Weekend in Provence nature: Prealps and Verdon
- Chayan Fernandez
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Weekend in Provence: heading towards nature, between the Prealps of the French Riviera and the Verdon, starting from Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.
Looking for a simple, scenic, and easily accessible two-day itinerary to breathe in the fresh Provençal air? Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is an ideal base for exploring the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park and the Verdon Gorge. Comfortable accommodation, breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and excellent cuisine: here's a practical guide to help you plan your getaway, tailored to your desires.
In short
Stay in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey to quickly explore the Prealps of the French Riviera (hiking, viewpoints) and the Verdon (gorges, lakes).
Day 1: panoramic walks (Caussols, Audibergue), perfumed break in Grasse, local evening.
Day 2: Verdon Gorges on the Castellane side, Castillon lake, ridge road or iconic hike.
Practical advice: best time to go, travel time, safety on trails and on the water, weather-related alternatives.
Book your overnight stays and activities early; choose comfortable accommodation to optimize your days.
Your base camp between sea and mountains
A strategic location on the Route Napoléon
Just 15 minutes from Grasse, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey offers the tranquility of the Grasse hills with quick access to major natural sites. Located on the legendary Route Napoléon, the Relais Impérial places you halfway between the French Riviera and the Prealps of the French Riviera, with the Verdon Gorge within easy reach for excursions (approximately 40–70 minutes to Castellane depending on traffic).
Comfort, cuisine and terraces to relax on
After your hikes, relax in a cozy room with a view or a soothing bathtub. Discover our rooms , divided into five categories, ideal for couples, families, or business travelers. For dining, a bistro-style restaurant celebrates local produce, and a wood-fired pizzeria offers delicious meals in a friendly atmosphere. Bonus: sunny terraces and attentive service.
Tip: travel light. Le Relais provides useful services and facilities (schedules, catering, route advice) to simplify your planning.
Private or professional events
Are you planning a birthday, a meeting or a small ceremony after a day in nature? Discover the hotel's modular spaces for your events , with personalized support.
2-day nature itinerary
This flexible itinerary prioritizes short travel times to maximize experiences. Adapt the stages according to the season and weather.
Day 1 — Prealps of the French Riviera: panoramas, villages, scents
Morning: Caussols Plateau (20–30 min drive). Easy walk across an iconic karst landscape of the region, with sweeping views of the Prealps and Mediterranean flora. Ideal for a 1.5–2 hour warm-up.
Lunch: local picnic (cheeses, fougasse) or lunch back in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.
Afternoon: Audibergue/La Moulière. Panoramic climb and loop along the ridges (bring a windbreaker). In case of heat, a cool alternative: the Baume Obscure Cave (guided tour, booking recommended).
End of the day: stop in Grasse (15 min), the perfume capital. Stroll through the old town and its workshops. Return, gourmet dinner on the terrace of the Relais.
To prepare your outings and understand the protection issues, consult the website of the Regional Natural Park of the Prealps of the French Riviera.
Day 2 — Verdon: gorges, lakes and turquoise water
Morning: early departure for Castellane. Option 1: walk to the Roc de Castellane (panoramic view of the village and the Verdon). Option 2: relaxation at Lake Castillon (kayaking, paddleboarding, supervised beach depending on the season).
Lunch: a snack by the water or a village bistro.
Afternoon: Gorge road. Depending on your fitness level and the season:
Route des Crêtes from La Palud-sur-Verdon (breathtaking viewpoints; beware of vertigo).
Iconic hike in the Verdon (Blanc-Martel or Imbut trail; plan shuttle/return, 5–7 hours for experienced hikers).
Water activities with a guide (canoeing in the lower gorges, guided canyoning).
Return in the late afternoon for a quiet evening and a good meal.
Before leaving, check the conditions, routes and sensitive areas on the official website of the Verdon Park .
When to go, weather and crowds
Spring (April–June): mild temperatures, flowers in bloom, perfect for hiking and villages. The days are long, and there are moderate crowds except during bank holidays.
Summer (July–August): the lake and water sports are at their best. Opt for early departures, naps in the cool shade, and swimming. The gorges are popular: download maps in advance and leave early.
Autumn (September–October): golden light, waters still pleasant in early September, quieter trails.
Winter: clear skies, short hikes and low sun; pack warm layers and a plan B in case of wind.
To refine your schedule, consult the Météo-France forecasts the day before and the morning of.
Access, travel time and useful logistics
Access: approximately 1 hour from Nice and 45–60 minutes from Cannes/Antibes depending on traffic. Easy parking in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.
Getting around: a car is the most flexible way to visit the Pre-Alps and Verdon over 2 days. Carpooling is recommended in high season.
Safety: water, hat, sunscreen, good shoes; on the water, life jacket and designated areas. In gorges, watch for storms and water flow.
Reservations: book your guided activities and your room in advance, especially from May to September.
Looking for personalized support or last-minute advice? Don't hesitate to contact us . To secure your dates, you can also book your weekend in just a few clicks.
Ideas based on your preferences
For the contemplative
Sunrises/sunsets over the Audibergue.
Gorge viewpoints (Crest Road) with photo stops.
Gentle walks around the hilltop villages.
For athletes
Half-day hikes (Caussols, Cheiron).
Kayaking/paddleboarding in Castillon; guided canyoning (spring/summer).
More challenging routes in the Verdon (Blanc-Martel, Imbut) for experienced walkers.
For epicureans
Cheeses from the Pre-Alps, honeys, olive oils, wines from Haute-Provence.
Bistronomy and wood-fired pizzas at Le Relais.
Provençal markets and artisans from the Grasse region.
Local culture and history along the Route Napoléon
Explore a route steeped in history, once traveled by the Emperor in 1815. Between charming villages and limestone landscapes, you'll traverse an authentic Provence, less crowded than the coast, but just as radiant. Located on this iconic route, Le Relais maintains a spirit of warm hospitality, blending tradition with modern comfort, ideal for a timeless escape.
Responsible advice
Stay on marked trails, close gates, and say hello to the farmers.
Take your rubbish home; use a reusable water bottle rather than regular bottles.
Avoid fires and respect prefectural decrees during periods of drought.
Opt for off-peak hours at iconic spots and discover equally beautiful local alternatives.
Official resources to help you plan your getaway
Regional Natural Park of the Prealps of the French Riviera: maps, routes, regulations.
Verdon Park : trail conditions, biodiversity, best practices.
Route Napoléon: historical landmarks and stages.
Météo-France : reliable local forecasts.
FAQ
What is the best time for a nature weekend between the Pre-Alps and the Verdon?
From mid-April to the end of June and from September to mid-October: pleasant temperatures, less crowded trails, and ideal light for the landscapes. In summer, prioritize water sports and set off very early for hikes, aiming for loops in the shade or at higher altitudes. Winter offers clear skies and short walks, perfect for a peaceful break. Always check the weather and trail conditions the day before, especially in gorges where storms can quickly change conditions.
What can I do in 2 days without spending all my time in the car?
Day 1: Walks near Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey (Caussols, Audibergue), a visit to Grasse, and return for dinner. Day 2: Head to Castellane and Lake Castillon for a morning on the water, followed by a scenic drive through the gorges in the afternoon, with several iconic viewpoints. This itinerary minimizes mileage while offering variety: panoramic views, villages, fragrant scents, and turquoise waters. Centrally located accommodation like the Relais Impérial helps optimize your travel time.
Is the Verdon accessible to families with children?
Yes, by choosing suitable activities: supervised beaches on Lake Castillon during the season, short walks (Roc de Castellane, safe viewpoints), and rentals of stable pedal boats/kayaks. Avoid steep or very long trails in hot weather. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes. Check in advance with the tourist offices and the Verdon Regional Natural Park for any temporary restrictions (fires, rockfalls) and try to start your hike early.
Where to stay to be close to both the Prealps of the French Riviera and the Verdon?
Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey is an excellent choice: quiet, centrally located, and connected to the Route Napoléon. The Relais Impérial offers 28 comfortable rooms, sunny terraces, a bistro-style restaurant and a pizzeria, plus personalized itinerary advice. Depending on your needs (couple, family, business traveler), choose the most suitable room category and remember to book early during peak season.
How to adapt the route in case of unpredictable weather?
If wind or heat makes the ridges difficult, opt for the plateaus (Caussols) or the caves/cultural sites (museums of Grasse). In uncertain weather in the gorges, choose the lakes (Castillon) rather than long, exposed hikes, or explore charming villages. Keep a backup plan, check the weather forecast , and ask at reception for advice: the Relais team knows safe and pleasant alternatives nearby.
Key points to remember
Base yourself in Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey to effectively explore the area between the Prealps of the French Riviera and the Verdon.
Alternate between panoramic views, fragrant villages and turquoise waters for a varied stay.
Leave early, equip yourself well and respect the rules of the natural parks.
Book accommodation and activities in advance, especially from May to September.
Allow 2 full days for the main sights; add 1 day to explore further.
Looking to disconnect in the great outdoors with all the comforts? Discover the Relais Impérial and remember to book your dates .
