Gorges du Verdon Day Trip from Manosque: Point Sublime, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie & Lake St. Croix
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes light walking and one steep stair ascent (~200 stone steps).
Overview
Drive from Manosque into one of Europe's most dramatic canyons: the Gorges du Verdon. This private day tour pairs cliff-top panoramas at Point Sublime with rustic hilltop villages, faience workshops in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and a cooling stop at Lake St. Croix.
Gorges du Verdon Day Trip from Manosque: Point Sublime, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie & Lake St. Croix
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The road peels away from Manosque at first light and the Provençal landscape changes from tilled fields to limestone cliffs that seem to lift the sky. You feel the canyon before you see it: a cool draft, a sudden drop in temperature, and then the Verdon itself—an energetic ribbon of emerald water—forcing a route through rock carved over millions of years. Your guide eases the vehicle to a halt at Point Sublime. The gorge opens like a theatre; cliffs lean in, the river dares you to follow it with your eyes.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early to beat crowds and heat
Arrive at Point Sublime for morning light and thin crowds; summer afternoons can be hot and busy.
Bring motion-sickness remedies
The route includes winding roads above the gorge—if you’re prone to nausea, take medication or sit forward in the vehicle.
Hydrate and refill
Bottled water is provided, but bring a reusable bottle and top up when you stop—summer sun and dry air dehydrate quickly.
Wear sturdy shoes for village streets
Cobblestones and short, steep stair climbs in Moustiers require closed-toe shoes with grip.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Griffon vultures
- Red fox
History
The Verdon Gorge is cut into marine limestone uplifted and exposed over millions of years; Moustiers-Sainte-Marie developed a renowned faience tradition from the 17th century onward.
Conservation
The Gorges du Verdon is sensitive to erosion and summer wildfire risk—follow marked trails, avoid disturbing nesting birds, and pack out waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Manosque
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Good tread and ankle support help on cobbles and short climbs in villages.
Refillable water bottle
Hydration is key on exposed viewpoints and during summer stops.
Sun hat and sunscreen
The high viewpoints offer little shade; sun protection prevents sunburn and heat fatigue.
summer specific
Light waterproof layer
Spring and fall mornings can be cool or breezy at elevation—pack a shell for comfort.
spring specific