The Verdon Gorges forms the largest canyon in Europe. How to visit the Verdon? Walking along with a canoe or raft, or even roll up to its heights to admire its vertiginous cliffs, this will surely leave you with an exotic and unforgettable memory … Of course, do not forget to dive into its turquoise waters!
Eventually, we’ll give you some tips where to find accommodation and how to choose the best restaurants hidden in our small beautiful provence village !
The most beautiful villages of Verdon Gorges
You may wonder what city or village to visit in the Gorges of Verdon? Or just where to be based in order to visit and make the most of this beautiful region? Indeed, the gorges of Verdon extend over 100 km and count many lakes. As for the gorge, there are three parts: the Grand Canyon, the Baudinard gorge and the lower gorges. To put it simply, the canoe and bathing spots are downstream: Lake Sainte- Croix, Lake Esparron. While the best places for rafting, canyoning or canyoneering are rather located around La Palud Sur Verdon and Castellane.
A good compromise may be Moustiers Sainte-Marie because you are all about canyons, rafting, and hiking.
How to visit the Verdon Gorges on foot?
The Gorges of Verdon has countless hiking trails. For the simply curious or for the passionate ones of big thrills, playful routes or immersion in nature, on the heights or the foot of the cliffs. Everyone will find his account.
The most emblematic is, of course, the Blanc-Martel trail (formerly known as the Martel Trail). This trail is named after Alfred-Edouard Martel and Isidore Blanc, the first explorers to have traveled the entire canyon. 14 km long, it is not difficult for regulars hiking. It will amaze you with its many remarkable passages, such as the Sublime Point, one of the most beautiful views of the Gorges of Verdon.
However, watch out for people who are sensitive to vertigo! The passage of Imbert ladders can be impressive, even if quite easy downhill. It is very accessible to families with children (from 7 years old). They will have the chance to see many wild animals. The crossing of small tunnels with the flashlight will be the most adventurous! You will find all the necessary information to browse the White-Martel trail on our Verdon Secret site, and the tourist office of La Palud Sur Verdon or Castellane.
Not to be missed during your stay in the Gorges du Verdon
4 must-do activities during your stay. You can book online or contact us via chat, or even drop in at our store in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (during the summer).
– Canoe the lower Gorges du Verdon from lake to lake
– Ride the Route des Crêtes on an electric bike
– Canyoning with a guide, white river rafting or floating
– Canoe down the Verdon on a three-day adventure tour
To find out more about our hikes and adventure tours, please contact us on the chat and see all our activities in the Verdon.
Our multidays hiking and water sports adventure packages for car free holidays
– Descente aquatique du Verdon (with kids from 10 years old)
– Multi-activity Grand Canyon du Verdon Tour (without car)
How to discover and visit the Gorges du Verdon on the water?
You will find throughout The Verdon many offers of canoeing, white river rafting, electric boat and even paddle on the lakes and the white water of the river. Around Lake St. Croix, Lake Castillon and Lake Esparron for example, nautical bases give access to many activities to spend the turquoise blue waters in a splendid setting.
For even more emotions and sensations, why not try rafting, canyoning, or climbing to discover the gorge from the bottom up! Supervised by the professionals of the Maison des Guides du Verdon, discover the gorge as you never saw it. And for an initiation everyone and any level of climbing, Pascal Faudou puts his professionalism acquired by 20 years of experience at your service for a very original memory! See you soon on our ” Rafting and Canyoneering Activities “ page to discover the possibilities for you.
Visit the gorges du verdon the most beautiful viewpoints
Visit the gorges of Verdon: which views are easily accessible? It is quite possible to enjoy the splendor of the Natural Park of Verdon thanks to several well-appointed tourist routes.
The Verdon panoramic route or route des crêtes
The route des crêtes is a magnificent 23 km loop starting from La Palud Sur Verdon. It follows the ridges above the Grand Canyon, offering fabulous panoramic views. In fact, no fewer than 14 belvederes offer unforgettable views of the canyon, which it dominates at up to 700 meters! But also of its flora and fauna, including the famous griffon vultures that swirl around you. Three breeds of vulture were reintroduced some twenty years ago. Peregrine falcons and golden eagles complete the picture!
The route des crêtes can be explored by car or motorcycle, but the best way to discover it is by bike. You can reserve an electric bike from our agency to make the most of this itinerary.
The historic Napoleon Road
To do this, take the historic Route Napoléon by car. It follows the route taken by the Emperor in 1815, when he left Elba to return to the capital and regain power. It’s one of the most beautiful roads in France, thanks to its daring layout and the diversity of the landscapes it crosses.
Best places for swimming in Verdon Gorges
A stay in the Gorges of Verdon does not only rhyme with “sport” and “visit”. Who would be able to resist the urge to dive into its emerald waters when the sun is so hot? Good news: There are superb swimming spots around the St. Croix and Castillon lakes. Lake St. Croix, larger, will offer a maximum of activities to occupy children and more energetic adults. Meanwhile, the others will enjoy the tranquility of the pebble beaches. For more information, click here Lake Esparron. Finally, Lake Castillon, smaller and wilder, still hides some secret coves for nature lovers.
Where to stay in Verdon Gorges?
Where to eat in Verdon Gorges: enjoy french gastronomy and best restaurants
Your stay can be used as a gourmet trip with two components: Provencal cuisine on the one hand and panoramic restaurants on the other.
The Lower Gorge and Sainte-Croix Lake
Let’s start from Gréoux Les Bains. The Terrace of the Marronniers offers a delicious meal at Esparron. Then continue with ” La Fontaine ” in Saint-Martin-de-Brômes. Walter welcomes you to this charming village on the road to Riez. On the menu, you will not be disappointed.
A little further, we arrive at St. Croix of Verdon on a sunny day with a magnificent restaurant. Francoise welcomes you to the restaurant “Le Comptoir”: you have lunch in the open air above the lake with the mountains of Verdon just opposite. The view is exceptional!
But you are not at the end of your surprises! Dinner in the summer season at the edge of Lake Bauduen at “L’Ô à la bouche” will fill you with its worthy sunsets of the West Indies! Gastronomy, holidays and reflection of the turquoise water go well together.
Around the Grand Canyon
Continue to Aiguines with one of the legendary Verdon restaurants since you have lunch over … 400 meters of cliff awaiting you and a breathtaking view (but not the appetite!): The hotel Grand canyon deserve a visit for its stunning view and panoramic terrace.
A little further upstream, let’s stop at Rougon at Magali’s “Auberge of point Sublime“. The kindness of the welcome of Magali and his team is matched by the quality of the Provencal dishes that will be served to you! All along the Samson Corridor, the famous entrance hall of the Grand Canyon Verdon.
Finally in the Palud on Verdon, “the hotel of the Gorges” offers a lunch in an idyllic setting: difficult to leave …
In Moustiers Sainte-Marie
Difficult to miss some gastronomic restaurants in Moustiers Sainte-Marie. These include La Bastide de Moustiers, Alain Ducasse’s inn of hearts, the Sainte-Cécile farm, ideal places to have fun. For groups, the Bonne Auberge offers quality cuisine and efficient service.
Where to have a drink or the best icecream in Verdon?
We suggest you stop in La Palud sur Verdon at the Arc en Ciel terrace (near the church). Nathalie will welcome you with her homemade fruitjuices and icecream. Not only is the place is shady and very pleasant but you ‘ll find out more on the best tips to visit Verdon Gorges.
