Provence · From Aix-en-Provence · The Closest Base
The shortest run to the canyon — full-day tours from Aix to the Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix.
The Experience
Less driving, more canyon — Aix is the closest major base.
A shorter drive to the gorge means more time at the viewpoints and the lake.
Pick a guided day trip, a boat or kayak tour on Lac de Sainte-Croix, a rafting or canyoning adventure, or a private tour — each is built around the canyon, the lake and the viewpoints.
The roads, the lake and the water sports are at their best from May to September, with June and September the sweet spot for weather and smaller crowds. Combine with the lavender from late June to mid-July.
Pay through our secure GetYourGuide booking partner — instant confirmation by email, mobile voucher, and free cancellation on most tours up to 24 hours before.
Meet at the pickup point and let your guide handle the winding canyon roads, the Route des Crêtes viewpoints, the lake stop and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Photo Gallery
The canyon, the lake and Moustiers, reached on the shortest run in.
Book Your Experience
Select your date and group size. Instant confirmation — free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
The Aix Verdon & Moustiers day, a Nice full day, or a lavender-canyon combo — compared.
| Feature | CLOSEST BASE Aix: Verdon Canyon & Moustiers | From Nice: Verdon Full Day | Verdon: Lavenders & Canyon Boat Picnic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $183/per person | $144 | $333 |
| Departs From | Aix-en-Provence | Nice | Aix area |
| Driving distance to gorge | ~1h40–2h (shortest) | ~2–2.5h | ~1h40–2h |
| Lac de Sainte-Croix | Yes | Yes | Yes — boat picnic |
| Moustiers-Sainte-Marie | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lavender (in season) | Sometimes | Sometimes | Yes |
| Best For | Least driving | Riviera-based | A special combo day |
| Check Availability | View Tour | View Tour |
Closer departures to the canyon, plus Riviera options if you can't move base.
FROM NICEDiscover the wonders of the Gorges de Verdon, including the largest lake in the region, the Lake of Sainte-Croix on a full-day tour from Nice. Explore charming small villages including Castellane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and many more top sights.
SMALL GROUPDiscover the spectacular Verdon Gorge on a full-day trip from Nice. Travel along the legendary Route Napoléon and experience breathtaking views, turquoise lakes and authentic Provence landscapes.
+ LAVENDERA day like a local in Gorges-du-Verdon. You will stroll in lavenders fields off the beaten path, have a boat picnic with wines in the canyon and visit the amazing village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.
From Aix-en-Provence
Why Aix is the easiest base for the Verdon.
Of the major Provence cities, Aix-en-Provence is the closest base for the Gorges du Verdon — roughly 1 hour 40 to 2 hours by road — which means less time in the vehicle and more at the canyon. Day trips from Aix typically loop the Verdon viewpoints, stop in clifftop Moustiers-Sainte-Marie with its faïence ceramics, and take in the turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix at the canyon’s mouth.
Because the drive is shorter than from the coast, Aix departures can spend longer on the ground — an unhurried village lunch, more belvedere stops, or extra time by the lake. In late June and July, several Aix tours also fold in the Valensole lavender, which sits between the city and the gorge.
Based on the Riviera instead? The day trip from Nice is the long-but-spectacular alternative, and the Verdon Gorge day trips page covers every departure. To get onto the turquoise water once you’re there, see the boat and kayak tours on Lac de Sainte-Croix.
Guest Reviews
"First of all, our guide Pascal was incredible! Not only was he so engaging and informative, but had such a fun personality and was a joy to have on this tour. Every bit of this tour was perfect - from the stop at the local producer to the town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to our swim stop. I cannot recommend this day trip enough l!"
"Excellent tour. Guide was very informative and good value for money."
"Awesome trip. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took us to a couple of extra places. The main part of the tour Moustiers Saint Marie and Verdon Gorge were both so beautiful. Long day but very worthwhile"
"Interesting tour with fantastic views. Wld b better if the lavenders are still in bloom"
"The guide is humorous and the trip is fun. Verdon canyon is especially amazing but we met a thunderstorm there. Hence, had no chance for the boat ride. Not really interested for L'Occitane factory visit. If we could opt out of the visit or replace with wine tour, it may be more fun for us."
"This tour take place every Wednesday and I think The best months to enjoy this tour are July and August because our journey to the canyons was surrounded by the blossoms Lavendar Fields but we didn't see them since it was September. Our tour guide/driver is Paco, he is very helpful in describing the history n information about Provence and the canyons.. We like the scenery very much!! Great!"
Read all 0 verified reviews
See All ReviewsSkip the self-drive logistics on the canyon's hairpin roads — let a local guide handle the route, the viewpoints, and the lake. Choose from day trips, boat and rafting tours, most with free cancellation. Starting from $183 per person.
Browse Verdon Gorge ToursThe shortest run to the canyon from a Provence city.
About 1 hour 40 to 2 hours by road — the shortest run of the major Provence cities, which means less time in the vehicle and more at the canyon.
Typically the Verdon viewpoints, the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie with its faïence ceramics, and the turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix, with round-trip transport from Aix and a guide.
Yes — it's the closest major city, so day trips spend less time driving and more on the ground. It's also well connected to Marseille and the TGV network.
In season (late June to mid-July) several Aix tours add the Valensole lavender, which lies between the city and the gorge. See our lavender and Verdon combo page.
Full day, typically 8–10 hours including travel — shorter than the equivalent trip from Nice because of the closer distance.
Standard day trips focus on the panoramic viewpoints, the lake and the villages. To get into the water, add a boat, kayak or rafting trip on a separate day.
Yes — alongside standard tours there are small-group and private options that offer more flexibility and comfort for a higher price.
Usually not; most tours allow free time for lunch in Moustiers or another village. A few include a picnic — check the specific tour.
May to September, with June and September offering good weather and fewer crowds. The July lavender peak is the busiest and most scenic for combo days.
Most Aix day trips allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Confirm on each booking page before you pay.
Still have questions? Email us at info@gorgesduverdon.tours