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Highlights
Cycle through Provence’s breathtaking landscapes, lavender fields, and villages.
Ride through Europe’s largest canyon, the breathtaking Verdon Gorges.
Discover the vibrant lavender fields and charming villages of Provence.
Swim in the turquoise waters of Sainte Croix Lake.
Experience the authentic traditions and scenic beauty of Haute Provence.
The Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure Tour takes you through one of France's most beautiful and rugged landscapes, with breathtaking views of the Verdon Gorges, Europe's largest canyon. You'll cycle along narrow, winding roads through dramatic limestone cliffs, stopping at scenic belvederes for panoramic views of the canyon below. The route also leads you to the stunning turquoise waters of Sainte Croix Lake, where you can swim or try water sports, all while exploring quaint Provencal villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, renowned for its picturesque charm.
Along the way, you'll pedal through the lush lavender fields of the Valensole plateau, a true symbol of Provence. This self-guided tour offers an immersive experience in the region’s rich culture, with opportunities to sample local honey, olive oil, and lavender products. The tour combines physical challenge with unparalleled natural beauty, making it a perfect adventure for those seeking a unique cycling journey through one of France's most iconic landscapes.
The Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure Tour takes you through one of France's most beautiful and rugged landscapes, with breathtaking views of the Verdon Gorges, Europe's largest canyon. You'll cycle along narrow, winding roads through dramatic limestone cliffs, stopping at scenic belvederes for panoramic views of the canyon below. The route also leads you to the stunning turquoise waters of Sainte Croix Lake, where you can swim or try water sports, all while exploring quaint Provencal villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, renowned for its picturesque charm.
Along the way, you'll pedal through the lush lavender fields of the Valensole plateau, a true symbol of Provence. This self-guided tour offers an immersive experience in the region’s rich culture, with opportunities to sample local honey, olive oil, and lavender products. The tour combines physical challenge with unparalleled natural beauty, making it a perfect adventure for those seeking a unique cycling journey through one of France's most iconic landscapes.
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Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in La Palud-sur-Verdon
Arrive on your own at La Palud-sur-Verdon, located between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, in the heart of the Verdon region. This charming village is a popular base for climbing enthusiasts and offers a warm, authentic atmosphere with its local bars and restaurants. The “Château de La Palud” houses the Maison des Gorges du Verdon, an eco-museum that highlights the natural beauty of the gorges. Between 7:30 and 8:00 PM, you’ll meet with the bike representative for the delivery of your bikes at your hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Palud-sur-Verdon
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 The spectacular “crest road”
In the morning, you’ll begin your ride on the spectacular 24 km “Crest Road” loop starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon. This panoramic route takes you along the gorges at altitudes of up to 700 meters, where you’ll discover 14 belvederes offering breathtaking views of the Verdon cliffs and the Grand Canyon. As you pedal, keep an eye out for local wildlife like vultures, chamois, and foxes.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Point Sublime, one of the most impressive viewpoints in the gorges. You can also take an optional detour, cycling 4 km followed by a 20-30 minute walk to the entrance of the “Couloir Samson,” a rock-carved tunnel offering two windows with stunning views of the canyon. Afterward, you will continue on to the village of Trigance, nestled at 800 meters above sea level. This charming Provencal village, with its medieval castle and stone houses, offers a perfect glimpse into the region’s history and beauty.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Trigance
Distance: Option 1: 24 km, +650m/-650m. Option 2: 20 km, +240m/-400m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Views along the Corniche Sublime and Verdon Gorge
In the morning, prepare for the most physically challenging day of your tour with a spectacular ride along the iconic “Corniche Sublime” road on the left bank of the Verdon Gorge. This route is both breathtaking and demanding, featuring intense climbs, including a steep 8 km ascent with sections over 12% climb. As you navigate the challenging terrain, you’ll pass awe-inspiring structures like the Artuby Bridge and Fayet Tunnel, which seem to defy gravity in this dramatic landscape.
After conquering the climbs, enjoy a long descent down a winding road to the picturesque village of Aiguines, perched on the mountainside. From the Saint-Pierre chapel, you can take in sweeping views of Lac de Sainte-Croix, the Valensole plateau, and even Mont Ventoux. In summer, you can cool off and swim on the little beaches beside the lake! Optionally, at the Galetas Bridge, you can take a break and rent a kayak or pedalo to explore the entrance of the gorges.
Afterward, cycle to the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of France’s most beautiful villages, nestled into the cliffs beneath the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel. This quintessential Provencal village offers stunning views and a picturesque setting that will leave a lasting impression.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Distance: Option 1: 30 km, +860 m/-840 m. Option 2: 15 km, +200m/-360m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycling amongst lavender fields
Cycle through the Verdon hinterland, known for its lavender fields, toward Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, situated on the shores of Sainte-Croix Lake. This route is filled with colors and scents, taking you through Provence’s traditional landscapes, including honey, olive oil, lavandin, and truffle producers. For a shorter ride, you can directly head to Sainte-Croix village, passing by lavender and honey farms along the way.
Alternatively, take the longer route, which begins in the historical Roman city of Riez. Pedal along mountain roads surrounded by oak, pine, and cedar forests as you climb to the lavender-covered Valensole Plateau, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise lake and the Verdon massif. After descending into Sainte-Croix village, enjoy its charming coves and small beaches, perfect for a picnic or a swim in the lake. Finish the day by climbing back up through the lavender fields and descending toward Moustiers.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Moustiers
Distance: Option 1: 40 km, +600m/-600m. Option 2: 52 km, +630m/-630m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Departure day
After breakfast, your cycling adventure comes to an end.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure Price and Dates
Accommodation on Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure
This tour is based on bed and breakfast and hotels. All the rooms have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Supplement is required for groups of 3 or 5 travellers. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure?
Meals
4 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour.
Also included
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps
- A road map of the region
- 24/7 phone assistance
Not included
- Flights to and from France
- Transport to La Palud / from Moustiers
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Bike rental
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- Electric bike rental – Cannondale or similar (helmet, lock, mobile phone holder, repair kit & pump, 2 x rear bags, Battery 600 watt – 90km autonomy, battery charger)
- How hard is the Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to La Palud-sur-Verdon to start this tour?
- Is the Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure in English?
- Where does the Lavender Roads & Verdon Gorges Adventure end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
- Are there any travel restrictions for France?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. This cycling tour through the Verdon Gorges and lavender fields presents a moderate challenge, with some demanding sections. The terrain includes winding mountain roads, significant elevation changes, and steep climbs, particularly on the "Corniche Sublime" road, where gradients exceed 12%. While e-bikes make the journey more accessible, cyclists still need a good level of endurance. The tour is best suited for riders with some experience in hilly terrain, but it remains manageable for those prepared for a mix of effort and breathtaking rewards.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Marseille, which is the closest major airport to La Palud-sur-Verdon. From there, you can take a bus or train to the village. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to La Palud-sur-Verdon, which is about a 2-hour drive from Marseille. For added convenience, you can also opt to pay for an extra transfer service, which can be arranged to pick you up directly from the airport and take you to the village.
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as a helpline phone number.
The tour ends in Moustiers.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are electric bikes (Cannondale or similar).
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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