With its vertiginous cliffs rising 700 metres high, its turquoise waters and its hidden beaches on the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix, the Grand Canyon of Europe is an unmissable stop on any trip to Provence. But with hiking, water sports, hilltop villages and breathtaking viewpoints to choose from, you’ll soon find yourself wondering where to start.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on what to do when Gorges du Verdon, whatever your level or the length of your stay: a day, a weekend or a full week.
We have put together this comprehensive guide to help you discover this unique place, just 55 km and an hour’s drive from La Bastide de Tourtour.
Where are the Gorges du Verdon?
The Gorges du Verdon stretch to the borders of the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in south-eastern France. Carved out by the River Verdon over a distance of more than 25 km, between the village of Castellane to the north and the Lake Sainte-Croix To the south, they pass through one of Provence’s most beautiful natural landscapes. The site is now protected as part of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, which works to preserve the flora and fauna and the unique colours of its waters, ranging from emerald to turquoise.
The Verdon Gorges in figures
Before setting off on your adventure, here are a few points of reference to give you an idea of the site’s scale:
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25 km long, stretching between Rougon and Lake Sainte-Croix: one of the longest canyons in Europe
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Up to 700 metres deep and 6 to 100 metres wide at the river
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Europe’s largest canyon, often known as the «Grand Canyon of the Verdon»
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Situated in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park
This explains why the Gorges du Verdon attract thousands of walkers, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers every year from all over France and beyond.
The Most Beautiful Villages of the Gorges du Verdon
The Verdon is not just about its cliffs: It is also a region full of charming villages, perched on the heights or nestled by the water’s edge, which are an integral part of any visit. Here is an overview of them, from the north to the south of the canyon.
Castellane, the gateway to the Verdon
Dominated by its 900-metre-high rock and the Notre-Dame-du-Roc chapel, this Provençal village traditionally marks the start of the Gorges du Verdon when approaching from the north. Its market, narrow streets and outdoor cafés make it a great place to stop off before hiring rafting or canoeing equipment to head down into the canyon.
Rougon and La Palud-sur-Verdon, at the heart of the Gorges
Perched at the entrance to the canyon, the tiny village of Rougon overlooks the famous Point Sublime and the Samson Gorge, one of the first major vantage points over the cliffs. A little further on, La Palud-sur-Verdon, nicknamed the «climbing capital», is the starting point for the Route des Crêtes and numerous walking trails that criss-cross the plateau.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France
Perched on the rock and famous for its star suspended between two cliffs, this village is listed among the «The Most Beautiful Villages in France »is home to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel, accessible via a path of 262 steps, as well as a tradition of earthenware renowned throughout France. Its cobbled streets, craft workshops and gourmet restaurants make it an unmissable stop, around thirty minutes from the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau.
Aiguines, the village with glazed roofs
Situated at the entrance to Lake Sainte-Croix, on the left bank, Aiguines is notable for its 17th-century château and the colourful glazed tiles on the roof of its church. The village is also known for its tradition of woodturning on wood, from which the famous boxwood pétanque balls are made. A lovely spot to stop and take in the view before heading down to the lake’s shores.
Bauduen and Les Salles-sur-Verdon, on the shores of the lake
Bauduen, a medieval village partly submerged when the lake was created in 1974, still boasts its church and cobbled streets overlooking a shaded beach that is very popular with families. Directly opposite, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, which was completely rebuilt after being submerged by the waters, is now known as the youngest village in France: it boasts a large beach of fine sand, ideal for a swim in end of the day.
Trigance and Comps-sur-Artuby, on the Corniche Sublime
On the left bank, the village of Trigance and its hilltop castle look out over the Corniche Sublime, whilst Comps-sur-Artuby marks the entrance to the Artuby Bridge, famous for its dizzying bungee jumps. Two less-visited stops, perfect for continuing your exploration of the Verdon away from the crowds.
Must-See Viewpoints and Routes
To ensure that visit the Verdon Gorges, it’s best to choose your route based on which bank you’re on. The Route des Crêtes (right bank, D952), starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon, offers 23 km of winding road and 14 designated viewpoints, including the famous Dent d’Aire viewpoint. On the left bank (D71), the Corniche Sublime runs alongside the canyon between Aiguines and Comps-sur-Artuby, offering equally spectacular yet less crowded viewpoints, such as the Balcons de la Mescla. Further north, the Point Sublime, at the foot of Rougon, and the Galetas Bridge, at the junction between the river and Lake Sainte-Croix, round off this tour. Allow a full day to cover both banks, including photo stops.
The Most Beautiful Beaches and Swimming Spots on Lake Sainte-Croix
Most of the beaches in the Verdon region are situated on the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix, in Bauduen, in Les Salles-sur-Verdon or near the Galetas Bridge, with their striking turquoise colours. Some are developed and supervised in summer, whilst others remain more unspoilt and are only accessible by canoe or paddleboard, upstream from the lake. Please be aware, however, that swimming in the river or in the gorges themselves can involve strong currents and varying depths — check with local tourist offices before swimming outside supervised areas.
What is there to do in the Gorges du Verdon? All the activities
Set between land and water, the Verdon offers one of the most diverse ranges of activities in Provence, catering for all levels and interests.
Water sports: canoeing, pedalos, rafting and canyoning
Canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding : available to hire by the day or by the hour, so you can explore the gorges at your own pace, admiring the cliffs from the river or the lake.
Pedalos and electric boats : available to hire without a licence on Lake Sainte-Croix, setting off from Bauduen, Les Salles-sur-Verdon or Aiguines, for a leisurely family outing.
Rafting : in a group and under supervision, to navigate the rapids of the Verdon – thrills guaranteed – with a choice of difficulty levels.
Canyoning : a combination of hiking, climbing and white-water sports to experience the gorges from the inside, always under the supervision of a qualified guide.
Most water sports centres – in Castellane, Aiguines or Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon – offer equipment for hire as well as routes suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced water sports enthusiasts.
Climbing and Via Ferrata
With over 1,500 equipped routes, the Verdon is regarded as the’one of the most beautiful Some of the world’s finest climbing sites, particularly around La Palud-sur-Verdon and the Point Sublime. Experienced climbers will find dizzying multi-pitch routes here, whilst beginners can learn the ropes under the supervision of a high-mountain guide. The more adventurous will opt for a via ferrata or a via cordata, which allow you to traverse the cliffs in complete safety, equipped with a harness and a lanyard.
Scenic Flights and Thrill-Seeking Experiences
For a different kind of experience, paragliding and microlight flights offer the chance to explore the canyon from the air, setting off from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie or La Palud-sur-Verdon, Suitable for children aged 7 and over, with no specific fitness requirements. Thrills are also guaranteed at the Artuby Bridge, where a 182-metre bungee jump is one of the most dizzying in Europe.
Family Activities
Short walks, a trip on a pedalo, a swim at a beach with facilities, or a mountain bike ride in the hills: the Verdon is also ideal for a family holiday, provided you choose activities suited to everyone’s age and ability.
Hiking: the most beautiful trails in the Verdon
Walking remains one of the best ways to explore the Gorges du Verdon, with trails to suit all levels, from casual Sunday walkers to seasoned hikers.
The Sentier Blanc-Martel: the benchmark
Stretching for around 14 km between the Chalet de la Maline Along with the Point Sublime, the Martel trail is regarded as one of the most beautiful and longest trails in France. Allow 6 to 8 hours’ walking, several hundred metres of elevation gain, and two tunnels to pass through using a head torch. This is a trail for experienced walkers, suitable only for those who are fit and experienced.
The Imbut Trail, for experienced walkers
This shorter loop, in the heart of the gorges, alternates between the standard route and via cordata sections along the rock faces. A challenging route, reserved for experienced walkers who are comfortable with heights.
The Point Sublime Trail and the Samson Couloir
Starting from Rougon, this path takes you down to the riverbank via the Samson Corridor, offering a spectacular first glimpse into the depths of the canyon, covering a few kilometres and taking two to three hours’ walk.
The Route des Crêtes on foot
Rather than by car, some walkers choose to visit several viewpoints along the Route des Crêtes on foot, setting off from La Palud-sur-Verdon, for a long-distance walk combining perspectives and nature at every step.
Family walks around Moustiers
For a first taste of the area, the walk to the Trescaïre viewpoint, starting from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, is suitable for everyone: it takes about an hour there and back, with no significant elevation gain, Perfect for families or at the end of the day.
Whichever trail you choose, make sure you wear good walking shoes, a large amount of water, a map or a downloaded route, and a head torch for sections through tunnels. On the most challenging sections, hiring a local hiking guide remains the best option for enjoying the area safely, whatever your level.
When is the best time to go, and how long should you plan for?
Spring and autumn offer superb light and less crowded trails, whilst summer remains ideal for enjoying swimming and water sports. For a first taste of the area, a day is enough to combine a scenic viewpoint, a walk and some time by the water. To explore the trails and activities in more depth, you’ll need two to three days.
Where should you stay when visiting the Gorges du Verdon?
Situated in the heart of the Haut-Var, La Bastide de Tourtour is the starting point Ideal for exploring the Gorges du Verdon, just 55 km away and about an hour’s drive. Our 4-star hotel and spa welcomes you to an authentic Provençal setting, nestled between a hilltop village and unspoilt countryside.
After a day of hiking or water sports, come and enjoy the tranquillity of our rooms, a meal in our restaurant and treatments at our spa to help you unwind gently. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore other hidden gems in the Var: Provençal villages, the Haut-Var waterfalls and many other attractions just a few minutes’ drive from the hotel.
Fancy Explore the Gorges the Verdon from a stunning setting? Book your stay at The Bastide of Tourtour and make our 4-star hotel & spa your base from which to explore Europe’s largest canyon, its villages, its trails and its activities.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about the Gorges du Verdon
How long does it take to visit the Gorges du Verdon?
A day is enough to explore the main viewpoints and a village, combined with a water sport or a short hike. To make the most of the major trails such as the Blanc-Martel and take the time If you plan to stop off in several villages, allow 2 to 3 days, or even a week, for the full itinerary.
Which village should you visit first in the Gorges du Verdon?
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie remains a must-see for its setting and heritage, but Castellane, Aiguines and La Palud-sur-Verdon are just as well worth a visit, depending on your starting point and the activities you’d like to do.
Which walking route should you choose, depending on your ability?
Experienced walkers will opt for the Blanc-Martel trail or the the Imbut Trail, whilst families and beginners will prefer the walk to the Trescaïre viewpoint or an accessible section of the Route des Crêtes.
Are there any beaches in the Gorges du Verdon?
Yes: The most beautiful beaches are by the lake in Sainte-Croix, particularly at Bauduen, Les Salles-sur-Verdon and near the Galetas bridge. Some are developed and supervised in summer, whilst others remain more unspoilt and are accessible only by canoe or stand-up paddleboard.
Is it possible to visit the Gorges du Verdon with children?
Yes: Lake Sainte-Croix, its shady banks, pedalos, leisurely canoeing or short walks around Moustiers-Sainte-Marie are ideal for families. More challenging trails, such as the Blanc-Martel, are, however, best suited to older children who are keen walkers, as they involve walking for several hours.
Do you need to book a guide to visit the Verdon Gorges?
It isn’t necessary for the viewpoints, villages or classic walks, but a guide is strongly recommended – or even compulsory – for canyoning, via ferrata and multi-pitch climbing, so that you can enjoy the site in complete safety, whatever your level.
Where are the Gorges du Verdon in relation to La Bastide de Tourtour?
It’s about 55 km and an hour’s drive from the hotel, along the back roads of Provence, which are part of the journey in themselves.