If you're looking to take a break from the busy roads and flashing lights of Nice, a hike through the tranquil and refreshing setting of Verdon Gorge river canyon is what you need.

Activity lovers will rejoice with plenty of opportunities to hike, swim, raft or rock climb through the 700-meter canyon.

If you think that sounds too much like hard work, day trips to Verdon Gorge from Nice can also be a relaxing experience. This can consist of simply lounging on a boat and dipping your toes into the refreshing river.

Regardless of your enthusiasm for outdoor activities, an excursion to Verdon Gorge is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

Here's all you need to know about Verdon Gorge, one of the most active day trips from Nice.

How to get to Verdon Gorge from Nice?

The Verdon Gorge is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d'Azur region of Southern France. The gorge is around 150 kilometers from the city of Nice.

From Verdon Gorge to Nice by car

It's a 2.5-hour jaunt to Verdon Gorge from Nice by car. You'll take the A8 south out of the city and follow it down the coast.

Take exit 36 towards Saint-Tropez and follow signs for the D1555. At a fork in the road, take the D54 and follow it as far as the D955 which will lead you towards Verdon Gorge.

It's advisable to rent a car, as public transportation is limited to and from the canyon.

Guided tour to Verdon Gorge from Nice

Most Verdon Gorge day trips begin between 8 AM and 9 AM with a pickup from your hotel. The tour lasts approximately 10 hours and arrives back in Nice in the early evening.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Verdon Gorge from Nice?

After being picked up from your hotel in the morning, you'll be transported to Castellane. Make sure you have a big breakfast, as food is not included on most tours.

In the 9th-century village, you'll participate in a tour of the most notable landmarks, including St. Victor's Church, the clock tower and the Pentagonal tower.

Verdon Gorge is close by and you'll have time to see the awe-inspiring natural site.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is the next stop, where you'll have free time to frolic in the lavender fields and experience the crystal clear waters of Sainte-Croix Lake. The body of water is one of the largest in France.

While in the fields, some excursions will include a guided tour of a lavender processing plant.

As your Verdon Gorge day tour ends, you'll travel by bus back to Nice and be dropped at your hotel. Day trips don't include lunch, but you'll have the opportunity to taste the local cuisine in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie at one of its many terraced cafés.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Verdon Gorge?

You can choose different options for a day tour to Verdon Gorge. The trip you decide to take will depend on how much of a personal experience you're seeking.

Day trip to Verdon Gorge from Nice

Verdon Gorge day trips usually follow the same itinerary. You'll make several stops at quaint French villages before visiting the blooming purple fields of Plateau de Valensole.

First, you'll travel to Castellane — a village that has been inhabited since the 9th century. You can see three of its most remarkable monuments before feasting your eyes upon Verdon Gorge Canyon and its vibrant turquoise waters.

Continuing on, the bus will take you to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie which is often referred to as the most beautiful village in France. Lastly, you'll head to the lavender fields and have the opportunity to capture magnificent photos of the idyllic setting.

Private tour to Verdon Gorge from Nice

Private tours to Verdon Gorge offer greater privacy and a better opportunity to converse with your guide. As well as visiting the 700-meter canyon, you'll stop at several other sites depending on the season.

If you book your tour between June and August, you'll travel to Sainte Croix through the fragrant lavender fields and be enveloped in a sea of pastel. Tours that take place between September and May will explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie instead, which is a popular village full of artisanal crafts.

How much does a tour to Verdon Gorge from Nice cost?

Verdon Gorge day trips include hotel pickup and drop-off, and a professional guide or driver-guide. You can expect to pay upwards of €68.

Private day tours cost €890 for a group of up to eight individuals. Included in the price are a driver-guide and round-trip transportation from select hotels in Nice.

What will you see and do in Verdon Gorge?

Located in the Provence region of France, Verdon Gorge is known for its towering cliffs and azure waters. The canyon is around 25 kilometers long and 700 meters deep. The color of the water is what attracts visitors to the natural landmark and this is caused by the limestone mass that the river cuts through.

While at the attraction, you can take a boat tour of the gorge or a hike along one of the many trails that wind through the canyon. For those interested in the history of the area, there are also several museums and archaeological sites to explore.

There are endless outdoor activities to participate in on your Verdon Gorge day tour. If rafting down the river interests you, you'll need to plan your visit for when the upper dam is open.

Rock climbing is also a popular activity for adventure enthusiasts and there are over 1,500 routes available to scramble up to heights of 400 meters.

When is Verdon Gorge open over the year?

The gorge itself is open throughout the year. However, if you want to rent a boat to explore the river, you should take a day tour to Verdon Gorge between June and August. If you visit outside of the summer season, you'll find that most if not all of the rentals are closed.

When is the best time to visit Verdon Gorge?

Summer is generally regarded as the best time to visit Verdon Gorge. During this time, you can experience the full effect of the canyon with the sun reflecting on the water and creating a dazzling blue hue. This is also the time of year when rental companies are in business and you can take part in a boat trip along the river.

If you want to enjoy the outdoors without the crowds, fall and spring are both mild and have fewer crowds. The temperature sits between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius, and this is an especially good time for hiking.

Are there any tours to Verdon Gorge from other cities in France?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in France:

Travel tips

If you're planning your journey to Verdon Gorge in the summer, bring a swimsuit with you to enjoy the water fully.
The canyon reaches temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius in the highs of summer, so ensure you stay well hydrated and pack provisions such as a sunhat and sunscreen.
Verdon Gorge day trips are especially popular in the summer. Pre-book your trip to ensure you can visit.

Verdon Gorge: Day Trips and Tours from Nice