Private Tour to Alpine Provence: Entrevaux, Colmars-les-Alpes & the Upper Verdon Lakes
This private tour to Alpine Provence reveals a completely different side of southern France — wilder, more mountainous, more historic and far less touristy. You will discover Entrevaux, Colmars-les-Alpes, the lakes of the Upper Verdon, panoramic mountain roads through the Alps of Haute-Provence and that rare feeling of a real journey into a part of Provence that looks nothing like the classic Luberon or Valensole routes.
Format: private · 1–8 guests · departures from the French Riviera · approx. 11–12 hours · mountain Provence and alpine roads
Book your private tour to Alpine Provence
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After your request, we confirm the date, pick-up city and the style of the day you want: more focus on fortified villages, a calmer scenario with lakes and panoramas, or a version with a light hike to Lac d’Allos if you want to lean more into nature and walking.
The key places on this route
What makes this tour strong is not only the stops themselves, but the logic of the journey: from fortified Entrevaux through lakes and high-mountain scenery to Colmars-les-Alpes — one of the most atmospheric walled towns in the Upper Verdon.
Entrevaux — fortress, bridge and old Provence atmosphere
One of the strongest openings for a day like this: the stone bridge across the Var, historic gates, narrow streets and the citadel rising above the village. Entrevaux is not a decorative stop, but a real feeling of historic southern France.
Upper Verdon lakes — beautiful stops along the way
Between Entrevaux and Colmars, the route passes through a very beautiful alpine section of the Verdon. Depending on the season and your preferred rhythm, we can add lake stops, quiet water views or keep the day lighter without a hike.
Colmars-les-Alpes — a fortress in the heart of the Upper Verdon
One of the most authentic finishes to this route: a fortified town with military history, stone walls, alpine air and a completely different visual language from the villages of the Luberon or the French Riviera.
Lac d’Allos — an option if you want a stronger nature focus
The best-known high-altitude lake in the region and one of the strongest natural points of the route. We keep it as an optional part of the day: either a light alpine hike and walk, or a calmer scenario without the climb, with more focus on the road, the lakes and the villages.
The road itself is part of the experience
This tour is also loved for the drive itself: passes, gorges, rock faces, alpine rivers and long open perspectives. Even without a longer walk, the road alone is worth the journey.
Seasonal lake activities
In warmer months, part of the day can be spent by the water in a more relaxed way: pedal boats, kayaks, a short pause by the lake and the gentle mood of alpine summer. This works well for travelers who want the route to feel less hike-based and more leisurely.
How the day usually unfolds
The route stays flexible, but the day is usually built around three clear parts: a morning walk in Entrevaux, a central nature-focused or lighter scenic scenario, and a beautiful finish in Colmars-les-Alpes or by the lake.
Morning — a stop in Entrevaux
The day begins with an atmospheric stop in Entrevaux — one of the most authentic villages of Alpine Provence. We walk through the old streets, pass the fortified gates and enjoy a pleasant coffee pause.
If you wish, you can climb toward the citadel for beautiful views over the Var valley and the mountain scenery. If not, the village itself is already a very rewarding stop at an easy pace.
Midday — Lac d’Allos hike or a lighter scenic version
The day then divides into two possible styles. The more active version includes a walk toward Lac d’Allos with alpine scenery and nature. The calmer version skips the hike and leaves more time for Colmars-les-Alpes, lunch and then a softer lake-focused finish in the Upper Verdon.
Evening — Colmars-les-Alpes, a restaurant stop and a soft lake finish
If the day included the hike, the evening is naturally reserved for Colmars-les-Alpes: a quiet walk and dinner. If there is no hike, then Colmars works well at lunchtime, and after that the route can continue to Lac de Castillon for relaxation, pedal boats or simply a beautiful finish by the water.
Two possible versions of the day
- With the hike: Entrevaux → Lac d’Allos → Colmars-les-Alpes → dinner → return.
- Without the hike: Entrevaux → Colmars-les-Alpes → lunch → Lac de Castillon / lake relaxation → return.
This format makes it easy to adapt the route to fitness level, season and guest expectations: either more nature-focused, or lighter and more relaxed.
Practical information
This is a long but exceptionally beautiful route. It requires an early departure, but in return it offers the feeling of a real journey into one of the least familiar and most rewarding parts of Provence.
What is included
- private transportation for the full day
- pick-up from your address and return transfer
- a route through Alpine Provence and the Upper Verdon
- water and soft drinks
- flexibility with stops and overall pace
On request, the day can also include a picnic, a restaurant stop or longer photo pauses.
What to keep in mind
- route duration — around 11–12 hours
- the Lac d’Allos option requires readiness for a walk
- mountain weather and temperatures can differ from the coast
- comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended even in summer
If guests care more about villages and views than hiking, the route can easily be made much lighter.
Explore more of our private tours in Provence
If you like the idea of rare and memorable routes through Provence, these tours complement the Alpine side of the region especially well.
Verdon Gorge Tour
Europe’s Grand Canyon, Lake Sainte-Croix and one of the most impressive natural routes in southern France.
Luberon Valley Tour
A completely different Provence: hilltop villages, classic scenery and a softer southern atmosphere.
Lavender Provence Tour
If you want to see the most iconic summer image of Provence, this route leads to Valensole and the region’s lavender landscapes.
Frequently asked questions
Below are short answers to the most common questions about the route, duration and the overall format of the day.
Is this tour more about Lac d’Allos or about the villages?
Can the route be done without the hike to Lac d’Allos?
Is this tour suitable for children or older parents?
What makes the section between Entrevaux and Colmars so interesting?
Can we add lake relaxation or pedal boats?
Who is this tour especially good for?
Send us your travel date and we will suggest the best version of this route: more focus on fortified villages, more time around the Upper Verdon lakes, or a version with Lac d’Allos added to the day.
