Dreaming of a stay in the Verdon Gorge but can’t leave your four-legged companion behind? The Verdon Gorge is perfect for unforgettable holidays with your dog. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, turquoise lakes, charming villages, swimming spots, and scenic hikes during your stay.
If you love nature, outdoor activities, and traveling with your pet, this destination is ideal for you. In this guide, discover all our tips for traveling with your dog in the Verdon. You will also find guided activities designed specifically for dogs at the end of this article.
On the Road to the Verdon Gorge with Your Dog
The journey can feel long for your dog, so preparation is essential. Bring a bowl, fresh water, a leash or long line, and a harness. A long line of around 10 meters is recommended for safe and comfortable movement. This allows your dog to enjoy fresh air freely while staying under control during breaks.
Before departure, protect your dog against parasites like ticks and fleas. These parasites can quickly ruin your holiday and your dog’s comfort. You should also use a repellent collar against sandflies. These insects are common in southern regions and can transmit leishmaniasis.
There are alternative solutions available to protect your dog effectively. We recommend asking your veterinarian for the best option. If you plan water activities, bring a life jacket for your dog. Not all activity providers offer life jackets for animals.
A life jacket helps your dog feel safe and comfortable in the water. It also makes it easier to lift your dog back onto a boat.
Which Campgrounds, Guesthouses, or Hotels Accept Dogs?
Finding pet-friendly accommodation can sometimes be challenging when traveling with a dog. Fortunately, the Verdon Gorge offers many suitable accommodation options. You can choose between hotels, holiday rentals, guesthouses, and campsites. These options are perfect for a stay with your loyal companion. To choose the right place, read our guide on where to stay in the Verdon Gorge. It provides advice based on your preferred activities and travel style. Most accommodations listed in that guide accept pets.
Looking for a hotel? You are in the right place. Discover our selection of hotels in the Verdon Gorge. These hotels accept pets and offer a unique experience in a natural setting. Enjoy peaceful surroundings with beautiful hills and stunning lakes. You can also book a guesthouse or a holiday rental. The guesthouses we recommend warmly welcome pets. Choose your accommodation based on the activities you want to enjoy.
Prefer staying close to nature? Camping is an excellent option in the Verdon. The region is perfect for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts. Find your ideal campsite in the Verdon Gorge for a memorable stay. Feel free to contact accommodation providers on behalf of Verdon Voyages. We know them well and can help you plan your stay.
Renting a Canoe, Pedal Boat, or Electric Boat: Are Dogs Allowed?
The answer is YES. We offer canoe rentals on Lake Sainte-Croix, pedal boats in the Verdon Gorge, and electric boats on Lake Esparron. All these activities are accessible with dogs.
If you are not familiar with Lake Esparron, it is smaller than Lake Sainte-Croix but equally beautiful. Its wild, preserved, and unique atmosphere offers a peaceful and magical setting. This lake is less crowded and ideal for visiting with your dog. The small beach of Saint Julien allows animals. Located in one of the many coves around the lake, it is perfect for relaxing. You can picnic, swim, and enjoy the turquoise waters with your dog.
Lake Sainte-Croix is ranked among the top 10 most beautiful dog-friendly lakes in France. However, most public beaches around the lake do not allow dogs. We recommend renting an electric boat or a canoe to explore the lake. This allows you to move away from crowded areas easily. You can find a quiet, wild spot to relax with your dog. It is the perfect way to enjoy the lake together peacefully.
What Hikes Can I Do with My Dog in the Verdon Gorge?
The Verdon Gorge is known as a paradise for hikers and their dogs. However, always check with tourist offices or the Verdon Regional Natural Park website before hiking. Some trails are not allowed for dogs.
Hiking Trails Not Allowed for Dogs:
- The Martel Trail, also called the Blanc-Martel Trail
- The Lower Gorges Trail, also called the Garde Canal Trail
- The Imbut Trail
Even on allowed trails, dogs are often required to be kept on a leash. Respect regulations near grazing areas and livestock. Always avoid disturbing wildlife and other hikers.
Here are some Dog-Friendly walks and hikes you can enjoy with your dog:
Hiking Around La Palud-sur-Verdon with a Dog
Pont de Tusset – Lizard Trail
This shaded hike offers a refreshing walking experience. The Pont de Tusset is one of the most impressive bridges in the Verdon. Its first construction dates back to the 11th century.
Point Sublime Viewpoint
A visit to the Verdon Gorge is incomplete without stopping at Point Sublime. Located below the village of Rougon, it marks the entrance to the Grand Canyon. It offers breathtaking views over the Verdon Gorge. You can admire the Samson Corridor from this viewpoint. You will also see the Duc wall and the Escalès cliffs.
Chiran Summit via Les Chauvets
This technical hike offers a spectacular 360-degree view. You can see the Verdon landscapes and the Digne Prealps. The peaks of the Écrins and Mercantour massifs are also visible.
Hiking Around Saint-André-les-Alpes
Serres Ridge
This hike offers stunning views over the Southern Alps peaks. You will also enjoy views over Lake Castillon. The Haut-Verdon peaks create a breathtaking background. This hike guarantees a true change of scenery.
Courchons Hamlet
This beautiful 5-hour hike leads to the abandoned village of Courchons. It is located in the commune of Saint-André-les-Alpes. Enjoy a magnificent view over Lake Castillon. The trail reaches the hamlet at 1,350 meters altitude. Today, the village is in ruins. Pastoral farming remains the main activity in this area.
Aromatic Plants Trail
If you enjoy plants, this thematic hike may interest you. It starts from the village of Argens. Along the trail, you will discover observation points. You can explore aromatic, perfume, and medicinal mountain plants.
Hiking Around Castellane with a Dog
Sirenians Trail
This short, family-friendly trail is perfect for a stay in the Verdon with your dog. It is both fun and educational for all ages. The trail was carefully developed by the Haute-Provence Geological Reserve. You can observe Sirenian fossils along the path. These fossils are ancestors of modern manatees.
Teillon Summit
If you are sporty, this challenging hike is worth the effort. At 1,893 meters altitude, a breathtaking 360-degree view awaits you. You can admire surrounding peaks and Lake Castillon from the summit.
Tour du Roc
If you want a family-friendly walk, the Tour du Roc is ideal. This hike combines history and local heritage. Located on a rocky peak above Castellane, it offers unique views. You can visit the beautiful Notre-Dame du Roc chapel. This chapel overlooks and protects the town and its surroundings. At the top, enjoy a stunning panoramic view over Castellane and the Verdon. An orientation table helps you identify the surrounding mountain peaks.
Other Dog-Friendly Hikes and Walks:
The Ridge Road (Route des Crêtes)
This scenic route lets you gain height and admire the Verdon Gorge. This 24-kilometer panoramic road starts in La Palud-sur-Verdon. It takes you through the heart of the Grand Canyon du Verdon. The route reveals unforgettable viewpoints along the way.
This route is best explored by bike, car, or motorcycle. Plan between 1.5 and 3 hours to fully enjoy the experience. There are many sights to admire and explore along the road. You will discover famous viewpoints like Carelle, Escalès, Dent d’Aire, and Guègues. You can also observe local wildlife and plant species.
La Sillans Waterfall
Located 20 minutes south of Lake Sainte-Croix, Sillans-la-Cascade is a perched village. It is famous for its impressive 42-meter-high waterfall. This walk is very enjoyable with your dog, but it must be kept on a leash. It offers a refreshing and peaceful nature experience.
You can discover the lagoon formed by the waterfall. You can also enjoy the beautiful turquoise water surroundings. The access path to the waterfall takes about 25 minutes on foot. During peak season, swimming in the main pool under the waterfall is prohibited. However, swimming is allowed further downstream. We provide alternative swimming spots located within 20 to 30 minutes nearby.
Hiking Trails Not Allowed for Dogs in the Verdon
Dogs are not always allowed, even on a leash, in regional parks. Some sensitive areas of the Verdon Regional Natural Park prohibit dogs. These rules protect the environment and ensure visitor safety.
Trails Not Accessible with Dogs:
- Trails Not Accessible with Dogs
- Blanc-Martel Trail
- Imbut Trail
A word of advice: these trails are prohibited for dogs for good reasons. Some sections are truly dangerous and difficult to navigate. You may encounter ladders or very steep metal staircases.
Some dogs can handle challenging terrain, but risks remain high. We strongly advise respecting these rules for your dog’s safety. Your dog’s well-being should always come first.
Dog Daycare and Dog Sitters in the Verdon
Dogs are not always allowed on hiking trails in the Verdon. If you want to hike iconic trails like the Imbut Trail, alternative solutions exist. You can leave your dog for a day at a daycare or with a dog sitter.
We recommend Aniway, a daycare for small dogs, located in Valensole. We also recommend Domaine La Belle Terre, also located in Valensole. Your dog will enjoy running freely in the green parks of La Belle Terre.
Meanwhile, you can enjoy the most famous hikes in the Verdon.
You can also visit Holidog.com to find a pet sitter near your accommodation.
Visiting Charming Villages in the Verdon with Your Dog
Moustiers sainte-Marie
The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of the most beautiful in the Verdon. Do not miss the steps leading to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir sanctuary. At the top, you will discover a small chapel between the cliffs. The effort is rewarded with a stunning panoramic view. You can also enjoy a delicious artisanal ice cream in the village streets.
Tourtour
Known as the “village in the sky,” Tourtour is located near Lake Sainte-Croix. It is a typical Provençal village classified among the most beautiful in France. Walk through its picturesque streets and admire the surrounding views.
Aiguines
This hilltop village offers a spectacular view over Lake Sainte-Croix. A historical trail allows you to explore the village and its heritage. You can also admire the beautiful Château d’Aiguines during your visit. If you visit Aiguines, you can contact “1 Vie 2 Chiens.” Vanessa is a dog behaviorist organizing activities and training sessions. She offers experiences for both dogs and their owners in the Verdon. We dedicate a full section to her services later in this article.
Guided Dog Activities in the Verdon Gorge
Based in Aiguines, Vanessa is a certified dog trainer and behaviorist. She specializes in sports and leisure activities for dogs. She organizes guided programs and activities, including the following examples:
Truffle Hunting Training : Teach your dog to recognize and search for Melanosporum truffles. These truffles are known as the famous “black diamond” of the region.
Floating Course : This is a fun water-based course to complete with your dog. It offers a playful and unique experience on the water.
Water Rescue Training : Introduce your dog to this fun and rewarding activity. It helps develop your dog’s skills in a natural environment. The activity takes place in the beautiful setting of Lake Sainte-Croix. These guided activities let you explore the Verdon while having fun. They also help your dog grow through new and exciting experiences. To learn more about the programs, contact Vanessa directly.
