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Both an environmentally-friendly mode of transport and a coveted sporting pastime, cycling is ideal for exploring the Gorges du Verdon. It’s an ideal playground for beginners and advanced cyclists, children and adults alike, with a multitude of routes available. Follow the guide to successful cycling trips in the Gorges du Verdon.
What to know before cycling in the Gorges du Verdon?
If this is your first cycle tour of the Gorges du Verdon, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your cycling effort.
Leave with the best possible conditions
Controlled weather for peaceful cycling
The day before your bike ride, check the weather forecast for the day. If the weather is fine, take sun cream, a cap, sunglasses and plenty of water. If it’s raining, make sure you have waterproof equipment. It’s also important to plan ahead for the length of the day so you don’t get caught out at night.
Getting to know other road users to better share the road
If you take a road route, you’ll come across cars as well as motorhomes and motorbikes. Some of these may be bulky or fast, so be sure to pull over to the side to allow them to overtake safely. Even if you’re on a bike, the highway code still applies, so make sure you obey the signs and let other road users know when you’re changing direction or stopping.
Choosing the right cycling equipment
Choose the right bike for your route
The Gorges du Verdon offer a variety of routes: panoramic roads, mountain bike trails and demanding climbs. So it’s important to choose the right bike:
- Road bike: ideal for the Route des Crêtes, mountain passes and long distances.
- Mountain bike: perfect for trails like those around Lac de Sainte-Croix or the tracks in the Montdenier forest.
- Electric bike: recommended for less experienced cyclists or for tackling steep gradients.
Make sure you have the appropriate equipment
- Water bottle or flask: make sure you have enough water for your physical effort, especially in hot weather.
- Sun cream and sunglasses
- Repair kit: so that you can set off again if you get a puncture
- Bicycle map or GPS: some routes have little network signal
- Compulsory equipment: helmet, lights, reflective clothing for safety
The best bike rides in the Gorges du Verdon?
The route des crêtes by bike – from La Palud-sur-Verdon
Level of difficulty: moderate
Set off on the legendary Route des Crêtes, a panoramic loop through the vertiginous landscapes of the Grand Canyon du Verdon. The route is dotted with 14 must-see lookouts, each offering breathtaking views of the sheer cliffs and the Verdon river below. The route starts 800m after leaving the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon in the direction of Rougon and is signposted. Please note that this is a one-way road from April to November, so follow the signs.
Duration: 3h
Distance: 24km
Altitude: D+655 | D-655
Tour of the 2 lakes (Castillon and Chaudanne) by bike – from Castellane
Level of difficulty: moderate
The route takes you along the turquoise waters of the Chaudanne and Castillon lakes, returning via the village of Castellane on tarmac roads and easy tracks. Along the way, you’ll pass over the Castillon dam. To the right of this is the lake of the same name, and to the left is Lac de Chaudane.
After the dam, the road descends gently towards Castellane and runs alongside the superb Lac de Castillon. Here, too, a short stop is in order to enjoy the turquoise waters of the lake. Stop off at the ‘Le Sirocco’ water sports centre for a ride on a stand-up paddle or pedalo and, above all, to enjoy a delicious ice cream. You can choose to return to the village by road or via the ‘Bas du Serre’ trail.
You can book your bikes directly at the start of the loop.
Duration: 2h
Distance: 23,5km
Altitude: +650 | -650
Tour of Lac de Sainte Croix by bike – from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Level of difficulty: medium
The third largest lake in France, Lac de Sainte-Croix is an ideal playground for all kinds of land and water-based activities. Leaving Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, head out of the village towards Aiguines, skirting the lake on the D957. Follow the loop through Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Bauduen and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, before returning to Moustiers. There are two difficulties along the way: an initial climb from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and then a second climb after around 25km. It will be easier to do the loop in an anti-clockwise direction for more gradual climbs.
Don’t miss the chance to cool off on the beaches at Bauduen or Les Salles-sur-Verdon. You’ll also pass the famous Pont de Galetas at the entrance to the Gorges, a well-known photo spot, ideal for watching kayakers and pedalos.
Duration: 4h
Distance: 64,4km
Altitude: D+1090 | D-1090
What cycling routes to take with children in the Gorges du Verdon?
There are many options for cycling with young children as a family. Here is our selection of shorter, safer routes.
Around the Sainte-Croix lake – southern section (10 to 20km)
It is possible to cycle only a portion of the Lac de Sainte-Croix to make the route accessible to children. This tour is ideal for families, with its little-travelled roads, superb scenery and several stops for swimming and picnics.
The route generally starts from Les Salles-sur-Verdon, where the road runs peacefully alongside the lake for a pleasant, easy stretch. After a few kilometres, there is a slight climb before arriving at Bauduen, a charming Provençal village on the shores of the lake, ideal for a break or a swim. Continuing on to Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, the route passes through landscapes alternating between forests and valleys, with several wild coves ideal for relaxing. The return journey to Les Salles-sur-Verdon is a gradual descent, offering breathtaking views of the Pont de Galetas, gateway to the famous Gorges du Verdon.
Cycle routes on the Plateau de Valensole
- The Valensole discovery loop (8 km) – Easy level:
Starting from the village of Valensole, this short loop follows flat, open roads, ideal for young cyclists. In summer, it passes through fields of lavender in bloom, offering a unique sensory experience. The route also allows you to observe bees and artisanal distilleries, perfect for an educational break. - The Puimoisson loop (12km) – Easy to moderate level:
This loop links Valensole to Puimoisson, via country lanes with little traffic. It is slightly hilly but still accessible to children used to pedalling. In Puimoisson, there’s a picnic area where you can take a break before returning to Valensole. - The Riez family loop (15 km) – Moderate level:
From the charming Provencal village of Riez, this loop follows small roads winding between lavender and cereal crops. With a slight gradient, it is suitable for slightly older children or those with electric bikes. There are several rest points with magnificent views and farms selling lavender honey.
The Gréoux-les-Bains green route (8km)
The Gréoux-les-Bains greenway is an ideal route for a family cycle ride. Completely safe and free from motor traffic, this former railway line has been converted into a cycle path and runs for around 8km round trip along the banks of the Verdon. With its gentle gradient, it’s perfect for young cyclists, allowing them to pedal in complete peace of mind in the heart of an unspoilt natural setting.
Along the way, children can observe the river, cross little wooden bridges and enjoy shady areas ideal for a break. At the finish line, a picnic area and green spaces provide the perfect backdrop for family relaxation.
What’s the best season to cycle in the Gorges du Verdon?
Spring and autumn are undoubtedly the best times to cycle in the Gorges du Verdon, with their mild temperatures and moderate numbers of visitors. Although summer and winter are not ideal, they are not to be ruled out if you set off in the right conditions.
Spring: the ideal season for cycling in the Gorges du Verdon
Take advantage of the months from March to June to get away from it all by bike in the Gorges du Verdon. This is the most favourable period, combining mild temperatures (between 15 and 25°C) and moderate crowds (especially in March-April). It’s also the ideal time to enjoy the wildlife in full bloom.
Summer: best avoided for long cycling trips
High temperatures and large numbers of visitors make summer a less pleasant time for cycling. Some routes, such as the Route des Crêtes, are particularly difficult. Choose roads with little traffic and plenty of shade. Ideally, take advantage of the long days of the season to cycle at the beginning or end of the day, when temperatures are lower. If you go out during the day, be sure to shorten your rides and take enough water with you to avoid overheating.
Autumn: our favourite season for cycling in the Gorges du Verdon
As in spring, temperatures are again fairly mild at this time of year. There are also far fewer visitors than in summer, giving you the freedom to cycle on clear roads. At this time of year, the days get shorter and the low-lying sun has a golden hue that will give you a different view of the Verdon’s magnificent landscapes. Beware, however, of the risk of showers, which are more frequent at this time of year.
Winter: a demanding season for cycling
Winter is the least favourable season for cycling. Its cool temperatures, with the risk of snow or frost, and short days make it a more hostile period. Nonetheless, it’s the quietest time of the year, and you’ll be able to enjoy the countryside in complete peace and quiet. Bundle up warmly and get out on your bike in the Gorges du Verdon for some intimate views.
Where to hire a bike in the Gorges du Verdon?
You’ll find bike hire companies in the main Verdon villages.
In Castellane: Buena Vista Rafting offers electric bike hire to discover the area around Castellane and the picturesque roads of the Verdon.
In Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Ebike Moustiers offers a wide choice of bikes for hire and provides expert advice on the Gorges du Verdon.
In La Palud-sur-Verdon: Verdon E-bike, specialising in the hire of electrically assisted bicycles (VAE),
In Rougon: Velo Verdon, offering electric mountain bike and VTC hire, with the option of being accompanied by a qualified instructor to discover the circuits around Point Sublime and La Palud-sur-Verdon.
Cycling holidays in the Gorges du Verdon
There’s so much to discover in the Gorges du Verdon, what better way to explore it than by bike? Follow a pre-determined itinerary and stop off at gîtes in charming villages along the way. It’s an itinerary that’s both sporty and rejuvenating, so you can discover the Gorges on your own.
And if you’d like to be guided on this adventure, there are free electric bike tours available. Everything is planned for you: itinerary, accommodation, meals, luggage. All you have to do is follow the roadbook and enjoy the scenery.
