Exploring the Verdon Gorge | France’s Spectacular Natural Wonder
Located in the heart of Provence, tantalisingly close to the region’s famed lavender fields, the Gorges du Verdon, or simply Verdon Gorge in English, is another breathtaking example of France’s natural beauty.
Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Europe”, this wondrous landscape reveals vibrant turquoise waters winding through dramatic limestone cliffs, in a scene that will leave you in awe. Beyond the gorge, the vast Lac de Sainte-Croix offers even more opportunities for fun and adventure.
Best reached by car, the Verdon Gorge is an easy day trip from Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon, or even the Côte d’Azur. Plan at least a full day to explore though, as there’s plenty to keep you occupied – especially in the sizzling summer months.
About the Gorges du Verdon
The Verdon Gorge is a 25km ravine that cuts a trail through the Verdon Regional Nature Park between the town of Castellane and the Lac de Sainte-Croix. Along the way, it reaches depths of up to 700m, and there are many viewpoints to take in its splendor.
Millions of years old, this area of France has undergone many iterations. In the Triassic period, it was underwater and thick layers of limestone formed from marine sediments. Later, tectonic shifts caused the land to rise above sea-level. During the ice age, glaciers cut deep grooves in the land, and as they melted, rivers took their place, further cementing water’s effect on this ancient landscape.
How to Get to the Verdon Gorge Lookout
Though the gorge stretches inland from the Sainte-Croix lake, most people who visit only see a tiny portion of it. The famous Pont du Gelatas (map location here) stands at the intersection between the gorge and the lake, and this is where you’ll find the iconic viewpoint (shown below).
Tours to the Verdon Gorge
Most organized group tours to the Verdon Gorge start in Nice or Cannes, although there are lavender tours that depart Aix-en-Provence and spend some time at the lake and gorge too.
This full day tour from Nice allows for free time in the villages of Castellane and Moustiers. You’ll travel the length of the Gorge, and in summer, it also includes a visit to nearby lavender fields.
Choose this full day tour if you’re staying in Aix-en-Provence. It includes time in Moustiers and Bauduen, the Pont du Gelatas, and a visit to one of the lavender distilleries in Valensole.
Driving to the Verdon Gorge
To get here from Aix, you’ll take the A51 and exit near Manosque. Then you’ll cut right through the Valensole Plateau towards Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. From Nice, you’ll drive west on the A8, exiting at Le Muy, and then head north on the eastern side of the lake.
Driving Along the Verdon Gorge
While the above directions will land you at the Pont du Gelatas lookout, one of the best things to do is drive the length of the gorge and take in the magnificent views! You can do this from either direction, but approaching via the north creates anticipation as you approach the lake.
There’s a road running along both sides of the Verdon Gorge, stretching from Castellane to Lac de Sainte-Croix. Interestingly, the gorge serves as a natural border, separating the departments of Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The road on the upper side of the gorge offers a scenic offshoot called the Route des Crêtes.
Despite many years living in Provence, I’ve only yet driven the full length of the Verdon Gorge once. We started in Trigance, taking the southern route to the lake via Aiguines. You can check out the route here.
Once you reach the gorge, the entire drive is gasp-worthy, and you’ll struggle to keep your eyes on the road (so take caution as other drivers will feel the same!). But luckily, there are plenty of places to safely pull over and take it all in. The photos below were all taken on this stretch of the drive.
Near the end of the scenic drive, you’ll approach Aiguines, a tiny village with a unique castle overlooking the lake. There are several little bistros and restaurants here where you can pause for a drink or a bite to eat.
Activities In and Around the Verdon Gorge
The Verdon Gorge, and the adjacent lake, offer many activities for both leisure and adventure. Below, I’ll explain what’s on offer, where best to do it, and how to book if applicable.
Swimming
While the canyon may look inviting for swimming, it’s forbidden to swim between the high cliffs of the Verdon Gorge. It would be ill-advisable to do so anyway, with the amount of boat and kayak traffic down the narrow river.
Instead, head to one of the beaches on the edge of the Lac de Sainte-Croix, where you can swim freely. Or, hire an electric boat to head out into the lake to find your own swimming spot. Once you get away from the entrance to the gorge, it’s not crowded.
The three main beaches to swim from are Plage du Gelatas, Le Bosquet d’Azur, and the beaches beneath the village of Sainte-Croix.
Plage du Gelatas is right by the camping ground, so it gets busy. Many kayaks and pedal boats launch from here (more on those later). However, it does have a large beach area, and affords great views of the bridge and gorge.
Le Bosquet d’Azur is located in a quiet inlet off the lake. There’s a dedicated parking lot behind, and people generally come here to swim and play in the water, rather than launch into water sports (although there is a small boat and kayak rental place nearby). It’s a great spot for families.
The Sainte-Croix beaches are located further south on the lake, beneath the village of the same name. There’s the main large beach where all the nautical activities take place (including boat hire), and then the smaller Plage de l’amour which is better for swimming and relaxation.
Swimming isn’t permitted at the very southern end of the lake as there is a hydroelectric dam here.
Pedal Boat and Electric Boat Hire
Hiring a boat allows you to explore the nooks and crannies of the lake and the gorge, at your own pace. However, not all boats are created equal! We’ve hired both and while the pedal boats can be fun for cruising up the gorge itself, they’re not ideal if you want to cover larger distances in the lake.
Note: There’s a limited section of the gorge that you’re allowed to navigate in a boat. There are ropes clearly showing where you must stop and turn around.
These days we prefer hiring an electric boat as we can do more with our allocated time slot. They’re fixed to a low speed, and don’t require any special skills to operate. Our young son often takes the lead on driving it!
Both types of boat are dog-friendly too, and lifejackets are available (except you’ll have to bring one for any four-legged passengers).
We normally hire a boat from Base Nautique de l’etoile, as there is plenty of parking available, it’s right by the entrance to the gorge, and there are a large number of boats available. They generally open around Easter (sometimes a little earlier) and close for the season in October.
Tip: You can’t reserve a boat over the phone or online. You have to do it in person on the day. I therefore recommend going early to reserve, then partaking in some other activities in the area, and coming back at your allocated timeslot. Do note that the usual hire time is limited to 2 hours.
Other places available for boat hire include:
– Pedalos chez Nounet Verdon on the opposite side of the lake.
– La Cadeno
– Base Nautique Les Salles sur Verdon
– Lac Loc at Sainte-Croix
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
Kayaking and paddle boarding are both ideal activities for the lake and the gorge. You can hire them onsite (generally the same places as listed above for the boats) or bring your own.
If bringing your own, and you want to head up the gorge, it’s advisable to launch from the beach here. There’s plenty of parking nearby, and you have a short way to paddle to the start of the Gorge.
Inflatable kayaks and paddleboards are popular in France (that’s what we use), and are easy to transport. If you’re travelling to Provence by car, it may be worth looking into this option if you want to be out on the water a lot. Decathlon kayaks and paddleboards have served us well over the years!
Rafting, Canyoning and Aqua Hikes
Rafting adventures take place in the northern end of the gorge, near La Palud-sur-Verdon and Castellane. Here, you can embark on group river rafting excursions with experienced guides. Sail down the rapids and grit your teeth as you career around the rocks! Perfect for the whole family, it’s a great way to explore a lesser-frequented part of the gorge.
Canyoning adventures take place here too, with courses and tours available to suit most fitness levels and abilities.
Feel like something a little less adventurous? Why not join an aqua hike? You’ll get to explore parts of the Verdon only accessible via the water, and take part (if you choose) in some incredible cliff diving.
Hiking & Climbing
With an abundance of sheer cliffs towering up to 700m above the river, it’s no wonder the Verdon Gorge is a hotspot for climbers. There are over 1500 routes to discover within the regional park – ranging from beginner-friendly to extreme ascents.
Book a tour to be guided by the experts, and enjoy the unique experience of climbing one of Europe’s deepest canyons.
Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Me too. Luckily, many walks and hikes take full advantage of the dramatic scenery. Download the AllTrails app if you haven’t already, and you’ll find a series of amazing hikes at your fingertips.
Things to See & Do Nearby
Exploring the surrounding areas of the Verdon Gorge offers a chance to experience charming villages and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy lavender fields, nearby lakes, and hilltop towns.
Lavender Fields Near the Verdon Gorge
From around mid-June to early July, the fields near the Lac de Sainte-Croix are awash with colour. One of the best places to see lavender fields in Provence, the Valensole Plateau is home to sprawling rows of flowers – stretching as far as the eye can see.
The best way to see these fields is by car (follow this route). But many organized tours to the Verdon Gorge will also take you to some of the most popular lavender farms.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Just a short drive from the Verdon Gorge, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a must-visit village that perfectly complements an adventure in the region. Clinging to the edge of the Montdenier massif mountain range, this Provençal village is famed for its ceramic craftsmanship, a centuries-old tradition of faïence pottery.
Here, you can wander the cobbled lanes, visit ceramic workshops, and climb to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over the village and beyond. While you’re there, look out for the golden star suspended, curiously, between the cliffs above.
Lac d’Esparron
Just south of the Lac de Sainte-Croix is another stunning turquoise lake. A lot smaller than its neighbour, it offers a more tranquil swimming and boating experience. You can hire all the same nautical toys here, including electric boats, pedalos, kayaks and paddleboards; and you have more chance of securing one in the summer months!
Given its smaller size, it’s ripe for exploration, and not hard to find a secret beach to yourself. The pretty village of Esparron-de-Verdon sits on its edge, offering a laid-back and easy place to grab a meal with a view after a day on the water.
The Best Time to Visit the Gorges du Verdon
If you want to partake in the nautical activities on offer, you’ll have to visit the Verdon Gorge between April and October. The summer months are undoubtedly the busiest months, but there’s something very fun about taking part in the pandemonium that is the gorge in July or August!
Picture a colourful mix of pedal boats, kayaks, and paddleboards cruising up the river – many with furry companions onboard. Teenagers are cliff jumping off the rocks, and kayaks are tied together in clusters to enjoy a shared picnic. I love the liveliness of it!
If you want to go in warmer months but avoid the large crowds, aim for June or September when school is back in session in France.
Of course, if your main aim is hiking or climbing, you may want to avoid the hot summer months altogether and instead aim for spring or autumn. Winter days are also often amazing for hiking. Choose a day where the sun is out and the mistral isn’t blowing, and you’ll be amazed at how warm and inviting Provence can feel in the off-season.
Where to Stay
The closest village to the southern end of the Gorges du Verdon is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, so choose this as a base to explore the lake, Valensole Plateau and the canal. Alternatively, choose Castellane or Trigance for hiking, rafting, or canyoning adventures further up the gorge.
Below are some of the top places to stay – including a range of luxury accommodations, camping grounds and cosy gîtes.
La Bastide de Moustiers is a small Provençal style hotel with a Michelin-star restaurant onsite. It’s just a short walk from the village centre, and features free private parking.
Le Relais à Moustiers offers an authentic stay in the heart of Moustiers. It’s an affordable option for those wanting to live the village life.
Campasun Camping de l’Aigle is situated in Aiguines – perfect for lazy days on the lake. Their range of quirky accommodations include wooden cabins, roulettes, glamping tents and self-contained eco-lodges.
Hotel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon is the ideal launching point for Verdon adventures. Located in La Palud sur Verdon, it features stunning views of the Natural Park.
Château de Trigance offers guests the chance to stay like royalty in a restored medieval castle. The 3-star hotel boasts mountain views, and free parking.
Le Long du Verdon is a guesthouse located in Castellane. It features a swimming pool, coffee shop, and free parking – and it’s exceptional value!
Camping les Lavandes in Castellane offers something for every budget. Choose to stay in a glamping tent, mobile home, or two bedroom apartment and save your money for all the activities you’ll want to take part in!
A visit to the Verdon Gorge in France is a must-do experience, blending dramatic natural beauty with adventure, history, and Provençal charm. Whether you visit for a day, or a long weekend, this region offers something for every traveller.
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