Bus tour in Verdon

Last weekend I went quite spontaneously to 2 villages, a lake and a lavender shop in the Parc du Verdon. The bus tour (in the end for free), which was organized by the ‘faculté de droit’, started at 9 AM and we came home at about 7 PM.

Our first stop was the village Vinon-sur-Verdon, situated in the North-East of Aix. The 2 buses stopped near a small market, including cheese, meat, fruit / vegetables and other Provencal stands. We were told that this was one of the few places where we could go to the toilet. The public toilet was a typical ‘French’ toilet, which basically means that it’s a shower cabin without a shower (quite difficult for the ladies). We also walked to the river Verdon, only a few meters away from the bus. In my opinion, the river is ideal for rafting and other sports.

Then our bus went to the Ste-Croix Lake. You can’t miss it on the map, because it’s huge! The water had a beautiful color. We stayed there for 1 1/5 hour to enjoy the food / drinks we brought for our picnic. Some students swam in the water; I stayed on the pebbles beach. Before going to the next village, the bus stopped at the beginning of the Gorges du Verdon canyon. I took some pictures for the blog, but for me it wasn’t that new, but still special. I’ve been on that road last December and I have remembered that view very well!

Next stop: Moustiers-Ste-Marie: a beautiful village, created against 1 or 2 rocks. The highest point of the village is a little church / chapel, where I had a beautiful view over the village and its surroundings. At one point I could even see the blue Ste-Croix Lake. We walked around in the village and ate a crêpe / ice-cream (sunny day). We weren’t the only tourists, but certainly the youngest!

Last but not least: the lavender shop surrounded by lavender fields. The owner explained the difference between lavande (better quality) and lavendin (used for perfumes). My friend bought some typical Provencal gifts for her family. I looked at the lavender fields. They weren’t purple, because the lavender season is in the summer. A good reason to go back, I think!