertiginous cliffs, taste Moustiers earthenware, and dip into Lake Sainte-Croix on a private day trip from Aix-en-Provence. This immersive tour packs geology, village culture, and viewpoint moments into a 10.5-hour road trip.
Gorges du Verdon and Perched Villages Day Trip from Aix-en-Provence
Select participants and date
The road climbs and the world changes: scrubby pines give way to sheer limestone, and the air takes on the metallic hush of a canyon. You feel the Verdon before you see it — a turquoise thread daring you to get closer — and then the cliffs open, vertical and raw, dropping hundreds of meters to the river below. On this private day trip from Aix-en-Provence you ride that change, stopping at belvederes, hilltop villages, and a lake whose water seems to have borrowed its color from a painter’s palette.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Prepare for winding roads
The route above the gorge follows narrow, curving roads—bring motion sickness medication if you’re prone to it.
Bring sturdy shoes
Village streets and chapel climbs use uneven cobbles and stone steps; ankle-supporting shoes make exploring easier.
Sun and water
High viewpoints are exposed; pack sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle even if bottled water is included.
Swimming option
If you plan to swim at Lake Sainte-Croix, bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel; shore access varies by stop.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Griffon vulture
- Wild boar
History
The Verdon canyon was carved through uplifted limestone and still contains marine fossils; Moustiers-Sainte-Marie’s pottery tradition dates back centuries.
Conservation
The area lies within the Parc naturel régional du Verdon—visitor numbers are managed seasonally and minimizing single-use plastic helps protect water quality.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Aix-en-Provence
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on cobbles and comfort during short village climbs.
Refillable water bottle
Hydration for exposed viewpoints; reduces single-use plastic.
summer specific
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Protects against strong sun on canyon viewpoints and lake shores.
summer specific
Light layer or windbreaker
Useful for cooler mornings at high viewpoints and breezy lakeshores.
spring specific