Private Day Trip: Verdon Canyon plus Castellane & Moustiers Villages from Nice

Following morning pickup from your Nice hotel by air-conditioned minivan, head out of the busy port city and into the rolling hills of the Provençal countryside.

Travel first to the traditional French village of Castellane, about two hours west. Invisible from afar, this tucked-away 16th-century town emerges as the gateway to the Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon), one of the most impressive river canyons in Europe. Take in views out over the rocky peaks and the Verdon River below from your vantage point on this hillside.

Traveling down to the gorge, pause at Point Sublime to appreciate the breathtaking scenery to the full. Descend down to the edge of the canyon where the river runs into the Lake of Sainte-Croix. Enjoy a little free time here to relax by the aquamarine lake, stretch out on the beach and appreciate the pristine setting.

Back on the road, drive to the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, sitting beneath a rocky cliff wall and surrounded by mountains on all sides. Enjoy free time to explore Moustiers at your leisure. Pop into one of the many pottery shops — for which the village is known — and buy a few souvenirs before sitting down to lunch at one of the many terrace cafes.

After your time here, hop back into your minivan for the 2.5-hour journey back to your Nice hotel, where your day trip ends.