A full day out, not a transfer

The Verdon cannot be seen in an hour. From the Riviera it is two to three hours each way, plus at least four hours on site to do it justice. It is a full day, which is why we offer it as chauffeur hire rather than a point-to-point run.

Your driver stays with you throughout: dropping you at the viewpoints, collecting you at the end of trails, adjusting the route to the weather and the crowds.

Journey times to the gorge

As a guide, in normal traffic:

– Aix-en-Provence: 1 hr 30
– Draguignan: 1 hour
– Marseille: 2 hours
– Cannes: 2 hours
– Saint-Tropez: 2 hours
– Nice: 2 hr 30
– Avignon: 2 hr 15

The final kilometres are narrow cliff roads with very few passing places in high season. It is demanding driving, particularly on the way back at the end of the day.

What you see: the Route des Crêtes, Sainte-Croix and Moustiers

The Route des Crêtes, starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon, strings together fourteen viewpoints above the drop — the most spectacular perspective on the canyon. Part of it is one-way, which catches out visitors who came by car.

Below, the turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix is best seen by pedalo or canoe from the Galetas bridge. And on the northern side, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, wedged beneath its cliff, remains one of the most beautiful villages in France, known for its faience.

A classic day combines the viewpoints in the morning, the lake and lunch at midday, and Moustiers in the afternoon.

Why a driver rather than a hire car

The Verdon roads are beautiful but punishing: tight bends, unguarded drops in places, and almost no parking at the viewpoints in July and August. Many visitors spend the day hunting for somewhere to stop.

With a driver you get out where you like, he goes off to park, and he collects you at the agreed spot. The drive home, after a day of walking and sun, costs you nothing.

Why choose FTC Rider

A fixed day rate confirmed before departure, with no meter and no surprise surcharge. Booking and payment entirely online. Drivers who know the Route des Crêtes, its one-way sections and when it fills up. French and English spoken. See also our Provence excursions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take from Nice to the Verdon Gorge

About 2 hr 30 each way. It is a full-day excursion, not a half-day.

Do you offer full-day chauffeur hire

Yes, and it is what we recommend for the Verdon: the driver stays with you all day and adapts the route.

Can we see the Lac de Sainte-Croix and Moustiers on the same day

Yes. A classic day combines the Route des Crêtes in the morning, the lake at midday and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the afternoon.

Where do you depart from

Mainly Nice, Cannes, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Saint-Tropez, though we can start from other towns in the region.

Do your drivers speak English

Yes. Our drivers in Provence speak both French and English.