Lakes · Var
1 Le Lac de Sainte Croix du Verdon
Lac de Sainte-Croix is the largest of the Verdon lakes.
View full page →Road trip in the Verdon in 2 to 3 days
From dizzying gorges with turquoise water to a reservoir lake and lavender fields: the Verdon is one of the most beautiful road trips in Provence.
Our day-by-day itinerary
The map shows the numbered stops in visiting order, with one colour per day. The line follows the roads where available; otherwise it joins the stops as the crow flies. Distances and times are approximate (by car, without traffic).
Day 1 — Le Lac de Sainte Croix du Verdon to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Lake Sainte-Croix and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, famous for its faïence and its star hanging above the ravine.
Driving for the day: about 17.7 km, or 24 min behind the wheel in total (excluding visits).
↓ 17.7 km · about 24 min by car to the next stop
Villages · Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
2 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Clinging to the foot of cliffs, in the hollow of a fault where a torrent flows and olive trees have grown, with fields of lavender, lavandin, thyme and cork oaks on the horizon, this village at the edge of the Verdon gorges and near the artificial Lake Sainte-Croix is one of the wonders of Provence.
View full page →Day 2 — Canyon du verdon to Castellane
The Verdon canyon by its viewpoints (by car) or its trails (on foot), then Castellane and its rock.
Driving for the day: about 51.5 km, or 56 min behind the wheel in total (excluding visits).
Waterfalls · Var
3 Canyon du verdon
A famous canyon with limestone walls. Above all see: the Point Sublime (400 m high), the Barre de l'Escalès (cliff), the Baume aux Bœufs tunnel cave, the St-Maurin waterfalls...
View full page →↓ 51.5 km · about 56 min by car to the next stop
Villages · Castellane
4 Castellane
Dominated by a rocky peak 180 metres high capped with a chapel, Castellane is the traditional gateway to the Verdon gorges.
View full page →Day 3 — Plateau de Valensole to Plateau de Valensole
In summer, a detour to the Valensole plateau and its lavender.
Natural wonders · Valensole
5 Plateau de Valensole
A huge farming plateau covered with lavender fields as far as the eye can see; in July Valensole offers one of the most photographed landscapes of Provence.
View full page →Practical tips
Sites are numbered in the recommended order. The gorge roads are narrow and winding: allow time, and avoid midsummer if you dislike crowds.
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