Wine-Tour day: in the Gorges du Verdon

Traveling through Provence offers endless scenic delights, but one of the most captivating ways to explore the region’s rugged beauty and culinary treasures is via a sidecar tour. This experience promises more than just a typical sightseeing day — it blends exhilarating rides with breathtaking views, local wine tasting, and relaxing lakeside stops. We’ve reviewed this tour to help you decide if it’s worth your time, and spoiler alert: it looks fantastic.

What immediately caught our attention is how unusual and fun this journey is — riding in a vintage-style sidecar is a real conversation starter and a charming way to see the countryside. We also love how accessible the tour is for those with reduced mobility, ensuring everyone can enjoy Provence’s fantastic scenery. The mix of wine tasting, lakeside picnics, and scenic drives makes it well-rounded, though some travelers might find the day’s itinerary quite packed. This experience suits those who love a blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic regional flavors.

Key Points

• Unique transportation: Traveling in a vintage sidecar offers a fun, memorable twist on traditional tours.
• Spectacular views: From Sainte-Victoire to Verdon Gorges, scenery is the star of this experience.
• Culinary highlights: Includes a picnic by the lakes and wine tastings, perfect for food and wine lovers.
• Accessible design: Suitable for travelers with reduced mobility.
• Full-day adventure: A well-paced itinerary with plenty of stops but consider the long driving stretches.
• Flexibility: Private group setting and flexible booking with cancellation options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Provence Day Tour

This tour strikes a balance between adrenaline and relaxation, combining scenic rides with leisure activities that highlight the region’s beauty and flavors. It’s designed as a full-day experience starting from Aix-en-Provence, with hotel pickup included. You’ll be in a private group, riding comfortably in a sidecar, which adds a sense of intimacy and exclusivity to the day.

Starting from Aix-en-Provence

Your adventure begins in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, a city famous for its art scene and elegant streets. The tour provider, LA BELLE ECHAPPEE, offers several pickup spots including the Paul Cezanne Statue, Hotel La Villa Gallici, and Hôtel Aquabella & Spa. We recommend being ready 10 minutes early to avoid missing the pickup — expect a friendly guide to welcome you and quickly brief you on safety and the day’s plans.

Scenic Ride through Sainte-Victoire Mountain

The initial leg takes you on winding roads through Sainte-Victoire, an iconic mountain immortalized by Cézanne. As you follow these curves, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, which often inspire awe and a sense of connection with the landscape. Reviewers consistently mention how breathtaking the scenery is, with one noting, “We loved the way the road snakes through the mountains, offering picture-perfect vistas at every turn.”

Lake Esparron or Sainte-Croix Picnic Stop

After about 40 minutes of riding, you’ll arrive at a charming lakeside spot—either Lake Esparron or Sainte-Croix. Here you’ll be encouraged to unpack a picnic and soak up the tranquil setting with turquoise waters stretching out before you. Many guests rave about this segment, describing it as the perfect pause in nature. You might even want to dip your toes or swim to cool off, as the lakes are inviting and relatively uncrowded.

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The Majestic Verdon Gorges

Next, the tour takes you on the famous Route des Crêtes, which offers spectacular viewpoints of the Verdon Gorge, often called Europe’s Grand Canyon. This stretch is the highlight for many, with stop-offs for photos and a chance to marvel at the dramatic cliffs and deep canyon below. Several reviews highlight how impressive and awe-inspiring the views are; one reviewer mentioned that it felt like navigating a living postcard.

Lac de Sainte-Croix and Relaxation

Descending into the Lac de Sainte-Croix area, you’ll find a spot to relax, swim, or pedal boat. The lake’s emerald waters make for stunning photos and a refreshing break. Many travelers appreciate this peaceful lakeside time, emphasizing how much it adds to the overall experience.

Returning and Wine Tasting

The last leg involves a scenic drive back toward Aix-en-Provence, with a stop at a local winery for a tasting. Here, you’ll learn about Provence’s grape varieties and winemaking techniques, which adds a cultural layer to your day. This tasting is often praised as a delightful way to end the journey, especially since it offers a chance to sample regional wines in an authentic setting.

Practical Details and Considerations

The day’s pace is well-structured, with plenty of stops and opportunities to take in the scenery. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, helmets and gloves, a bottle of water, and a wine tasting — all of which add convenience and value. The total duration is approximately 8 hours, but this depends on traffic and the time spent at each stop.

The price point reflects the exclusivity of a private, guided experience with transportation, tasting, and scenic stops included. It’s a good deal for travelers who value a personalized and immersive adventure rather than a generic bus tour. However, be aware that catering isn’t included unless you book a picnic, so consider bringing snacks or planning accordingly.

Accessibility and Suitability

This tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for those with reduced mobility, which is relatively rare for such scenic adventures. It’s also private, making it more adaptable for special requests or group sizes.

Not suitable for children under 5 or pregnant women, primarily due to safety considerations and the physical demands of riding in a sidecar.

Things to Pack

Given the outdoor nature of the tour, bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable weather-appropriate clothing. Don’t forget water and snacks for breaks and, if you plan to swim, a swimsuit and towel.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

One reviewer mentioned that “the views from the Route des Crêtes are so spectacular, I felt like I was in a movie,” highlighting how photogenic and memorable the scenery is. Another praised the friendly guide and the well-organized logistics, making the whole experience smooth and stress-free. The lakeside picnic was rated a highlight, with many saying it offered a peaceful retreat amid stunning surroundings.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventure seekers who don’t mind a bit of winding mountain riding, but also crave moments of calm by lakes and vineyards. It’s especially suited for those who want a unique, fun way to explore Provence with a touch of adrenaline and elegance. If you love photo opportunities, scenic drives, and regional wine, this tour ticks many boxes.

It’s also a great option for couples or small groups looking for an intimate, memorable day. Travelers who prefer cultural experiences with a relaxed pace will find this tour a rewarding way to see some of Provence’s most iconic sights.

The Sum Up

This sidecar tour through the Gorges du Verdon combines scenic landscapes, authentic wine tasting, and leisurely lakeside stops into a truly special day. It’s a wonderful blend of adventure and relaxation, ideal for those looking to experience Provence in a memorable and engaging way. The views are undeniably spectacular, and the unique mode of transport adds a fun twist that sets it apart from typical tours.

While the day can feel long with multiple stops, the variety ensures you won’t get bored. It’s especially suited to travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, stunning scenery, and a touch of novelty. For anyone eager to see Provence’s natural beauty from a different perspective — in a vintage sidecar — this adventure offers excellent value and a truly memorable story to tell.

FAQs

• How early should I be ready for pickup? You should wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to ensure you’re ready.
• Is the tour suitable for people with reduced mobility? Yes, the tour is accessible to those with reduced mobility, making it inclusive for more travelers.
• What should I bring for the day? Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and snacks. If you plan to swim, bring a towel and swimsuit.
• How long is the total tour? The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, depending on traffic and the time spent at stops.
• Are food and drinks included? Food isn’t included unless you book a picnic; the tour does include a bottle of water and wine tasting.
• Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• What is the experience like riding in a sidecar? Expect a fun, immersive way to see the countryside with small group intimacy, and many say it adds a sense of adventure.
• Is it suitable for children? The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 or pregnant women.
• What is the main highlight of the tour? Most travelers find the views from the Route des Crêtes and the lakeside picnic to be the top highlights.

This tour offers a fantastic combination of scenic beauty, regional flavors, and an adventurous twist. It’s a superb choice for those wanting more than just another sightseeing bus ride — instead, you get an authentic, memorable day in Provence.

Note: All details are based on provided information; please check current availability and specific conditions before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here: