Verdon and Moustiers Ste-Marie Tour From Aix-En-Provence

The Verdon and Moustiers Ste-Marie Tour from Aix-en-Provence offers a compelling small-group experience. Visitors explore local producers, marvel at the stunning Plateau de Valensole, and enjoy free time in the picturesque village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, the tour showcases the region’s breathtaking landscapes during the peak lavender bloom. Whether you’re seeking a hassle-free guided adventure or simply want to learn about the area’s natural beauty, this tour promises an unforgettable day.

Key Points

• This 9.5-hour small-group tour departs from Aix-en-Provence and visits Valensole, Moustiers Sainte-Marie, Lake of Ste-Croix, and Bauduen.
• The tour is priced from $162.85 per person and includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan with a professional driver/guide.
• The peak bloom period for lavender is in July, offering the best opportunity to witness the stunning purple hues on the Valensole Plateau.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and children under 4 years old are not allowed.
• The tour has an average rating of 4.5 based on 72 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Tour Overview and Details

The tour offers a 9.5-hour experience departing from Aix-en-Provence, showcasing the picturesque landscapes of Moustiers Ste-Marie and the surrounding region.

Highlights include the stunning Lake of Ste-Croix, the panoramic Pont de Galetas viewpoint, and a visit to a local producer in Valensole.

The small-group tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers and is priced from $162.85 per person, with gratuities, food, and drinks not included.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned minivan, and a professional driver/guide is included.

Itinerary and Stops

Departing from Aix-en-Provence at 9:00 AM, the tour first takes visitors to a local producer in Valensole, where they’ll spend an hour learning about the region’s agricultural heritage.

Next, the group enjoys a 20-minute visit to the stunning Plateau de Valensole.

The tour then explores the charming village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie for 2 hours, allowing for free time to discover its quaint streets and have lunch.

After, the tour heads to the serene Lake of Ste-Croix for a 45-minute stop before visiting Bauduen for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The day concludes with the return to Aix-en-Provence around 6:30 PM.

Transportation and Guide

An air-conditioned minivan transports tour participants from their hotels in Aix-en-Provence to the various destinations throughout the day.

A professional driver/guide accompanies the group, providing commentary and expertise to enhance the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children under 4 years old aren’t allowed.

Participants can expect a well-organized and seamless transportation experience, allowing them to focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and attractions along the way without the hassle of driving.

The included hotel pickup and drop-off service further adds to the convenience of this guided tour.

Tour Experience and Reviews

How do travelers rate this tour?

Reviews of the Verdon and Moustiers Ste-Marie tour from Aix-en-Provence are overwhelmingly positive, earning an average rating of 4.5 based on 72 reviews.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who enhance the experience with their expertise. The stunning scenery, well-paced itinerary, and opportunities for personal exploration are common highlights.

While some suggest more educational information during travel and increased time at certain stops, the tour is widely recommended for those who prefer guided experiences without the hassle of driving.

The ideal travel period is noted as mid-June to mid-July for the lavender bloom.

Scenic Beauty of Verdon Gorge and Moustiers Ste-Marie

The stunning natural beauty of the Verdon Gorge and the picturesque village of Moustiers Ste-Marie captivate travelers on this tour. The Verdon Gorge, often called the "Grand Canyon of Europe," dazzles with its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise-hued waters. Meanwhile, the medieval village of Moustiers Ste-Marie, perched atop a rocky outcrop, enchants with its charming streets, historic architecture, and stunning views. This combination of natural splendor and quaint French ambiance makes for an unforgettable experience.

Verdon Gorge	Moustiers Ste-Marie
Dramatic limestone cliffs	Charming medieval village
Turquoise-hued waters	Historic architecture
"Grand Canyon of Europe"	Stunning views from rocky outcrop

Suggestions for Improvement

While the tour offers a well-paced itinerary and stunning scenery, travelers suggest a few areas for potential improvement.

Some visitors recommend providing more educational information during the rides, allowing for a deeper understanding of the region’s history and culture.

Plus, increased time at certain stops, such as Moustiers Ste-Marie, would give travelers more opportunities for personal exploration.

The tour is praised, but these minor adjustments could enhance the experience further.

Implementing these suggestions could make an already excellent tour even more memorable for future participants.

Ideal Travel Period for Lavender Bloom

Travelers recommend booking this tour during the ideal travel period for lavender bloom, which typically occurs from mid-June to mid-July. This is the prime time to witness the stunning purple hues that blanket the Valensole Plateau. The table below outlines the typical lavender bloom calendar in the region:

Month	Bloom Stage
June	Early Bloom
July	Peak Bloom
August	Late Bloom

Visiting during the peak bloom in July allows travelers to fully enjoy the vibrant, fragrant landscape, making for an unforgettable experience on this Verdon and Moustiers Ste-Marie tour.

Hassle-Free Guided Experience

For those who prefer guided experiences without the hassle of driving, this tour offers a seamless and enriching way to explore the stunning landscapes of Verdon and Moustiers Ste-Marie.

The included professional driver/guide enhances the experience, offering insights and expertise throughout the journey. Travelers appreciate the well-paced itinerary, which allows for personal exploration at key stops.

Plus, the small group size of a maximum of 8 travelers ensures a more intimate and personalized experience. With hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a hassle-free way to take in the natural beauty of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the tour. Travelers can cancel their booking without any penalties if they notify the tour operator within this timeframe.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book this tour for a private group. The tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers, so you can reserve the entire experience for your party. Private group bookings are available upon request.

Is There an Option to Include Lunch in the Tour Price?

Yes, the tour offers an option to include lunch at an additional cost. The price for the tour with lunch is typically higher than the base tour price, though the exact amount is not specified in the overview.

How Many Stops Are Made Along the Way?

The tour includes 6 stops along the way, including a visit to a local producer in Valensole, the Plateau de Valensole, Moustiers Sainte-Marie, the Lake of Ste-Croix, and Bauduen before returning to Aix-en-Provence.

Is There an Audio Guide Available During the Tour?

There’s no mention of an audio guide being available on this tour. The tour includes a professional driver/guide, who likely provides commentary and information throughout the experience to enhance the traveler’s understanding of the sights and destinations visited.

The Sum Up

The Verdon and Moustiers Ste-Marie Tour from Aix-en-Provence offers a well-paced, guided experience that showcases the region’s stunning landscapes, including the Valensole Plateau and the picturesque village of Moustiers Ste-Marie. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, travelers can enjoy the tour’s highlights, especially during the peak lavender bloom from mid-June to mid-July. It’s a hassle-free way to explore the breathtaking sights of this beautiful corner of Provence.