GORGES DU VERDON & MONT VENTOUX DRIVE, FRANCE – PROVENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Scenic: ★★★★★
Thrilling: ★★★★☆
If you want Provence at its most dramatic, this is the ultimate two-part driving highlight. The Gorges du Verdon and Mont Ventoux are completely different in character — yet together they form one of the most rewarding driving combinations in the South of France.
One delivers depth and scale: a world-class canyon drive with turquoise water far below.The other delivers altitude and exposure: a legendary summit ascent known as the “Giant of Provence.”
QUICK DRIVE OVERVIEW
Region: Provence / South of France
Best for: Scenic grand touring & iconic roads
Vibe: Canyon drama · luxury countryside · summit climb
Ideal season: Spring to autumn
Best time of day: Early morning (best light & lighter traffic)
Mont Ventoux summit elevation: 1,909 m (6,263 ft)
Verdon Gorge depth: up to ~700 m (2,300 ft)
This guide covers: Gorges du Verdon · Verdon Gorge · Verdon Canyon · Mont Ventoux · Giant of Provence · Luberon Valley
THE BEST APPROACH FROM THE FRENCH RIVIERA (NICE / CANNES )
The most exciting way to reach this region is to start on the French Riviera and head inland via the legendary Route Napoléon It's the perfect transition road — shifting from coastal glamour to open mountain scenery — and sets the tone for a proper Provence driving itinerary.
PART 1 · MONT VENTOUX: The Giant of Provence
The Mont Ventoux Drive is Provence’s most legendary mountain ascent. Rising in isolation above the surrounding landscape, Ventoux dominates the skyline and delivers a rare “drive into the sky” sensation. Nicknamed the Giant of Provence, the climb rewards you with increasing exposure, changing vegetation, and expansive summit views.
Ventoux is also one of the most iconic climbs in Tour de France history — especially for its exposed upper section, where the landscape turns stark, windy, and almost lunar. That cycling legacy adds another layer to the experience: you’re driving a road that has tested the world’s best riders for generations, now revealed as a dramatic summit route with serious scale.
Practical note: in peak season, you’ll often share the ascent with cyclists — another reason why early morning and outside weekends is the best time to drive Ventoux.
PART 2 · GORGES DU VERDON: Verdon Gorge · Gorge du Verdon · Verdon Canyon
The Gorges du Verdon is one of France’s most impressive natural landscapes — a deep limestone canyon carved by turquoise water and framed by sheer cliff faces.
No matter whether you search for Verdon Gorge, Gorge du Verdon, or Verdon Canyon, the experience is the same:scenic cliffside roads, panoramic viewpoints, and constant visual drama.
It’s not about speed here — it’s about scale, perspective, and stopping often to take it all in.
WHY THESE TWO BELONG ON THE SAME ITINERARY
This combination is all about contrast:
Gorges du Verdon → depth, cliffs, canyon scale, turquoise water
Mont Ventoux → altitude, exposure, summit views
Luberon Valley → relaxed luxury and Provençal atmosphere
Together, they deliver Provence at its most dramatic — without feeling rushed or over-planned.
OUR VERDICT ABOUT VERDON & VENTOUX
This is one of the strongest two-day driving combinations in the South of France.Not because the roads are similar — but because they aren’t. Verdon delivers visual drama and scale.Ventoux delivers focus, elevation, and a true summit experience.The Luberon ties it all together with comfort and atmosphere.
