For the summer of 2025, the stars finally aligned: our youngest was six and tall enough for most rides, making it the perfect time to add Disneyland Paris to our itinerary. To make the most of the trip, we paired the Disney magic with a drive to the stunning Gorges du Verdon.
Road Trip Itinerary and Summary
Day 1: Disneyland Paris
We woke up early, buzzing with excitement for our first day at Disneyland Paris. Staying at Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel granted us Early Access, letting us step into the park an hour before the general public (a crucial advantage!). This also allowed us to park directly at the hotel, bypassing the expensive Disneyland parking fees.
After parking, we stepped into the hotel and got our first glimpse of Disney magic. The modern décor, filled with Iron Man statues and Marvel artwork, immediately set the tone for the day. But we didn’t want to waste any time; our goal was to make the most of those early hours.
To reach the park, we first walked through the lively Disney Village, where excitement was already palpable. Everyone was thrilled, finally just steps away from the gates. Thanks to the Disneyland app, entering was quick and easy; we simply scanned our tickets from our phones and were inside within minutes.
Once inside, after the obligatory first photos and a little family celebration, we headed straight to Big Thunder Mountain, which had a short queue that morning. From there, the day was non-stop fun. We managed to experience almost everything on our list, with highlights including Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, It’s a Small World, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril.
By the end of the day, we were exhausted but completely triumphant; our Disneyland Paris adventure had officially begun in the best possible way.
Day 2: Walt Disney Studios Park
For our second day at Disneyland Paris, we headed straight to Walt Disney Studios Park, which ended up being our favorite day of the trip. We started the morning with Ratatouille: The Adventure, a fantastic immersive ride that set the tone for the rest of the day.
The highlights were definitely Crush’s Coaster, a dizzying, sea-themed thrill ride inspired by Finding Nemo, and the interactive Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure, where we joined Spidey to capture runaway Spider-Bots using only our hands. We also caught our first live shows, including the hilarious Stitch Live! and the spectacular TOGETHER: A Pixar Musical Adventure, both great additions to the park’s attractions.
As the Studios Park began to wind down, we decided to head to Disney Village for dinner. After a relaxed meal, we walked over to Disneyland Park. We had just enough time to enjoy a couple of classic rides with shorter evening queues.
We stayed until closing time and got to watch the magnificent nighttime show at 22:40. However, due to the rain, we only saw the adapted version of the show without the drones. Still, it was magical, and we knew we would have another chance to catch the full version the next day.
Day 3: Last day at Disneyland Paris
On our last day at Disneyland Paris, we were feeling a bit tired from the previous days, so we decided to take things slow and enjoy the park at a more relaxed pace. The weather had improved, with blue skies and pleasant temperatures, perfect for wrapping up our visit.
This time, we spent the day at Disneyland Park, focusing on both the rides we had missed and the ones we liked the most. We started with Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, both thrilling highlights for any Star Wars fan. Later, we watched The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands, an energetic and beautifully staged musical that quickly became one of our favorite shows.
We also rode It’s a Small World, a timeless classic that provided a calm and cheerful break between the more intense attractions. Throughout the day, we took things easier, exploring shops, taking photos, and enjoying snacks while soaking in the magical atmosphere one last time. On our last night at Disneyland, we managed to see the nighttime show with drones. It was both impressive and delightful, a truly magical way to end our Disney adventure.
It was the perfect ending to our Disneyland Paris adventure, a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and a touch of well-deserved rest after three unforgettable days.
Day 4: Disneyland to Moulins Avermes stop at Fontainebleau
After our days at Disney, our next destination was the Verdon region, about 830 kilometers away. Since driving that distance in one go would have been too tiring, we decided to split the trip in two. Our plan was to drive around 300 kilometers and spend the night in Moulins Avermes, where we had found a great deal at a new B&B Hotel.
To make the journey more enjoyable, we chose to take a scenic detour through Fontainebleau. There, we visited the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, one of France’s most historic royal residences, and took time to stroll through its beautifully landscaped gardens.
We also explored the old town, with its charming streets, inviting cafés, and elegant architecture. It was the perfect place to relax and stretch our legs before continuing to Moulins Avermes, where we would rest and prepare for the next leg of our road trip toward the Verdon region.
The final stretch of the drive to Moulins Avermes was quite challenging, with heavy rain and poor visibility making the journey difficult. We arrived at the hotel tired but grateful to have made it safely, although a bit concerned that we might have to adjust our plans for the next day if the bad weather continued.
Day 5: Moulins Avermes to Istres
On this day, our plan was to reach Camping La Farigoulette in Verdon, but the weather had other ideas. After so much rain, the pitches at the campsite were completely muddy. Even though the forecast finally showed clear skies ahead, we decided to postpone our arrival in Verdon by one more day. Better to start fresh and dry than tackle a muddy pitch.
We had planned to visit the Haribo Museum near Uzès, but since it was closed on Mondays, we changed course and stopped by the Triumphal Arch in Orange instead. Later, we made a quick stop in Avignon, this time to see its famous bridge from the opposite side of the river.
With this last-minute change, we traded mud for comfort and spent the night warm and dry at the Ibis Budget Istres Tigres. It turned out to be a great decision; we were already closer to Verdon and ready to begin our first adventure there the next morning.
Day 6: Quinson Gorges du Verdon
On the 6th day, we finally reached the Verdon region. For our first day, we wanted to start big! We arrived in Quinson around 11:00, ready for our first hike. We parked in the free parking area (location) and took a short walk to the start of the Lower Gorges of Verdon trail — a 10 km route that follows the gorge for about half of the way. It’s considered one of the best-rated trails in the area, so we couldn’t miss it.
The scenery was stunning, the weather was perfect, and since it was already September, the trail was much less crowded. It begins with a few bridges and stair sections, but the incline is fairly gentle at this point.
Before leaving the gorge section, we had to cross a tunnel, which was flooded thanks to recent rains! That didn’t stop us; with sandals on, it became a hilarious and unique part of the adventure. (Hikers with boots, be warned: you might get wet!). After that, the climb began; we passed through a beautiful, dense green forest before facing a steeper ascent leading up to the church.
The trail was absolutely worth it. We completed it in about four hours, including a lunch break and a few stops so our 6- and 8-year-olds could rest and recharge.
After the hike, we headed to the beach by the gorge for a quick swim, but the water was freezing! So instead, we made our way to Camping La Farigoulette, where we still had to check in and set up our tent.
The campsite was fantastic: located right by the water, with modern facilities, great play areas for kids, inflatables, an amazing playground, and even a heated pool. It was the perfect place to relax after a long but unforgettable day.
Day 7: Boat Ride at Quinson Gorges du Verdon
After our amazing hike through the gorge the day before, we kept thinking about all the boats we had seen gliding over the turquoise water. So the next morning, we decided to surprise the kids and rent a boat to explore the Quinson Gorges from the water.
It was the best decision. The day was hot, perfect for swimming, and the views were even more impressive from below. We rented an electric boat for four hours, which gave us plenty of time to cruise slowly, stop for a swim, and enjoy a picnic on a quiet little shore. No rush, no crowds, just us and the sound of the water echoing between the cliffs.
Tip: If you plan to rent a boat in the Verdon Gorge, we really recommend booking at least four hours. It gives you time to fully enjoy the scenery and stop for a few swims without checking the clock.
After returning the boat, we stopped by a supermarket on the way back to the campsite and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the camping pool. Later, after dinner, there was a live music show, the perfect ending to a perfect day in the Verdon.
Day 8: Enjoying Mini Golf and SUP at Lake Verdon
On our 8th day, we wanted a car-free day, so we decided to make the most of the campsite’s free mini golf equipment and try its course. It turned out to be quite a challenge but also a lot of fun for the whole family, even if the final holes were surprisingly tricky.
After mini golf, we went for a swim in the heated pool before lunch, a perfect way to relax and wrap up the morning.
Since our campsite was right next to Lake Verdon, we spent the afternoon exploring it with our new stand-up paddleboard and inflatable boat. We spent the rest of the day testing the SUP and discovering the gorge near the campsite.
Day 9: Point Sublime, D952 and Gorges du Verdon
After a car-free day, we were ready to hit the road again. For our ninth day, we planned to do one of the highlights of any Verdon road trip, driving along the D952, a stunning road that winds its way through the gorge with breathtaking views at every turn.
Along the D952 there are several fantastic viewpoints, including one where you can admire Moustiers-Sainte-Marie from below and others that let you fully appreciate the beauty of the Gorges du Verdon.
The drive to Point Sublime was pure joy for anyone who loves scenic roads, full of curves, lookouts, and photo stops that made it impossible to rush. It easily made it into our top three roads from all our road trips so far. And Point Sublime truly lived up to its name. It is free to visit, offers amazing panoramic views, and even has a hiking trail we had to skip this time, something to save for our next visit.
After soaking in the views, we headed back to Plage du Galetas for another water adventure, this time in a rented kayak.
The day was windy, and although we initially planned to rent the kayak for two hours, the staff wisely suggested one hour would be enough. They were absolutely right. The scenery was incredible, and the gorge was buzzing with activity, filled with kayaks, pedal boats, and electric boats. It was chaotic in the best way possible and such a fun experience.
We returned to the campsite tired but happy, and of course, we could not resist ending the day with another round of mini golf, the perfect way to close another great day in Verdon.
Day 10: Archery, Tree-top adventure and exploring Lac d’Artignosc
We were determined to savor every moment of our last full day in Verdon. The morning began with a bullseye moment: a free archery session offered by Camping La Farigoulette. We eagerly tested our aim, and it turned out to be a fantastic hit with everyone, adults and kids alike! The only drawback was the lack of a suitable bow for our six-year-old sharpshooter.
Next, we finally tackled the looming challenge we had eyed since arrival: the tree-top adventure park. It wasn’t free, but it was absolutely worth every penny. The park delivered a complete thrill-fest, featuring exhilarating rope slides, demanding climbing challenges, and multiple courses, even one perfectly tailored for our youngest adventurer. It made for a truly complete and satisfying morning of conquering heights.
Being right at the campsite, we indulged in a proper, hot lunch instead of our usual grab-and-go sandwiches. But our sense of adventure wasn’t satiated yet. The afternoon called us back to the water. We inflated our SUP and boat and launched ourselves onto the river, paddling a scenic 2.5 km each way. We explored the gorge all the way to the beautiful Lac d’Artignosc. The water was crisp, but the warm sunshine made it irresistible, so we stopped several times to plunge in and cool off.
We returned to the campsite blissfully exhausted and happy. While the kids, somehow still energized, spent the evening unwinding at the children’s park, we finally enjoyed a well-deserved moment of peace, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. Tomorrow morning, the adventure would end as we packed up camp.
While perhaps not the least expensive option locally, Camping La Farigoulette offers exceptional value backed by its array of outstanding amenities. Its location provides effortless access to the Verdon Gorges. The facilities truly shine: the restrooms and showers are clean, and throughout our stay, we never experienced any queues. The heated pool is a welcome bonus. Although it doesn’t feature slides like some competitors, this is perfectly balanced by engaging nightly shows and a variety of free activities for families. We departed with wonderful memories, both of the stunning region and of our fantastic stay at La Farigoulette.
Returning Home
The next day was all about packing everything back into the car, and it was not as quick or easy as we hoped. It took us around three hours to tidy up and organize all our gear, leaving just in time for the tent check-out at 11:00.
The drive back to Portugal always feels smoother. We are more used to long hours on the road, and traffic tends to be lighter. As on previous trips, we made a stop at the Ibis Budget in Tarbes for the night before taking on the 12-hour, 1,100 km journey to Lisbon. By the time we arrived, we were more than ready to be reunited with our furry friend, making the long drive completely worth it.
Final Thoughts
Unlike our usual road trip guides, the first part of this journey will be summarized. We originally planned to make the drive from Lisbon to Paris with just one overnight stop. However, as the departure date loomed, we chose instead to take two stops, Valladolid and Bordeaux, before spending the final night just outside the Disneyland Paris area. Next time, we’ll really try to be more brave and stick to just one stop!
The drive went smoothly, and we had the chance to test our new gadget: a Via Verde toll device with roaming, which allowed us to pass through tolls in both Spain and France without stopping. By August 27, we arrived in Saint-Thibault-des-Vignes, where we stayed at the Ibis Budget, a simple, practical hotel conveniently close to the park. The next day, our long-awaited Disneyland Paris adventure would finally begin.
This French road trip delivered perfectly. Even after extensive research, the sheer dimension and beauty of the Gorges du Verdon left me completely in awe. And for the kids? The time we spent at Disneyland Paris was truly incredible, a magical experience they will absolutely never forget!
If you want to try and plan a road trip in Europe check out our road trip guide or maybe check out our previous road trips for ideas!
