When our team had a good time there
A few weeks ago, after successfully reaching our quarterly goals at France By Locals, we decided to celebrate the best way we know how — by immersing ourselves in one of the most stunning, wild, and natural destinations in Provence: the Verdon Gorges.
This trip wasn’t just a reward. It was also a reminder of why we love doing what we do — creating travel experiences that are unique, authentic, and just a little off-the-beaten-path.
“… I wanted to introduce my granddaughters, aged 15 and almost 13, to the beauty of France and Sebastian helped plan the perfect trip! There were 7 of us, all women, who travelled together. We spent 4 days in Paris, followed by 2 days in the Loire Valley visiting the castles, then on to Normandy, where we stayed in the charming town of Bayeux for 2 nights…”
“… We just finished an absolutely unforgettable trip through Provence and the French Riviera, organized by Simon at France by Locals. As a French native living in the United States for over twenty years, this trip was a wonderful opportunity for me to introduce my wife and four children to France while rediscovering so many new and unexpected aspects of my home country…”
“…I cannot say enough wonderful things about Sebastian with Kimkim, who planned the most unforgettable journey through the South of France! From the thoughtful tours of Nice, to the charming cobblestone streets of Antibes, and the vibrant culture of Marseille, every detail was flawlessly arranged…”
The Journey: A Scenic Route to the Verdon Gorges
Instead of taking the most direct or popular road, we opted for a more scenic — and lesser-known — route to reach the Gorges du Verdon. Skipping the usual stop at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie on the way in (we saved that for later), we approached the region from the east, driving through winding roads with breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon.
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This approach gave us a different perspective of the Verdon area — one that many visitors to Provence might miss. And that fits right into our philosophy: slow travel, local immersion, and discovery beyond the usual “must-see in Provence” checklist.
Morning Thrills: Aqua-Rando in the Heart of the Canyon
Our day began with an unforgettable aqua-rando session — a combination of hiking, swimming, and cliff-jumping through the cool turquoise waters of the Verdon river. The activity is both exhilarating and meditative: you move at nature’s pace, floating between limestone walls sculpted over millennia.
The water was fresh (to say the least!), and some of us (yes, even the not-so-adventurous ones) conquered our fears by jumping from rocks — up to 7 meters high. Not everyone managed the highest jump, but the team spirit and laughter made it a highlight of the trip.
If you’re looking for an active and different way to explore the region, aqua-rando is one of the best things to do in Provence — especially in the summer months. It’s also a great way to connect with nature beyond the postcard view
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Afternoon Cool-Down: Hiking the Saint-Maurin Reserve
After drying off and grabbing a bite to eat, we traded our wetsuits for hiking shoes and set off to discover one of the hidden gems of the Verdon area — the Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Maurin. Far from the crowds, this lesser-known trail winds through lush greenery, with peaceful waterfalls and natural springs offering a refreshing backdrop.
This hike is ideal for anyone wanting to escape the heat and dive deeper (not literally this time) into the quieter corners of Provence. The fresh air, shade, and the sound of water make it a great off-the-beaten-path activity in Provence for nature lovers and hikers alike.
It was the perfect contrast to our morning adrenaline rush — and another reminder that Provence isn’t just about lavender fields and medieval villages. There’s a wild side too, and it’s spectacular.
A Quick Stop in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (Because Some Classics Are Worth It)
Before heading back to Marseille, we made a final stop in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most iconic villages in the Verdon region — and for good reason. Perched dramatically against the cliffs, this medieval village offers postcard views, artisan shops, and yes… a well-deserved local beer.
We tried a honey-based beer to toast to our day — which not everyone loved (let’s just say Seba is more into classic brews!), but the atmosphere on the terrace, the view over the rooftops, and the shared laughs made it the perfect end to our journey.
Right on cue, the sky opened up with a sudden summer rain shower — just enough to push us to finish our drinks quickly and hit the road. Back to Marseille, back to reality… though thankfully, with a home office day to ease back into work mode.
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Why We Loved This Trip — And Why You Might Too
As a team, this trip reminded us of what travel should be about: connection, exploration, and perspective. Whether you’re visiting Provence for the first time or live nearby, the Verdon Gorges offer a unique combination of natural beauty and adventure — and plenty of quiet corners waiting to be explored.
As a team, this trip reminded us of what travel should be about: connection, exploration, and perspective. Whether you’re visiting Provence for the first time or live nearby, the Verdon Gorges offer a unique combination of natural beauty and adventure — and plenty of quiet corners waiting to be explored.
Our Top Tips for What to Do in the Verdon Gorges Region:
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Try Aqua-Rando: A thrilling way to get into the canyon and experience the Verdon river from within.
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Hike the Réserve Saint-Maurin: A cool and peaceful escape from the heat, far from the tourist routes.
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Take a scenic drive: Avoid the crowds by exploring the region from alternative routes — and stop often for photos!
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Don’t skip Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s still totally worth it.
Final Thoughts
For anyone wondering what to do in Provence beyond the usual spots, the Verdon region should be at the top of your list. It’s a place where you can go canyoning in the morning, hike through forests in the afternoon, and sip a beer in a cliffside village by evening.
For us at France By Locals, it was more than a celebration. It was a day that captured what we believe travel should feel like: joyful, surprising, and grounded in real moments.
We can’t wait to bring our travelers here, to share this piece of Provence with those who want to go beyond the expected.
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