The Verdon Gorge, known as Gorges du Verdon in French, is one of France’s most spectacular natural wonders, often called the Grand Canyon of Europe. It is the largest canyon in Europe and a must-see if you are traveling to the South of France.
The Verdon Gorge is located in the southeast of the country, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, near the villages of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Palud-sur-Verdon, and Castellane. It is about a 25-kilometer section of the much longer Verdon River. The most beautiful parts of the gorge are surrounded by limestone cliffs that rise up to 700 meters high, offering breathtaking views from both above and from the water.
The area is famous for its dramatic rocky landscapes, stunning turquoise waters, and numerous outdoor activities. Its popularity comes not only from the gorge itself but also from the surrounding lakes, charming villages, spectacular views, and exciting outdoor activities.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn all about the Verdon Gorge in France, its highlights, the most popular activities, and the nearby attractions. With our guide, you can easily prepare for your next trip to the Verdon Gorge and get inspired to explore this beautiful area.
Is it worth visiting the Verdon Gorge?
100% yes! If you are traveling to Southern France, don’t miss the Verdon Gorge. It is not only one of the most beautiful places in the country but also in Europe.
Best time to visit the Verdon Gorge
Considering the local weather, the best time to visit the gorge is between April and October.
The best and most popular months are June, July, and August. However, summer has a downside: the Verdon Gorge is extremely popular, so it can get quite crowded on summer days, especially on weekends, which we recommend avoiding.
If you prefer smaller crowds, travel in May or September. However, keep in mind that the water might be a bit cold for water activities during these months.
Which parts of the Verdon Gorge to visit
The Verdon River flows for more than 160 km in southeastern France, making it a vast area to explore. It’s essential to plan where exactly you want to go.
The area known as the Verdon Gorge (Les Gorges du Verdon) is actually just a smaller section of the river, stretching roughly from the village of Castellane to the Pont du Galetas bridge. This section is the most popular with tourists and is considered one of the most spectacular parts. Most of the popular water activities are available at the shores of the Lake of Sainte-Croix, near the Pont du Galetas. So, if you’re looking for a specific destination, we recommend heading to the area around the Pont du Galetas bridge.
However, if you have more time to spend in the area, it’s worth visiting the panoramic viewpoints along the Lake of Sainte-Croix (Lac de Sainte-Croix), the viewpoints along the Route des Crêtes, the lower Verdon Gorge (Basses Gorges du Verdon), and the other two lakes: Lake of Castillon (Lac de Castillon) and Lake of Esparron (Lac d’Esparron). You can read more about these further down.
How to get to the Verdon Gorge
The most popular section of the Verdon Gorge, as mentioned, is around the Pont du Galetas bridge, accessible via the D957 road. Since this is a rural area with only small villages nearby, getting there can be challenging, especially if you are not traveling by car.
Since public transport is very limited and slow in the area, it is not a recommended option.
We highly recommend traveling by car, whether it’s your own or a rental.
Below, we explain how you can reach the Verdon Gorge from major cities.
Additionally, private transfers are available, offered by local companies. This way, you don’t have to drive, and the local companies can provide lots of insider information.
How to get to the Gorges du Verdon from Marseille
The drive to the Verdon Gorge from Marseille takes about 2 hours by car.
- From Marseille, take the A7 highway, then the A51 highway to Manosque.
- Exit the highway and take the D6 road.
- Continue to Valensole, known for its lavender fields, then take the D8 road.
- Turn onto the D953 road, and at the village of Puimoisson, switch to the D56 road.
- At the end of the D56, turn left onto the D952 road and drive to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
- A few kilometers past the village, take the D957 road.
Along this road, you’ll find the Pont du Galetas bridge, parking lots, many campsites, and more.
How to get to the Gorges du Verdon from Nice
The drive to the Verdon Gorge from Nice takes about 2 hours too.
- Start on the A8 highway towards the St. Tropez exit.
- Exit onto the D1555 road and continue to Draguignan.
- In Draguignan, follow the roundabout to the D955 road.
- Continue on the D955, which later becomes the D49 and then the D6.
- After a long drive, turn right onto the D957 road, which will lead you to the Verdon Gorge.
Where to stay near the Verdon Gorge
Finding accommodation directly around the Verdon Gorge has been difficult for us every time, except for campgrounds.
Here are the best options:
- Camping: Choose one of the local campgrounds.
- Nearby accommodations: If you’re lucky and book early, you might find a place to stay nearby, though good options are limited.
- Stay further away: You can stay in towns like Manosque or Gréoux-les-Bains, or even farther away in Marseille or Nice, and make daily trips to the Verdon Gorge.
We recommend the following places to stay near the Verdon Gorge:
- Hôtel Le Colombier: A three-star hotel in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, close to Lake of Sainte-Croix, with good reviews and affordable prices
- Villa Castellane: A modern four-star hotel located in Gréoux-les-Bains, near Valensole
- Lou Paradou: A three-star hotel with more affordable rates, also situated in Gréoux-les-Bains
Best things to do at the Gorges du Verdon
At the Verdon Gorge, there are many exciting activities that are worth spending at least one or even two to three days on.
The following activities are the most popular at the Verdon Gorge:
Renting a paddle boat, kayak, SUP, or electric boat
To explore the stunning landscapes of the Verdon Gorge, the best way is to rent a pedal boat, kayak, SUP, or electric boat. This allows you to get close to the cliffs and enjoy the gorge’s beauty from a unique perspective.
You can rent watercraft from both sides of Lake Sainte-Croix, near the Pont du Galetas. Here are some rental companies:
- Base de l’Etoile: the only place where you can rent electric boats
- Pedalos chez Nounet Verdon
- Kanojano
- MYC Plage
- Verdon Canoe
- AIGUINAUTIC
It’s also important to consider the opening hours, which are typically from around 8-9 AM to 6-7 PM.
Prices range from about 10 to 40 euros per hour, depending on what you rent. We rented an electric boat, which can be driven without a license, and it cost 40 euros per hour in 2024.
Swimming in Lake of Sainte-Croix
Lake of Sainte-Croix, with its stunning turquoise waters, is perfect for swimming and relaxing during the summer months.
Fed by the Verdon River, this artificial lake is one of the largest in the area and offers plenty of space for swimming.
Whether you prefer lounging on the shore, taking a swim, or trying various water sports, Lake of Sainte-Croix provides the perfect setting.
Driving around the Route des Crêtes
The Route des Crêtes is a scenic road that offers breathtaking views of the Gorges du Verdon. Specifically, it’s the D23 road, starting and ending in La Palud-sur-Verdon. This winding road follows the edge of the canyon, with many viewpoints where you can stop to admire the steep cliffs and the Verdon River below. The road itself is adventurous, with hairpin turns and tunnels revealing the area’s stunning geology.
It’s best to drive the scenic route clockwise to avoid a no-entry sign halfway, as part of the road is one-way.
The viewpoints are:
- Belvédère de Trescaïre bas
- Belvédère de Trescaïre haut
- Belvédère de la Carelle
- Belvédère de l’Escalès
- Belvédère de la Dent d’Aïre
- Belvédère du Pas de la Bau
- Belvédère du Tilleul
- Belvédère de la gorge de Guégues
- Belvédère des glacieres
- Belvédère d’Eicharme
- Belvédère de Guègues
- Belvédère des Malines
- Belvédère de l’Imbut
- Belvédère de Bau Béni
Each viewpoint along the Route des Crêtes offers excellent views of the gorge, making it a photographer’s paradise and a perfect trip for exploring the Verdon Canyon by car.
Pro tip: The D71 road on the other side of the canyon also offers similar panoramic views, so if you have more time in the area, be sure to visit that route as well.
Additionally, the D952 road heading east provides many fantastic viewpoints, such as the Point Sublime near the village of Rougon.
Visiting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a charming village near the Verdon Gorge, known for its picturesque streets and beautiful ceramics. Set on a hill and surrounded by cliffs, the village offers stunning views and a cozy, authentic Southern French atmosphere.
Spend time exploring the narrow streets, discovering local shops, and enjoying a meal at one of the charming cafés or restaurants.
Don’t miss the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel, which provides amazing views of the village and the surrounding landscape.
Paragliding, rock climbing or canyoning
For the adventurous, the Verdon Gorge offers thrilling outdoor activities.
- Paragliding allows you to soar high above the gorge and take in breathtaking aerial views of the stunning landscape.
- Rock climbing enthusiasts can tackle various climbing routes that range from beginner to expert levels, with routes offering spectacular views of the canyon.
- Canyoning involves navigating through the canyon’s rivers and waterfalls, making it a thrilling way to experience the natural beauty of the Verdon Gorge.
Visiting the Lower Verdon Gorge in Quinson
The Lower Verdon Gorge near Quinson is another exciting section of the Verdon River worth visiting if you have more time in the area.
This area is less crowded with tourists, allowing for a more pleasant exploration of the scenic hiking trails along the gorge. The trail starts near the Pont du Lac de Quinson on the D13 road heading west.
You can also rent electric boats and pedal boats at Location Nautic on the shores of Lake Quinson. For kayaking and canoeing, visit Loisir Aventure.
Additionally, the Quinson Prehistoric Museum offers fascinating insights into the region’s ancient history.
So, make sure not to miss the sights and activities around Quinson if you’re interested in exploring the Verdon area in more detail.
Visiting the Lake of Esparron
Lake of Esparron is a tranquil area near the village of Esparron-de-Verdon. It’s a great spot for a relaxing day and is less crowded than other sections of the Verdon.
You can rent boats, kayaks, and more at CanoËco Verdon and Verdon Canoë Paddle.
We recommend this lake if you’re looking for a quieter, less busy place to unwind.
Exploring the Lake of Castillon
Similar to Lake of Esparron, Lake of Castillon also offers a more peaceful environment for those looking to enjoy water sports. You can rent boats, kayaks, and pedal boats to explore the lake at your own pace.
While the gorge is not accessible from this lake due to a dam separating them, Lake of Castillon provides plenty of opportunities for both active and relaxing activities.
It’s a great choice if you’re near Saint-Julien-du-Verdon, Saint-André-les-Alpes, or Cheiron and want to experience a quieter side of the Verdon region.
Other attractions in the South of France
Lavender fields in Provence
The famous lavender fields in Provence, located in southeastern France, attract many tourists every year. These fields usually bloom from late June to early July, so plan your visit during this time for the best lavender experience. The most well-known fields are on the Valensole Plateau and in the Luberon region, especially around Sault.
The lavender fields are not just beautiful to see but also offer a memorable experience because of their wonderful scent, which fills the area during blooming season. Although the fields are privately owned, tourists are welcome to visit, and you can buy lavender products like essential oils and soaps at many locations.
Don’t miss the lavender fields if you’re in France, as they provide one of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences in the country.
Cascade de Sillans
Cascade de Sillans is a beautiful waterfall located near the village of Sillans-la-Cascade in Provence.
The waterfall drops about 42 meters into a clear green pool, surrounded by lush green vegetation and rocks. The area around the waterfall is perfect for a walk, with trails leading to various viewpoints where you can admire the waterfall from different angles.
The walk to the waterfall is relatively easy and suitable for most visitors.
The peaceful surroundings make it a great place to enjoy a relaxing time in nature.
Sisteron
Sisteron is a charming town in southeastern France, known for its impressive citadel and beautiful surroundings.
In Sisteron’s old town, you will find narrow streets, colorful houses, and historic buildings. However, what the town is most famous for is its stunning views.
From the citadel, which sits on a rock, you get a panoramic view of the town and the Durance River valley. You can also enjoy breathtaking views from the road below the citadel.
Sisteron is a great place to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
Nice
Nice is a lively city on the French Riviera, known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline and vibrant atmosphere.
The city is famous for the Promenade des Anglais, a beautiful walkway along the sea where you can enjoy views of the turquoise waters. The old town, Vieux Nice, features narrow streets, colorful buildings, and bustling markets. Nice also has several museums, including the Musée Marc Chagall and the Musée Matisse, showcasing art and culture.
So, it’s worth spending some time in Nice if you’re traveling to the South of France.
Marseille
Marseille is France’s second-largest city and an important hub on the French Riviera. It is well-known for its ports, diverse culture, and vibrant atmosphere. The Old Port (Vieux-Port) is a lively area that is a must-see in the city, offering many beautiful views and interesting sights. Marseille is also famous for landmarks like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, which provides great views of the city, and the Palais Longchamp, which houses the city’s main museum and a lovely park.
To the east of Marseille, in the countryside, you’ll find many attractions, with the most beautiful being the famous calanques. We think these are some of France’s most stunning natural formations. Visit the highlight, Calanque d’En Vau, where you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.
Menton
Menton is a charming town on the French Riviera, near the Italian border. Known for its colorful style, beautiful gardens, and lovely old town, Menton is often called the “Pearl of France.” The town has a picturesque Mediterranean coastline with sandy beaches and colorful buildings.
Menton is famous for its lemon festival, held every February, which celebrates the town’s citrus heritage with impressive floats and displays.
The town also features stunning gardens like the Jardin Serre de la Madone and the Jardin de la Villa Maria Serena, showcasing a variety of exotic plants.
Menton’s relaxed atmosphere and scenic beauty make it a perfect place for an exciting visit.
As you can see from our list, the Verdon Gorge and its surroundings offer many outdoor activities, no matter what you want to do. Whether you’re looking for active adventures or just want to relax, you’ll have a great time in the Verdon area.
Since the Verdon Gorge is one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, we encourage you to visit it on your next trip to France. Spend a day or even a few days in the Verdon Gorge and enjoy the beauty of the French Alps.
