How to Plan the Perfect Verdon Gorge Day Trip from Nice

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The Verdon Gorge, also known as Europe’s Grand Canyon, is France’s one of the most beautiful destinations and an ideal place for a day trip from Nice. With its turquoise waters, surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs, it’s a popular spot for both locals and international tourists.

One-day trip to the Verdon Gorge in Verdon Natural Regional Park offers stunning views, waterfalls, Sainte-Croix and Castillon lakes, Verdon River, and villages of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

After catching a glimpse of photographs of the Verdon Gorge’s stunning turquoise water, contrasted with dramatic cliffs, I knew I wanted to include it in my itinerary for my trip to Nice. Travelers seeking to explore France’s stunning coastline and mountain landscapes will find the Verdon Gorge to be the perfect getaway, located almost 80 miles from Nice and just a few hours away..

Whether you choose a guided day trip with a private transfer or decide to explore on your own by car, the Verdon Gorge promises an unforgettable experience, allowing you to fully witness the natural splendor of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

How to Get from Nice to Verdon Gorge

Driving from Nice to Verdon Gorge

There are a few routes you can take when traveling from Nice to the Verdon Gorge:

Scenic Route (D2 →D6→D4085 → D952)

This drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Along the way, you’ll find panoramic viewpoints of the Verdon River, the trailhead for the Sentier Blanc-Martel hike, the Cascades Saut du Loup, and picturesque villages such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane. We chose this route on our way to the gorge, and it was well worth the extra time for the views and stops.

Additionally, you may also spot cyclists on route D2 training for Le Tour de France, one of the most anticipated annual cycling sporting events in France. This three-week race begins in the northeastern part of France, passes through over 500 villages across all regions, and ends in Paris.

Fastest Route (A8 Motorway)

If you prefer to get there quickly, the A8 is the most direct option, taking about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2.5 hours. We opted for this route on our return journey from the Verdon Gorge to Nice.

Guided Tours from Nice

If you prefer a less stressful travel experience, there are several daily guided tour excursions to Verdon Gorge from Nice. These include sitting back and enjoying the breathtaking views without worrying about navigating unfamiliar mountain roads. You’ll enjoy comfortable transfers, knowledgeable explanations from guides familiar with the region, and carefully planned visits to viewpoints, and villages—meaning that you can make the most of your visit while someone else does the planning.

I booked a full-day trip from Nice to the Verdon Gorge, and overall, it proved to be an ideal choice. To begin with, our local guide provided interesting information about every stop along the route. In addition, his familiarity with the twisting mountain roads made the whole trip effortless and pleasant. Finally, riding in a small passenger van ensured comfort even on the tight, twisty parts of the drive.

Public Transport Options

Although France has an extensive railway network, there is no train station near the Verdon Gorge. Likewise, there are no direct bus lines from Nice to Verdon Gorge. One option is to take a public bus from Nice to Castellane, then continue by local bus, taxi, or private transfer. However, due to these transfers, traveling by public transport can take considerably longer compared to driving or joining a guided tour.

Best Things to Do in Verdon Gorge in One Day

Enjoy the Verdon Gorge Views from La Route des Crêtes and Couloir Samson

There are several spots along the route where you can stop and take in the spectacular views of natural scenery, from towering cliffs and winding rivers to diverse flora and even birds of prey, including hawks! Some of the top panoramic viewpoints include:

• La Route des Crêtes – This scenic route offers multiple stops with breathtaking views of the Verdon River and surrounding cliffs. On our visit, we even spotted a hawk soaring above the canyon.

• Couloir Samson—Another fantastic viewpoint with all-encompassing vistas of the mountains and Verdon River. This spot also serves as the starting point for the Blanc-Martel hiking trail, one of the most popular hiking paths in Verdon Gorge. If you have time, hiking Blanc-Martel is a serene way to experience the natural beauty of Verdon Gorge.

Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding on Lac de Sainte-Croix

Lac de Sainte-Croix (Sainte-Croix Lake) is a great place to enjoy water activities. You can go kayaking, paddleboarding, or rent a small boat to explore its clear turquoise waters and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The lake is the largest artificial lake in the area, created by building a dam on the Verdon River in 1973. In fact, it is also the third-largest lake in France. On sunny days, the water turns a bright turquoise color because of the limestone and clay from the nearby cliffs.

You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or small boats at the Étoile Nautique Base on the lake’s shore or book online. One popular company is Verdon Canoe, which lets you reserve in advance or rent on the spot if available.

In summer, the water is perfect for swimming and all kinds of water sports, making Lac de Sainte-Croix a must-stop on your day trip to Verdon Gorge.

Explore the Surrounding Villages

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, situated close to Lake Sainte-Croix, is renowned for its picturesque hillside setting, medieval architecture, and faience (ceramics) traditions. In addition, visitors are enchanted by its cobblestone streets, while also enjoying the scenic vistas and the iconic Pont de Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

The village stands out for its renowned ceramics and local delicacies, including lavender honey, lavender ice cream, truffle products and more. With its charming cafés, shops, and restaurants, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie offers an authentic Provençal experience, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the Verdon Gorge region. 

Discover the best stops and shops in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Castellane, and nearby villages like Gréolières—check out my article “Charming Villages of Verdon Gorge: Moustiers, Castellane and More!“

 Castellane

Castellane is the first medieval village you’ll come across on the way from Nice to the Verdon Gorge. Located adjacent to the turquoise Verdon River and surrounded by limestone cliffs, it has a mix of history and charm.

The highlight is the Notre Dame du Roc Chapel, built high above the village on Roc cliff, where a short hike rewards you with amazing views.

Furthermore, strolling through Castellane’s old stone streets, spotting landmarks like St. Victor’s Church, and enjoying the views of the Verdon River give you a real taste of Provencal charm.

Beyond its natural beauty, Castellane also holds a place in French history—Napoleon stopped here during his famous march, known as the Hundred Days, to Paris after returning from exile on Elba Island.

Lac de Castillon

Only 10 minutes from Castellane, Lac de Castillon is a beautiful turquoise lake perfect for a relaxing stop on your Verdon Gorge trip. Like Lac de Sainte Croix, here you can also swim, kayak, paddleboard, or enjoy a picnic by the calm waters of Cheiron Bay. The lake is quieter than Lac de Sainte-Croix, making it a great place to unwind.

Don’t miss: Also, don’t miss the striking Castillon Dam, the oldest of the five dams built in the Castillon hydroelectric system that powers much of the region.

Did you know? 
Construction of the Castillon dam and hydroelectric plant began in 1928 but wasn’t finished until after WWII. It was finally completed in 1949 by EDF (Électricité de France). The reservoir holds enough water to fill 4,000 Olympic-sized pools—and today it provides not only electricity but also drinking water, irrigation for Provence, and lakes for leisure activities.

Gréolières

Gréolières is a picturesque medieval village along the D2 route, known for the ruins of its original settlement abandoned after an earthquake, with a restored chapel remaining. The newer village features remnants of a castle and attracts both hikers in summer and skiers in winter.

Cascades du Saut-du-Loup 

Our first stop on the full-day excursion from Nice to the Verdon Gorge took us to Cascades du Saut-du-Loup (waterfalls). Here, several small waterfalls create a water pool, surrounded by lush vegetation. In addition, the area provides a tranquil atmosphere and panoramic views, highlighting the natural beauty of the region.

Access to the viewing platform costs €1 via an automated gate. It is also a convenient spot for coffee and restroom breaks, with a small restaurant adjacent to the Cascades du Saut-du-Loup.

Visit Lavender Fields

No trip to Provence is complete without seeing the lavender fields in bloom! The best time to visit is late June through late July, when the fields are at their peak before the harvest.

One of the most scenic drives in the region is the Routes de la Lavande, where endless rows of purple lavender sweep across the countryside. As you walk in the field, the air is filled with the fragrance of lavender, and you might even hear the gentle buzz of bees flying from flower to flower. For some of the most iconic views, stop at the Angelvin Lavender fields and the Valensole Plateau, situated between Lac de Sainte-Croix and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Suggested Itinerary for a Day Trip from Nice to Verdon Gorge

• Morning: Depart Nice early in the morning
• Morning: Cascades Saut du Loup and a quick stop for coffee and restroom break
• Morning : Quick stop near Greolieres
• Morning: Castellane
• Midday: La route de Cretes, Couloir Samson for panoramic views 
• Midday: Visit Moustiers-Sainte Marie; good for lunch stop and local shopping
• Midday: Visit Lavender Fields
• Afternoon: St. Croix Lake activities
• Evening: Return drive to Nice

Map of the Suggested Route

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Best time to visit : Late Spring and summer seasons are optimal for water activities, as the lake water becomes suitably warm for swimming during periods of consistent sunshine. Spring, summer, and fall seasons ideal for hiking opportunities.
• What to pack: Water, sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes for walking, beach towel, swimming suits, power bank for your phone, and camera.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, bring some motion sickness relief tablets as some roads are narrow, steep, and windy.  
  
  

A day trip from Nice to the Verdon Gorge offers the perfect combination of adventure, scenery, and Provençal charm. From driving along the stunning Route des Crêtes to kayaking on the turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix or strolling through villages such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, each stop adds something unforgettable to your journey. With guided tours or self-drive itineraries available, planning your visit is easier than ever. Combine stunning natural landscapes, cultural gems, and practical tips from this guide, and you’ll have everything you need to experience the best of the Verdon Gorge in just one day.

Verdon Gorge- Day Trip Stops Video