Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Since summer entertaining should be a breeze, this collection, designed with simplicity in mind, features 20 easy-to-follow recipes and a few menu suggestions. Download this PDF, which includes recipes for starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.

Provence Getaway Gorges du Verdon and Beyond

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

After several centuries, cascades of turquoise water carved a 20km limestone canyon known as the Gorges du Verdon, which became part of the protected Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon in 1997. The Verdon River flows 166km from its source in the Alps to Lac St Croix engraving the sheer rock walls of this gorge – France’s Grand Canyon – during its passage. This wild habitat is a place where you might see the griffon vulture, sheep grazing, wild goats and slightly crazy bungee jumpers. You can drive around the rim of the canyon, a long day trip, where you might find yourself hovering 700m above the river. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxing tour with a local company called Getaway in Provence.

Gorges du Verdon lavender tour #MoustiersStMarie @GetawayProvence

Auriane Bondil is the fourth generation of her family to live in the area near Moustiers Ste Marie a beautiful village known for its pottery trade (read about faience ceramics) and a star suspended between cliff ledges. Auriane spent several years away from her hometown studying for a business degree in Marseille. She returned home with a double major having attended Tongji University in Shanghai. As the city excitement of both Shanghai and London began to wane for this young graduate the natural beauty of her birthplace beckoned.

Gorges du Verdon lavender tour #MoustiersStMarie @GetawayProvence

This trilingual lady launched her company Getaway in Provence in 2013. Auriane tells me that she mostly works on her own, but during peak season engages her sister and/or a friend as required.

Getaway in Provence logo @GetawayProvence

Here, is an overview of some of her popular half-day tours from Moustiers Ste Marie:

  • The Verdon Gorges Tour
  • The Faience Factory Tour
  • The Lavender Road Tour
  • The Goat Cheese Discovery Tour

Getaway in Provence also does multi-day tours, transfers, customized trips and private events.

Gorges du Verdon lavender tour #MoustiersStMarie @GetawayProvence

According to Auriane (and we agree) “The canyon is spectacular, and the views are breathtaking.” We asked Auriane to share her favourite things about the Gorges du Verdon.

Awestruck: The feeling you get when you see it, amazed by this natural creation and at the same time quieted by the beautiful landscape.

Grateful: It is a preserved natural site, protected from development within the Park.

Explore: There is something for everyone! If you want to challenge yourself, there is paragliding, climbing and bungee jumping. Alternatively, you can explore the Verdon Gorge through water activities (canyoning, kayaking). There are also several trekking options with plenty of trails for various levels.

Taste: If you are a foodie there are a range of local products to sample including the lavender honey, goat cheese, seasonal vegetables, organic lamb, black olive tapenade, olive oil and even a famous local beer made with honey and thyme (Bière du Verdon).

Relax: Chill on the shoreline at St Croix Lake or enjoy a spa at Hotel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon in La Palud.

Gorges du Verdon lavender tour #MoustiersStMarie @GetawayProvence

Image Credits: All photos provided by and published with the permission of Getaway in Provence.

Please share this with friends and family.
Explore France
, , ,
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication Information
 
Affiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.

Related Provence Articles

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Local Food Producers · Provencal Recipes · Taste

The Summer Truffle Festival in Aups is a Culinary Treat – Don’t Miss Out!

June 23, 2025
Located between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps, the village of Aups sits at 505 metres (1,657 ft). Considered the capital of the Haut-Var, this mid-sized town has a population of roughly 2200 residents. However, on a busy summer weekend, Aups attracts many visitors. It is considered the “gateway” to the Verdon Regional Natural Park, …
Continue Reading
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Hotels Provence & Cote d'Azur · Restaurant Recommendations · Stay: Accommodation & Rentals in Provence · Taste

Where to Eat in Provence? Domaine la Pierre Blanche is a Food Lovers’ Paradise

June 18, 2025
As the sun gracefully dips behind the Alpilles, the landscape is bathed in a gentle golden glow that dances across the grapevines, offering a prelude to an enchanting evening in Provence. This region’s luminous light, which has long captured the imaginations of celebrated artists, serves as a backdrop to the “Rosé Mule,” a tantalizing cocktail …
Continue Reading
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Provencal Villages: Céreste Reasons to Visit and Stay Awhile

June 13, 2025
Céreste is an authentic, unspoilt, and charming Provençal village. It is immersed in lavender country, steeped in history, and sits on the foothills of the Grand Luberon. While the region has many fascinating villages, we asked the owner of Mas de Grivet, a beautiful holiday rental home, what makes Céreste unique. The answers below should …
Continue Reading
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Expat Living and Real Estate · Inspire · What's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

Maison Victoire – Get your Copy of their New Magazine

June 11, 2025
For those who believe print media is a thing of the past, Maison Victoire’s new glossy magazine is a revelation. Launched on June 5, this exclusive offering provides comprehensive real estate data for buyers and sellers in Provence. It’s not just about real estate; it’s a celebration of local vineyards, artists, and the charming L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. …
Continue Reading
blank

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).

No Comment

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.