Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour

The "Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour" is a full-day adventure that showcases Provence’s natural wonders. Travelers can explore the dramatic Gorges du Verdon, stroll through the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and enjoy the vibrant lavender fields of Plateau de Valensole. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a scenic escape, this tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion from Nice, France, visiting Castellane, Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Plateau de Valensole, and Lac de Sainte-Croix.
• Explore the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, a canyon nearly 3,000 feet deep, and visit the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
• See the vibrant lavender fields of the Plateau de Valensole, with the best bloom visibility from mid-May to mid-July.
• Tour includes informative commentary from a driver/guide and accommodates wheelchair users and strollers.
• Potential for motion sickness due to winding roads, with luggage policy of one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

Tour Overview

The Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour is a full-day excursion that allows travelers to explore the stunning natural landscapes of the Provence region.

This tour departs from Nice, France, and takes visitors to Castellane, the Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the Plateau de Valensole, and Lac de Sainte-Croix.

During the approximately 10-11 hour tour, travelers can expect a maximum group size of 16 and informative commentary from a driver/guide.

The tour offers scenic views, opportunities for shopping and dining, and potential for swimming, though weather conditions may impact the itinerary.

Highlights of the Itinerary

As travelers embark on this comprehensive tour, they’ll first stop in the charming town of Castellane, where they’ll have an hour to explore the area at their leisure.

Next, they’ll journey along the Gorges du Verdon, marveling at the stunning canyon that plunges nearly 3,000 feet.

The tour then moves on to the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where they’ll have 45 minutes to indulge in lunch and browse the local shops.

Finally, the tour culminates with a stop at the Plateau de Valensole, renowned for its vibrant lavender fields, though the bloom timing is seasonal.

Scenic Drives and Viewpoints

One of the highlights of this tour is the scenic drive through the Gorges du Verdon, a breathtaking canyon that plunges nearly 3,000 feet (700 meters) deep.

The winding roads offer panoramic views of the rugged limestone cliffs and turquoise-colored waters below. Travelers can stop at designated viewpoints to snap photos and take in the stunning natural beauty.

The tour also includes a visit to the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, known for its picturesque narrow streets and stunning backdrop of towering cliffs.

These scenic drives and viewpoints are the perfect way to take in the stunning landscapes of Provence.

Exploring Small Villages

Though the tour also allows travelers to explore several charming small villages along the way, the highlight for many is the stop in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

This picturesque town, nestled at the base of towering cliffs, is known for its medieval architecture and artisanal ceramics. Visitors can wander the narrow streets, admire the stunning Notre-Dame de Beauvoir church, and browse the local shops for handcrafted pottery, lace, and other souvenirs.

The tranquil setting and unhurried pace of the village provide a welcome contrast to the busier tourist hubs, allowing travelers to enjoy the essence of Provence.

Seasonal Considerations

The timing of the lavender bloom is a key consideration for this tour, as the iconic purple fields are only in peak condition from mid-May to mid-July. Travelers should plan accordingly to see the vibrant landscape in full bloom. To help, here is a breakdown of the seasonal lavender availability:

Timeframe	Lavender Bloom
May 15 – June 15	Peak Bloom
July 1 – July 15	Gradual Fading
Before May 15	No Bloom
After July 15	No Bloom

While the tour offers other scenic highlights, the lavender fields are a major draw. Checking the bloom schedule is advisable to set proper expectations and time the visit accordingly.

Transportation and Accessibility

This tour provides transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle for the round-trip journey from Nice hotels.

The tour is accessible, accommodating both wheelchair users and those with strollers. Travelers are allowed a maximum of one suitcase and one carry-on per person, though inquiries about oversized luggage should be made.

The tour’s accessibility features include:

1. Wheelchair accessible
2. Stroller accessible
3. Air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable travel
4. Luggage policy of one suitcase and one carry-on per traveler

While the transportation and accessibility aspects are well-suited for the tour, travelers should be mindful of potential motion sickness due to the winding roads.

What to Expect on the Tour

Travelers can expect an informative and scenic journey accompanied by a knowledgeable driver/guide.

Along the way, the tour explores picturesque rural landscapes, quaint villages, and the region’s natural wonders. Highlights include a stop in the charming town of Castellane, a scenic drive through the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, and a visit to the lavender-filled Plateau de Valensole.

Though the tour offers opportunities for swimming, travelers should plan accordingly. While guides strive to provide a seamless experience, weather and seasonal factors can impact the tour, so flexibility is advised.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

What do travelers say about their experiences on this tour? According to customer reviews, the tour offers both positive and negative experiences.

On the plus side, travelers praise the scenic beauty and variety of locations, as well as the knowledgeable and accommodating guides.

However, some customers are disappointed that the lavender fields weren’t in bloom due to timing issues. Plus, the long travel times on winding roads can cause motion sickness for some.

The tour is generally described as a great option for short stays in Nice, though communication and execution concerns have been noted by a few participants.

• Scenic beauty and variety of locations
• Knowledgeable and accommodating guides
• Great for short stays in Nice
• Expectations for lavender fields unmet due to harvest timing

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour likely includes restroom breaks at the various stops, such as Castellane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and Lac de Sainte-Croix, allowing travelers to use facilities during the day-long excursion. However, the specifics aren’t mentioned in the tour overview.

What Languages Does the Guide Speak?

The tour guide is fluent in English and French, allowing them to provide informative commentary in both languages throughout the day. Additional language abilities may be available depending on the specific guide assigned to each tour.

Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?

Yes, the tour allows for frequent photo stops along the scenic routes through the Gorges du Verdon and lavender fields. The driver-guide is happy to accommodate requests for photo opportunities during the day.

Do We Have Free Time to Explore the Villages on Our Own?

The tour generally provides free time in the villages to explore on your own. However, the duration of these stops may be limited, so travelers should plan accordingly to make the most of their independent exploration time.

Is There an Option to Extend or Shorten the Tour Duration?

The tour’s duration is approximately 10-11 hours and can’t be extended or shortened. However, travelers can choose to spend more or less time at certain stops based on their preferences and the guide’s discretion.

The Sum Up

The "Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour" offers a remarkable day exploring Provence’s natural wonders. From the dramatic Gorges du Verdon to the picturesque villages and vibrant lavender fields, this excursion captures the essence of the region. With scenic drives, quaint stops, and seasonal highlights, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Southern France.