Provence road trip: Verdon Gorge to Lavender Plateau
Explore inland Provence's Alpine transition zone on this 112.6 km route through southeastern France. Visit the Verdon Gorge's dramatic limestone cliffs, the hilltop village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, lavender-covered plateaus near Valensole, and two scenic alpine reservoirs - Lac de Castillon and Lac de Sainte-Croix.
- Distance
- 112.6 km
- Duration
- 22 h 32 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Verdon Gorge β Natural Wonder
- End
- Valensole Lavender Plateau β Purple Landscapes
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Verdon Gorge β Natural Wonder β Dramatic limestone canyon stretching 25 kilometers with depths reaching 700 meters. The Verdon River originates in the Alps near Col d'Allos and flows 175km to meet the Durance.
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie β Hilltop Village β Small picturesque village a few kilometers north of Lac de Sainte-Croix, known for pottery and medieval charm.
- Lavender Fields of Provence β Vast purple blooms covering hillsides from June to August, producing fragrant essential oils that define the region's iconic landscape and agricultural heritage.
- Lac de Castillon β Alpine Reservoir β Quieter upstream lake offering recreation and tranquility, less crowded than Sainte-Croix.
- Valensole Lavender Plateau β Purple Landscapes β Expansive lavender fields defining the visual identity of Provence, particularly stunning in summer bloom.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- High-speed trains connect Paris to Avignon and Aix-en-Provence in around three hours. Marseille airport is a major gateway for reaching Provence.
- Transport
- A rental car increases range and reduces timetable dependency for exploring inland Provence. Roads are good with numerous roundabouts.
- Transport
- To reach Verdon Gorge, a car is required as there is no train station on the rim. Nearest major rail hubs are Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, and Nice.
- Tip
- Palais des Papes in Avignon covers 15,000 square metres with walls 50 metres high. Entry costs β¬12. The palace receives over 600,000 visitors annually.
- Tip
- The Pont Saint-BΓ©nΓ©zet (Bridge of Avignon) has four remaining arches. Entry costs around β¬5. You walk 500 metres to the end and return.
- Timing
- Gordes receives over 2 million visitors annually, with July and August accounting for the overwhelming majority. Early mornings and evenings are quieter.
- Timing
- Gordes works best as a concentrated stop rather than a prolonged base. The village has limited infrastructure to absorb demand.
- Transport
- Drive from Avignon to Gordes takes approximately 45 minutes via D900. Drive from Aix-en-Provence requires about one hour via D973.
- Tip
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located just a few kilometres north of Lac de Sainte-Croix. The village is classified as one of 'The Most Beautiful Villages of France'.
- Tip
- Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie requires climbing 262 steps. The path begins behind the parish church and dates from the twelfth century.
- Avoid
- Verdon Gorge is dangerous. Cliff edges are often unfenced. The river presents drowning hazards. Swimming, climbing, and hiking accidents occur annually.
- Tip
- Abbey Notre-Dame de SΓ©nanque is located 4 kilometres north of Gordes. The 12th-century Cistercian abbey is active with monks producing lavender products and honey. Certain areas open at specific times only.
Video on this route
PROVENCE - The Beautiful South of France π«π· Provence Travel Guide