Lake of Sainte-Croix: Our most recommended tours and activities

Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour

1. Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour

Discover France’s most scenic landscapes on a full-day trip to Castellane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and the Verdon Gorge from Nice. See the iconic Lavender Fields and learn about these picturesque locations from your guide. Be picked up from your hotel or home address in Nice. Depart with your driver to the hills of your countryside destination. Cross the "gorge of the wolf", complete with its 40-meter-high waterfall, before stopping at Castellane. Whilst traveling along the Verdon (named for its astonishing turquoise green color), enjoy spectacular views of the 700-meter-deep canyon. Afterward, move on to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, nestled under a rocky cliff and surrounded by mountains from all sides. Known for its rich history in ceramic craftsmanship, you will have free time here to explore Moustiers at your leisure. Discover the earthenware in the stores, and buy souvenirs before lunch in one of the terrace cafes. Photograph the world-famous lavender platters, or enjoy the lake of St. Croix, an artificial treasure of clear water that is one of the most beautiful lakes of Provence. Then, marvel at the endless lavender fields at the foot of the Alps and stop to take unique and memorable pictures with this impressive backdrop. Stop to smell the light and enchanting lavender aroma surrounding you as you do. After enjoying your trip, return to your vehicle at which point you will be driven back to your point of origin in Nice. Nb: Lavender season runs from approximately mid-June to mid-August.

From Nice: Verdon Gorge Full-Day Tour

2. From Nice: Verdon Gorge Full-Day Tour

Start your full-day shared group or private tour with a pickup from your accommodation in Nice and admire the famous Promenade des Anglais as you depart the city. With your guide, travel first to Castellane, a quintessentially-French, cultural village at the gates of the famous Verdon Gorge, and classified as a "city of character". Visit its ancient ramparts, and three listed monuments, including St. Victor's Church, the Clock Tower, and the Pentagonal Tower. Continue to the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France and part of the phenomenal Verdon Natural Regional Park. From here, make sure to snap pictures of the idyllic Provence setting complete with lavender fields, panoramic views of the surrounding rocky mountains, and the blue waters of the Lake of Sainte-Croix, the third largest lake in France. Finally, return to your accommodation in Nice after a full day of memorable sightseeing.

Aix-en-Provence: Verdon Canyon & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

3. Aix-en-Provence: Verdon Canyon & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Enjoy a scenic full-day tour of the picturesque Verdon Canyon, departing from Aix-en-Provence by air-conditioned minibus. Meet your guide at the Tourist Information Center of Aix, and set off on a lovely drive through the dramatic splendor of the Grand Canyon du Verdon. Cross the Valensole plateau, which is especially spectacular when the lavender fields are in full bloom (mid June to mid July). Head to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, famous for its earthenware workshops, and enjoy some free time for lunch on your own. Continue to the Verdon Gorges of the Verdon River for breathtaking views of the lake of Sainte-Croix. Stop for some free time on the beach before driving back to Aix-en-Provence.

From Aix-en-Provence: Lavender Day Trip to Valensole

4. From Aix-en-Provence: Lavender Day Trip to Valensole

Drive through the valley of the Durance River and discover the Plateau of Valensole specializing in the cultivation of lavandin, where small roads wind through the fields of flowers. Many stops will be included by the fields in bloom. Stop at a farmer/ producer's place with lavender and lavandin essential oils, olive oil and lavender honey. Stop in the perched village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, so famous for its earthen ware workshops (free time for visit and lunch not included). In the afternoon, continue to the breathtaking opening of the Canyon of the River Verdon. Stop in the lavender fields for a photo. Have free time in the picturesque village of Sainte Croix du Verdon by Sainte Croix Lake, and possibly swim or sunbathe before going back to Aix-en-Provence.

From Nice: Full-Day Provence and Lavender Tour

5. From Nice: Full-Day Provence and Lavender Tour

Discover the highlights of Provence on a full-day tour. Appreciate the region's architecture and the sweet brightness of the famous lavender fields.  Visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, voted one of the most beautiful villages in France, filled with ramparts, fountains, and an ancient aqueduct. Photograph the world-famous lavender plateaus and then go on a guided tour of a lavender processing plant located in the heart of the field. Lac de Sainte-Croix is located in a wooded setting at the foot of the Gorges du Verdon between the Alpes de Haute Provence and Var, this artificial reservoir of clear and pure water is a jealously guarded quality and one of the most beautiful lakes in Provence.

From Nice or Cannes: Verdon Gorge and Lavender Fields

6. From Nice or Cannes: Verdon Gorge and Lavender Fields

Explore the natural wonders of the French countryside on a guided tour to the Verdon Gorge. Admire spectacular views and visit nearby villages for an unforgettable experience. Depart from Nice or Cannes in the morning and head for the Gorges du Loup. Make a stop here for incredible views of the waterfall. Continue along the road to Castellane, the entrance of the Verdon Gorge. Take time to explore this charming village, famous for its picturesque chapel built on a rock overlooking the village below. Finally, come to the Verdon Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Europe at 700 meters high. Visit the spots that offer the best panoramic views across the canyon - perfect for photos. Next stop: Moustiers Sainte Marie. Visit this scenic village built along the lake of Sainte Croix. Enjoy free time here to explore the winding streets, have some lunch, and go for a swim. Then, if in season, head to the beautiful lavender fields and capture one-of-a-kind photos of the purple fields.

Private Lavender of Provence Tour

7. Private Lavender of Provence Tour

Explore the beautiful region of Provence on a private full-day tour. After pickup at your hotel or cruise ship port, you’ll see the infamous lavender fields of Provence, which bloom from May to July. After this, continue to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, perched on the cliffs of the Verdon Gorge. Overlooking the huge lake of Sainte-Croix, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is ranked one of the most beautiful villages in France. Wander through the village to see the shops filled with fine earthenware and unique handicrafts, and the stunning fields of lavender. Choose to have lunch in a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, you will be dropped off at the Verdon Gorge, to admire the incredible views over the river gorge. Finally, you’ll pay a visit to a lavender distillery and museum before your return to your hotel or cruise ship port.

From Aix-en-Provence: Lavender Experience & Gorges du Verdon

8. From Aix-en-Provence: Lavender Experience & Gorges du Verdon

Let me take you to the lavender lands of Provence when it is in full bloom Le Plateau of Valensole with its huge fields of Lavender, yellow immortals and pink sage are phenomenal Visit of a farm where you can taste local products such as almond, olive oil and learn about the essential oil of lavender We will be driving to Les Gorges du Verdon wher you van have visiting time and lunch in this hilltop village of Moustier Sainte Marie nested village in the mountain After lunch discover the biggest european canyon Gorges du Verdon with this beautiful Turquoise lake of Ste Croix

Verdon Gorge and Truffle Hunting

9. Verdon Gorge and Truffle Hunting

Have you ever hunted truffles? The most innocent and surprising hunt of your life, come to hunt for truffles at a Provençal truffle plantation and go behind the scenes of the world's most secretive business. Learn how truffles are cultivated and how truffle dogs are trained. Hunt for the elusive "black gold". Discover 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. The lake of Sainte Croix combines both water and outdoor activities: you can rent a boat, pedal boat, canoe, kayak, or enjoy the beach.

Day Wine-Tour OR Beer-Tour in Provence

10. Day Wine-Tour OR Beer-Tour in Provence

Leave Aix-en-Provence aboard a vintage sidecar to discover the Sainte-Victoire mountain that inspired Paul Cézanne so much. First stop on the Bimont dam with a view on the Sainte-Victoire and the Bimont lake. Then, direction the small Provencal village of Vauvenargues where Pablo Picasso lived and was buried. Rendezvous at the Sainte-Victoire vineyards to meet the winemakers, tour the vineyards, visit an authentic estate and enjoy a wine tasting. You will be able to discover other authentic Provençal domains or if you wish to discover a brewery in an exceptional setting nestled on the edge of a lake at an altitude of more than 500m. After visiting the premises, you will have the opportunity to taste delicious beers, from the Hibiscus rosé to the Blanche calisson and the famous original Triple blonde! Throughout the trip, discover the villages and landscapes of Provence from a privileged angle. If the period allows it, you will be able to admire the lavender fields in bloom in Aix-en-Provence.

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What people are saying about Lake of Sainte-Croix

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 704 reviews

This was the best time we experienced on our trip to Nice. Matt was an amazing driver and kept us entertained throughout. He was very helpful, understanding and gave us a lot of information about the history of the places we went. I had an absolutely unforgettable trip.

Andrew was a wonderful guide. He added some additional stops based on the groups interest. He was very informative, engaging and accommodating to our groups interest.

Awesome trip! Enjoyed it a lot! Parfait was the perfect guide and made the whole day perfect! :D Highly recommended!

Alex was a great tour guide! very experienced and knowledgeable. I recommend this tour, definitely worthwhile

Fun filled day, love our tour guide, very friendly and knowledgeable.