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Gorges du Verdon

Visit Gorges du Verdon, Provence

The Gorges du Verdon are found in central Provence, with the Var department to the south of the gorge and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department to the north.

Verdon Gorge truly is Europe's 'Grand canyon' (it is sometimes referred to as the 'Grand Canyon du Verdon') and is stunningly beautiful. The canyon has been carved by the Verdon River, leaving the turquoise river now flowing at the base of high limestone cliffs.

Facts and figures

• The canyon is up to 700 metres deep and between 100 and 1500 metres across.
• It has taken approximately two million years for the river Verdon to carve the gorges.
• The Natural Regional Park of the Verdon was created in 1997 to protect the unique environment

Exploring the Gorges du Verdon

The most impressive part of the gorges for visitors lies between the towns of Castellane and the Lac de Sainte-Croix south of Moustiers-Ste-Marie.

The canyon is extremely popular, both with those who choose to drive around the top - 130km drive on roads that are often slow moving, but have great dramatic views - and those who kayak, raft or walk along the river itself at the bottom of the cliffs.

Walking: The path Sentier Martel passes 15km through the canyon, between the Point Sublime and the Chalet de la Maline, and for those who are not scared of heights, makes a fantastic walk. Common sense, walking boots, food and water are essential. Taxis and minibuses will escort you back to your car when you emerge.

If you are in the canyon rather than at the top, the Styx du Verdon is a particularly attractive section.

Canoeing and rafting: there are various places where rafting, kayaking and other options are available. These depend on your experience and also on the time of year:

• The section of the upper gorges between Allos and Saint André is popular with experienced canoeists in the late spring and early summer.
• The so-called 'pre-gorges' below Castellane are popular with all levels of canoeist and open all year except winter.
• The 'Canyon du Verdon' further downstream contains some challenging rapids for more experienced canoeists.

Lakes: There are several lakes along the length of the Gorges du Verdon, the most important being the Lac de Castillon (north of Castellane) and the Lac de Sainte-Croix at the western end of the gorges. The more wild Lac d'Esparron a little further west near Esparron-de-Verdon has some exceptional scenery and is also highly recommended. Each of these lakes offer the possibilities for swimming, canoeing and other leisure activities

Other activities: Rock climbing and fishing are also major activities in the gorge.

Photos kindly contributed by Amanda Mc Hugh

Photos of Gorges du Verdon (click any picture to start the gallery)

Suggested places to visit near Gorges du Verdon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Riez 27km; Aups 28km; Mons 28km; Seillans 28km; Tourtour 28km; Fayence 31km; Tourrettes 32km; Draguignan 32km; Flayosc 33km; Digne-les-Bains 33km; Entrevaux 33km; Salernes 35km; Callian 35km; Saint-Cezaire-sur-Siagne 36km; Valensole 36km; Montauroux 36km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Lac de Castillon - site of natural beauty (10km) : Verdon - regional natural parc (18km) : Lac de Sainte-Croix - site of natural beauty (21km) : Grottes de Saint-Cezaire - site of natural beauty (36km) : Clos de Villeneuve - remarkable garden (36km) : Jardin de la Villa Fort de France - remarkable garden (43km) : Abbaye du Thoronet (Le Thoronet) - religious monument (43km) : Prieuré Notre Dame (Ganagobie) - religious monument (46km) :