Cycling the spectacular Verdon Canyon & lavender fields - Moderate

. MORNING : You start with the spectacular “crest road”. This loop is a 24 km panoramic route starting from La Palud sur Verdon. It takes you along a road that leads you through the gorges at heights of up to 700 metres! You discover 14 Belvederes revealing the mythical Verdon cliffs and offering spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. You can observe the local fauna (vultures, chamois, foxes...). 
. AFTERNOON  : you continue onwards to the Point Sublime, one of the most impressive sites in the gorges.
Optional : You can take a 4km return detour by bike + 20/30mn return walk to the entrance of the gorges at the “Samson Corridor” that leads through tunnels. You explore the tunnels and its 2 windows carved into the rock with magnificent views of the Verdon canyon and its breathtaking cliffs.
You then continue cycling towards the village of Trigance. Built like an eagle's nest at an altitude of 800 metres, the village proudly wraps itself around the rocky spur on which stands the imposing feudal castle with its crenellated towers. It's a typical Provençal hilltop village, with its high stone houses forming a rampart and topped with Roman tiles.
Ride : 
. La Palud > Route des Cretes > La Palud | 24 km | Elevation : +650m/-650m
. La Palud > Trigance | 20 km | +240 / -400m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Trigance

. MORNING : Today is the sportiest day of your trip and an another spectacular ride! You cycle along the iconic “corniche sublime” road, via the left bank. This gorge road is as spectacular as it is physically demanding.
Up to the Illoire pass, the terrain is mountainous with great climbs. The last climb, around 8 km long, includes gradients over 12%. To penetrate this steep, mineral environment man has had to demonstrate his prowess. The Artuby bridge, and the Fayet tunnel are the awe inspiring structures that keep the road balanced in this vertical setting and quite incredible when crossed by bike.
Then a long descent on a winding road to the pretty village of Aiguines. Adorned with polychrome tiles, the peppered turrets of the Château d'Aiguines elegantly signal the presence of this perched village clinging to the mountainside. From the foot of the Saint-Pierre chapel, which dominates the village, you can see far and wide: from Sainte-Croix lake to the Valensole plateau and even as far as the Mont Ventoux. From Aiguines, you descend to the turquoise shores of the Sainte-Croix lake.
In summer, you can cool off and swim in the lake!
Optional : At the galetas bridge, you can leave your bikes and hire a kayak or pedalo to explore the entrance to the gorges (not bookable in advance).
. AFTERNOON : You cross the “Pont du Galetas, the junction between the lake and the Verdon Gorges and pedal onwards to the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France. A provençal village of character, nestled into the cliffs, with the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel towering above it.
Ride : 
. Trigance > Aiguines | 30 km | Elevation : +860 m /  -840 m
. Aiguines > Moustiers | 15 km | Elevation : + 200m/-360m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Moustiers

You ride through the Verdon hinterland, lavender country, to Sainte Croix du Verdon on the shores of Sainte Croix lake: a cycling loop rich in colors and aromas! You are in the land of Provencal traditions: honey, olive oil, lavander essences, truffles... You can opt for the short loop and ride directly to the village of Sainte Croix. Along the way, you come across honey and lavender producers/sellers on the side of the road.
. Option for a longer ride : your first stop is Riez, a Roman town steeped in history. You pedal along small mountain roads through dense forests of oak, pine and cedar. You climb to the lavender-fringed Valensole plateau with its breathtaking views of the turquoise Sainte Croix lake and the Verdon massif. You plunge down to the village of Sainte Croix, nestled on the shores of the Sainte Croix lake. We highly recommend a stop-off by the lake lined with small beaches and coves: ideal for a picnic and a swim! Don't forget your swimsuit!
You climb back up to the beautiful plateau through lavender fields, before descending to Moustiers. 
End of your cycling trip.
Ride : 
. Short option : Moustiers > Sainte Croix du Verdon > Moustiers | 40km | +600m/-600m
. Long option : Moustiers > Riez > Sainte Croix du Verdon > Moustiers | 52km | +630m/-630m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Moustiers

End of the trip after breakfast
Meals included : breakfast