If I am asked what my favourite trip is in all of PACA, my answer does not change: the Verdon Gorges from Aix-en-Provence via the Durance valley.
I take the A51, exit at Pertuis, then the D973 heading north. The Durance on the left, the foothills of the Luberon on the right, and the road climbing towards Haute-Provence. You enter Giono country, centuries-old plane trees, scrubland hills, olive oil and the dry light of the hinterland.
After that, the road to Riez crosses the lavender fields. In July, if you have not missed the flowering, which comes earlier every year, it is purple on both sides for kilometres.
Then Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. I always stop a few minutes here if the clients are not in a hurry. The star hanging between the two cliffs above the village, the church clinging to the rock, the faience. It is one of the most impressive entrances to the Verdon.
The Corniche Sublime, the official name of the road that runs along Lake Sainte-Croix and drops into the gorges, deserves to be driven slowly. The view disappears too fast if you go too fast.
Lake Sainte-Croix in July is turquoise blue. Not an exaggeration, truly turquoise. You can rent pedal boats or kayaks to enter the Artuby gorge from the lake.
For a full day from Aix, Marseille or your accommodation, plan the whole day. Early morning departure, return at the end of the day. It is long, it is perfect.
In July, paddle and canoe rentals at the entrance to the gorges quickly run out. Arrive early if you want to enter the gorge from the lake.
I do this trip several times each summer. If you want to organise it, it is advisable to book at least 24 hours ahead, and earlier in July, but even at the last minute I adapt and find a solution.
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