Wine-Tour day: in the Gorges du Verdon

This tour offers an unconventional way to explore the South of France’s spectacular scenery—riding in a sidecar through winding mountain roads, with the added bonus of wine tasting and lakeside picnics. It’s a blend of adventure and relaxation that promises both eye-catching views and authentic local flavors. While the price is on the higher side, many find the experience’s uniqueness and the quality of sights and activities well worth it.

One aspect we especially appreciate is the personalized nature of the tour—it’s a private group experience with flexible stops, making it feel tailored to your interests. However, the winding mountain roads can be challenging for some, and the activity is not suitable for children under five or pregnant women. Overall, if you’re after a memorable, scenic, and hands-on adventure in Provence, this tour hits many marks.

It’s perfect for those who want more than just a typical sightseeing bus or boat trip, and are eager to enjoy a mix of beautiful landscapes, culinary delights, and a sense of adventure—all in one day.

Key Points

• Unusual Transportation: Riding in a sidecar offers a fun, intimate way to see the scenery.
• Stunning Landscapes: Expect breathtaking views of Sainte-Victoire, Lake Esparron, and the Verdon Gorges.
• Culinary Experiences: Includes a lakeside picnic and wine tasting at a local winery.
• Accessibility: Suitable for people with reduced mobility, making it inclusive.
• Well-Paced Itinerary: Combines sightseeing, relaxing, and tasting with enough free time.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Discover Provence wines and enjoy authentic regional specialties.

Exploring the Experience

A Unique Mode of Travel in Provence

Riding in a sidecar isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s an experience that instantly elevates the trip’s excitement factor. You’ll be riding comfortably in a private group, with helmets and gloves provided, and the open-air design means you get to feel the breeze and fully enjoy the gorgeous scenery. It’s a small detail that makes a significant difference in how immersive the day feels.

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins in Aix-en-Provence, with the option to be picked up from five central locations such as the Paul Cézanne Statue and various luxury hotels. This flexibility means you can start your adventure without worrying about transportation logistics, and the 40-minute transfer sets the tone of anticipation for what’s to come.

Scenic Drive through Sainte-Victoire Mountain

The first leg takes you through the winding roads around Sainte-Victoire Mountain, famously painted by Cézanne. This part of the journey is a highlight, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Aix countryside. According to a review, the driver Eric was praised for his responsiveness, making the experience smooth and engaging. Such personal touches help create a sense of trust and comfort early on.

Lake Esparron and Sainte-Croix

After admiring the mountain vistas, your journey continues north toward Lake Esparron or Sainte-Croix. These lakes are known for their wild, unspoiled beauty—clear waters, rugged surroundings, and peaceful atmospheres. The highlight here is the lakeside picnic, where you can enjoy regional specialties on a picturesque shore, sometimes with a quick dip in the water or pedal boating for extra fun.

One reviewer highlights that the lakes are perfect for a relaxing break, emphasizing how the stunning turquoise waters provide a perfect backdrop for lunch. You might find yourself mesmerized by the scenery, which feels like a postcard come to life.

Crossing the Verdon Gorges

The centerpiece of the day is the drive along the Route des Crêtes, offering panoramic vistas of the Verdon Gorge—often dubbed Europe’s most beautiful canyon. The views are truly jaw-dropping, with steep cliffs, rugged rock formations, and a deep blue river winding through the canyon. Several stops are included to take photos, soak in the views, and just breathe in the scale of this natural marvel.

Lac de Sainte-Croix

Descending into the Lac de Sainte-Croix, you’ll find a large, emerald-colored lake perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Here, you can swim, rent a pedal boat, or simply relax on the shores, soaking up the last of the day’s natural beauty. The reviewer noted the tranquility of this spot, making it a fitting finale before heading back.

Return and Wine Tasting

The return journey takes around two hours, giving you a moment to unwind and reflect on the day. The final stop is at a local winery, where you’re invited to taste Provence’s signature wines and learn about grape varieties and winemaking techniques. It’s an authentic tasting experience that often garners praise for its informality and educational value.

Evening Wrap-up

The tour concludes in Aix-en-Provence, with the option to be dropped off at the same locations you started from. The experience is designed to be seamless and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities for photos, conversations, and soaking in the scenery.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Atypical Transportation

Using a sidecar as your mode of transport offers a unique and engaging perspective on Provence’s landscapes. Unlike traditional bus or car tours, this setup allows for greater mobility and intimacy with the surroundings, plus it’s simply fun.

The Scenic Highlights

From Cézanne’s mountain to the stunning Verdon Gorge, every stop is a chance to witness some of France’s most iconic landscapes. The views are consistently described as “incredible,” and the ability to stop at photo points makes for memorable snapshots.

The Culinary and Wine Experiences

The lakeside picnic with regional specialties adds a relaxed, authentic touch, and the wine tasting at a local winery offers insight into Provence’s vinicultural heritage. These elements turn a sightseeing day into a genuine taste of local life.

Accessibility and Flexibility

Being wheelchair accessible and offering private group options makes this a considerate choice for different travelers. The flexible pickup points and personalized approach make it more convenient and comfortable than many large-group tours.

The Balance of Adventure and Relaxation

While the ride is adventurous, there’s enough downtime to enjoy meals, swim, or simply take in the scenery. This mix ensures you’re energized but not overwhelmed.

Practical Considerations

Pricing and Value

At $416 per person, this experience isn’t cheap, but it reflects the exclusivity, personalized service, and unique mode of travel. When you factor in the scenic drives, lakeside picnic, and wine tasting, many find it offers good value for a memorable day in Provence.

Duration and Timing

The entire day spans about 8-9 hours, with a well-paced itinerary. Starting times vary, and the flexibility allows you to choose a convenient slot. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a full day of discovery without feeling rushed.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, sun protection (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses), water, and snacks are recommended. Remember to fill up your tank before departure, as mountain roads can be winding.

Suitability

The activity is ideal for travelers seeking excitement and scenery, but less suitable for very young children or pregnant women due to the riding nature and mountain roads.

Final Thoughts

This Gorges du Verdon sidecar wine tour is perfect for those wanting a truly different way to explore Provence. It combines the thrill of riding in a vintage sidecar with some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes, topped with opportunities to savor local wines and regional flavors.

We found the experience’s highlight to be the incredible panoramic views—whether crossing Cézanne’s mountain or looking down into the Verdon Gorge. The lakeside picnic is a lovely way to unwind, and the wine tasting caps off the day with an authentic touch. Plus, the accessibility and private group format make it feel exclusive yet comfortable.

While the cost might seem high, the combination of scenery, personalized service, and memorable moments offers good value for travelers craving an adventure with substance. If you love scenic drives, good food, and a bit of adrenaline, this tour is bound to leave you with stories to tell.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from designated locations in Aix-en-Provence, with helmets and gloves provided for a safe ride.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about one day, typically around 8-9 hours, including travel, sightseeing, picnic, and wine tasting.

Is this tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the tour is accessible for people with reduced mobility, making it inclusive for more travelers.

Can I bring my children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old, and pregnant women are advised not to participate due to the riding activity.

What should I bring?
Comfortable weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and snacks are recommended. It’s best to fill your tank before departure.

What makes this experience different from other Gorges du Verdon tours?
The key difference is the sidecar ride, offering a more intimate, fun, and adventurous way to see the landscapes, combined with the personalized stops and authentic local tastings.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for changing plans.

In essence, this tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, culture, and adrenaline, making it an excellent choice for those craving an authentic and memorable Provençal experience.