The Gorge du Verdon is a breathtakingly beautiful canyon – the largest in Europe – located in the Provence region of southeastern France. It offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities and scenic attractions to explore. About a two-hour drive from Lourmarin, it is one of Europe’s most beautiful river canyons and really worth the trip.
At about 25km long and up to 700m deep, it was formed by the Verdon River, which was named for its startling turquoise-green colour. The most impressive part lies between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where the river has cut a ravine through the limestone mass. At the end of the canyon, the Verdon River flows into the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.
It’s very popular with tourists, climbers and kayakers, so start out early. Perhaps take a packed lunch with you and picnic alongside the water.
Here are some things to do in the Gorge du Verdon:
- Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the stunning natural beauty of the gorge. Some popular trails include the Sentier Martel, the Imbut Trail, and the Blanc-Martel Trail.
- Rock climbing: The gorge is a popular destination for rock climbers, with many challenging routes for climbers of all levels.
- Kayaking and canoeing: The Verdon River runs through the gorge, and visitors can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the river and its beautiful surroundings.
- Cycling: The gorge offers several challenging cycling routes that wind through the canyon and surrounding countryside.
- Sightseeing: Visitors can take a scenic drive through the gorge, stopping at viewpoints and historic sites along the way. Some popular viewpoints include Point Sublime and the Balcons de la Mescla.
- Swimming: There are several places in the gorge where visitors can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Verdon River.
- Paragliding: The gorge offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning landscape from above, with paragliding tours available for adventurous visitors.
- Exploring villages: Visitors can explore the charming villages located in and around the gorge, such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Aiguines, which offer a glimpse into the region’s history and culture.
- Visiting the Verdon Regional Natural Park: The Gorge du Verdon is part of the Verdon Regional Natural Park, a protected area that offers visitors a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty and wildlife.
- Relaxing: With its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, the Gorge du Verdon is also a great place to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.