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Verdon & the Lavender Plateaus: Route Guide

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Gorges du Verdon turquoise — Verdon & the Lavender Plateaus
Photo: Tobi 87 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Europe's grandest canyon meets its most photographed lavender. The Verdon's limestone walls drop 700 metres to water the colour of glacier milk, kayakable from Lac de Sainte-Croix; Moustiers hangs off the cliff above beneath a gold star. Time it for early July, when the Valensole plateau hums purple, and finish among Grasse's perfume houses.

Verdon & the Lavender Plateaus is a 175 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as 3–5 days; the plan below is the 4-day version for July, built from 57 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

3–5
days
175km
distance
3
Stops
57
curated stops

Plan your own version → 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go

The route

Aix-en-Provence→ 110 kmThe Verdon Gorge→ 65 kmGrasse

What you'll see

Musée Granet
Walk through centuries of painting, sculpture and local archaeology in this renowned museum.
Aix-en-Provence
Lac de Sainte-Croix
Enjoy swimming, surfing or simply gazing at this vast, pristine reservoir.
The Verdon Gorge
Parfumerie Fragonard - The History Factory
Here you can explore the art of perfume making in a historic setting right in the heart of Grasse.
Grasse
Hotel de Caumont
Tour an art-filled 18th-century mansion set in beautiful gardens.
Aix-en-Provence
Point Sublime
Take in breathtaking panoramic views over the dramatic Verdon gorge.
The Verdon Gorge
Molinard
The scent of delicate floral perfumes fills the air in this historic perfumery.
Grasse
Hôtel de Ville
You will see grand classical architecture and historic municipal offices in the heart of the city.
Aix-en-Provence
Sentier Martel
Trek the classic canyon path with awe-inspiring views of cliffs and turquoise waters.
The Verdon Gorge

Choose your length

3-day plan11 stops · 5.3 h transit3.7 stops/day · 1.8 h transit/daySee the full plan →4-day plan22 stops · 5.6 h transit5.5 stops/day · 1.4 h transit/daySee the full plan →5-day plan26 stops · 6.5 h transit5.2 stops/day · 1.3 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: June, July, August, September

The Valensole plateau turns purple from late June to mid-July — the lavender is cut by early August, so the postcard weeks are short and specific.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →