Macaroni09

Hello Fodorites!!

We'll be driving in Southern France about 3 weeks in September after we leave the Nice area. I am also intrigued with the idea of visiting Entrevaux, Castellane, and Moustiers Ste Marie. It sounds like the southern side of the Gorges du Verdon is the way to go, probably spending the night first at Entrevaux to explore a bit, then staying in Moustiers after visiting the Gorges. Is it feasible to continue west from Moustiers?

Via Michelin says the drive from Moustiers to Aix is 1hr35, 91km. Many gas stations along the way??

Thanks so much for your advice here. We will have a small (tiny?) rental car, and wondering if diesel fuel is readily available. What about driving a stick shift up, up, up, then down, down, down?

DebitNM

Gorge du Verdon is beautiful to drive through. We did it in September and it was quite spectacular. We always prefer to avoid auto expressways, they are boring and you might as well be on one at home.

StuDudley

Of course, your itinerary is definitely doable.

We stayed in a gite in Entrevaux for a week about 5-6 years ago, and I don't recall seeing any hotels there. There was one - but it was vacant. There are accommodations in close-by Annot. We stayed at l'Avenue in 1999 and dined at the hotel's restaurant, and also dined there in 2009.

The gorges north of Entrevaux are stunning - don't miss. We enjoyed them more than the Gorge du Verdun.

The Route des Cretes along the north side of the Gorge du Verdun has the best views.

Riez is also a good town to explore - nice Sat market.

Most every gas station has diesel.

Stu Dudley

Macaroni09

DebitNM,
Please give details of your drive through the Gorge. Of course you packed picnic supplies! Did you stay in Entrevaux or Moustiers?

Stu,
I've been thinking of spending 2 nights in/near Entrevaux. That only allows one full day and most of another to explore northern gorges. Should we make it 3 nights in Entrevaux?

Trip Advisor shows 3 possible places to stay in the area.

Your wonderful itineraries have given us a gypsy's urge to explore!

DebitNM

We were staying in St. Saturnin les Apts, so it was just a day trip for us. It's called The Grand Canyon du Verdon for good reason. The water was an amazing color!

StuDudley

Entrevaux is only 1 hr from Nice. There are other neighboring villages worth exploring too. The gorges (rated 3 stars by Michelin - their top rating) will consume most of a day. I think 2 nights is fine there.

We found Castellane to be a little touristy - but worth a 1 hr visit.

If you have my latest Provence/Cote d'Azur itinerary (updated in '14) read the comments I have about visiting that region.

Stu Dudley