Gorges du Verdon Private Tour: Lac de Sainte-Croix, Moustiers & Castellane Day Trip
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for light activity; short uneven walks and lookout steps require basic mobility and balance
Overview
Drive into the Grand Canyon of France on a private day trip that stitches together Castellane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Lac de Sainte-Croix. Expect limestone cliffs, faience workshops, lavender-scented fields and optional lake swims or canoeing.
Gorges du Verdon Private Tour: Lac de Sainte-Croix, Moustiers & Castellane Day Trip
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Pull off the coastal ribbon of the Côte d'Azur and the world tightens into stone. The road climbs from pine-scented switchbacks and then, abruptly, the Verdon opens beneath you: a canyon split by a river that has, over millennia, dared the limestone to give way.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early
Begin the tour before 9am to avoid midday heat and the bulk of tourist traffic at key viewpoints.
Bring swimwear and quick-dry towel
If you want to swim or rent a canoe at Lac de Sainte-Croix, have a change of clothes and water shoes.
Wear grippy shoes for village walks
Cobblestones in Moustiers and lookout trails around Castellane can be uneven—choose footwear with good traction.
Book water activities in high season
Canoe and electric-boat rentals at Sainte-Croix are limited in July–August—reserve in advance or arrive early.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bonelli’s eagle (high cliffs)
- Alpine ibex or chamois in higher ridges during spring and autumn
History
The Verdon gorge formed as water eroded Jurassic limestone; human settlement concentrated in defensive villages like Castellane during the Middle Ages along Route Napoléon.
Conservation
The Verdon is managed for both recreation and habitat protection—respect marked trails, avoid cliff edges, and carry out all litter; motorized boat regulations help protect water quality in Lac de Sainte-Croix.
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Adventure Hotspots in Castellane
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on cobbles, lookout trails and loose scree.
Reusable water bottle (1–2L)
Staying hydrated is essential during hot, exposed sections and lake stops.
summer specific
Light rain jacket or wind shell
Mountain weather can shift—bring a packable layer for cooler mornings or breezes at elevation.
spring specific
Camera with polarizing filter
A polarizer cuts glare on the lake and saturates the Verdon’s turquoise tones.