Lavender & Verdon Gorge

Welcome to the beautiful region of Provence, in the south of France, where the fragrance of lavender fills the air and the stunning Verdon Gorge takes your breath away. This 7-day tour is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the French countryside, picturesque towns, and the rich cultural heritage of this region. Some of the highlights of this unforgettable tour are the lavender fields, stretching as far as the eye can see, charming medieval villages with their traditional markets and cafes, the dramatic Verdon Gorge with its emerald waters and plenty of hiking trails, and the very beautiful waterfall of Cascade de Sillans. Take a journey through time and nature, driving an iconic a vintage car. Unwind, relax and indulge in the beauty of Provence. Stay at charming luxury hotels and try the authentic local recipes. The program can be changed and adapted. You can also combine it with a visit to the nearby Luberon.

07 Days – From £1,950 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Marseille, Gordes, Sault, Valensole, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Verdon Gorge, Cascade de Sillans, Marseille

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast (upgrades to superior hotels and chateaux possible)
7-day car-hire: vintage car with manual transmission (full tank at pick-up, insurance, technical assistance)
App with GPS
Car delivery to the door of your hotel on day 2
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
All mandatory local taxes
24/7 assistance in English during your trip

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International & Domestic Flights / Train Ticket
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description
Additional kms
Photographer, Guide, Driver (can be arranged on request)

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. The starting point is Marseille Airport (MRS) which has good connections to the major European and international cities. Marseille is 1,5 h away from Gordes.

Alternatively, the closest train station is Avignon, which is 30 min away by road. There is a TGV high-speed train from Paris to Avignon.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp (+44 7 308 449 233) or email us at explore@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added.

Day 1 - Marseille to Gordes

Today you will arrive in Marseille. Pick up your car with the picnic basket and head towards Gordes, through the beautiful Provencal countryside. On arrival, explore the town’s narrow streets, charming cafes, the castle and the church. Later, drive to the nearby village of Lioux, set against the stunning cliffs. The sublime landscape is wonderful during the lavender season. Continue to the Distillery Les Agnels and learn about the lavender essential oils. Choose your picnic spot and enjoy fresh French delights. Later visit Plateau des Claparèdes and Rustrel, admiring beautiful lavender fields. On your return, head to the iconic Senanque Abbey, which melts into the lavender. What a purple day! Overnight at Le Jas de Joucas.

Day 2 - Sault

Today take a short drive to the town of Sault, the capital of lavender. Sault is the village with the most lavender fields in the Vaucluse. From the center of the village you will have a wonderful view of the purple fields below and the majestic Mont Ventoux above, a really beautiful view! Once arrived, hop on a half-day bike around to explore the perfumed fields for picture-perfect views. The hilltop village will stay in sight even as you venture far away – you won’t get lost. On your return, visit the distillery and have a good lunch. Spend the day admiring the fields and relaxing on a terrace. Overnight at Le Clos Saint Saourde.

Day 3 - Valensole

Today drive to the stunning lavender and sunflower fields of Valensole, located in the heart of Provence. Wander along the colorful fields and take a guided tour of Angelvin farm, bordered by stunning sunflowers. Later, pop into the bucolic village of Valensole for an al fresco lunch or lavender flavoured ice cream. Here you’ll find boutiques, a pretty town hall, a lovely fountain and an ancient washhouse. Cotninue to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, stopping at a beautiful viewpoints of the village, located between the towering cliffs. Overnight at Le Mas de La Crémaillère.

Day 4 - Verdon Gorge

Today drive to Verdon Gorge, the largest canyon in Europe. Take a kayaking tour through the emerald waters. After lunch, drive along the scenic rim and see the canyon from above. Stop in Trigance to visit the village and the castle then continue on the other side of the canyon. Spend the night in the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Explore the cobbled alleys of the old town, climb an ancient pathway up to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir Chapel. What a delightful view across the valley filled with olive groves from underneath the giant cypress trees. Stock up on ceramics, the traditional earthenware the village is known for, and reward your trip with some local Provencal rosé on a terrace. Overnight at La Bastide de Moustiers.

Day 5 - Lake Sainte-Croix

After breakfast, drive to the beautiful Sainte-Croix Lake, located in the heart of the Gorges du Verdon and spend the day on the lake. Enjoy a relaxing day, swimming, paddle-boarding, or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, take a drive around the lake, stopping in the villages of Bauduen and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, to admire the splendid views over the lake at sunset. What a marvelous place of tranquility and beauty! Return to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for the night for a good rest, preparing for the hike the next day. Overnight at La Bastide de Moustiers.

Day 6 - Verdon Gorge

Today start the day early and drive to the start of the scenic Imbut trail which will take you down the Verdon Gorge. Discover the canyon from below, with its crystalline waters, enormous boulders, narrow passages along the towering stone walls, secret canyons and beautiful flowers. The 5-hour hike will take you all the way to the Styx, a secondary canyon which is a bit hidden, but very beautiful. Stop along the way for a picnic and refreshing in the cold mountain steams. To finish the trail you will have to climb the stairs all the way up to the surface of the gorge. Return to Sainte Marie for a well-deserved dessert and a chilling afternoon with the smells of Provence. Overnight at La Bastide de Moustiers.

Day 7 - Cascade de Sillans & Departure

After breakfast, drive to Cascade de Sillans, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in France, hidden between the green valleys of the Var region. After strolling along the medieval village, hike to the 42-meter high waterfall, following the small stream of water. There are trails on both sides of the small river which is the source of the waterfalls, one going down to its base, and the other one leading to a high viewing platform. What a beautiful site! Return to Marseille, recharged with the energy of Provence. Time permitting, visit the old town of Marseille, le Panier, with its narrow alleys. Alternatively, extend your stay and discover the French Riviera.