One of Europe’s most breathtaking natural settings is the Gorges du Verdon in France! Take a kayak and paddle up the river’s turquoise waters while seeing the massive limestone cliffs and feeling the cool water cascading over your fingers.
You’ll witness people enjoying the secluded beaches, scaling the steep ravine, and leaping into the sea at every turn. Prepare to explore the Gorges du Verdon with our comprehensive itinerary. It is a definite must-see on your trip to France.
Exploring the Gorges du Verdon
A breathtaking natural feature is the Gorges du Verdon. When plates shifted and glaciers melted 250 million years ago, the gorge was created. Previously, it was underwater. It’s currently one of Europe’s largest gorges!
The Gorges du Verdon are best famous for their breathtaking blue water, which is a result of minerals found in glaciers. Before you arrive at the enormous Lac de Sainte Croix, enjoy paddling between the towering cliffs clothed with vivid foliage. Some of these cliffs rise to a height of 700 meters at their peak!
In addition to being located in the heart of Provence, Gorges du Verdon is only a short two hours’ drive from the French Riviera. It’s an excellent day trip destination from the seaside due to its close vicinity.
1.On the Verdon River, kayak
One of the best activities at Gorges du Verdon is paddle boating or kayaking. Nothing compares to witnessing the cliffs below while gliding on the azure ocean. There are plenty of little beaches where you may unwind and stunning views around every corner. It is a good idea to bring a waterproof bag for your valuables because you can swim anywhere you choose.
Turn around at a few yellow buoys. Begin at the Pont du Galetas bridge. With a few breaks along the way, we completed this 2.5-kilometer course in about 2.5 hours. Be careful to keep an eye out for the tiny, exquisite waterfall inside the gorge as you proceed.
2.In Gorges du Verdon, rent a kayak or paddleboat.
There are several rental companies where you may pick up a kayak or paddleboat on either side of the Pont du Galetas bridge. If you’d want to explore the lake and Gorges du Verdon in further detail, motorboats are also available.
We hired a two-person paddle boat for 20 euros an hour. Bigger alternatives are, nevertheless, offered at different price points. It’s important to ask the personnel at the rental shop about the best route and the maximum distance you can travel because there are no guided tours available at Gorges du Verdon.
Items you should pack for a boat ride
- A sunscreen that is safe for reefs (to prevent environmental damage)
- headgear against the heat
- Foods
- A bag that is waterproof
- Water consumption
Note this, please: Playing music within the canyon is prohibited.
3.Pont du Galetas as seen from the bridge
The River Verdon, which empties into Lac Sainte Croix, is crossed by the enormous Pont du Galetas bridge. There are amazing views from this bridge! Park your vehicle on each side of the bridge, then cross the center of it. You get views out to the lake on one side and up the Gorge on the other. This is an excellent location for taking shots of this lovely location!
4.Proceed to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
The Gorges du Verdon are only forty minutes away from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of France’s most picturesque villages. One of the most breathtaking locations in all of France, it is situated high above the river and nearly carved into the rock face.
Explore the quaint cobblestone lanes lined with colorful shutters on stone houses, stopping at adorable cafes and boutiques along the way. For the hundreds of stairs that lead uphill from the hamlet to the summit of the hill, be sure to conserve your energy. Discover this historic gothic-Romanesque church, which boasts breathtaking vistas.
Directions to Gorges du Verdon
Because Gorges du Verdon is remote, getting there via public transportation is difficult. Renting a car is the ideal option if you want to explore Lac Sainte Croix’s cliffside roads and other locations.
It is feasible to take an organized tour departing from large towns like Nice if you don’t have a car. Note that kayaking is not usually included in the agenda for many of these programs. Other places like Moustiers Sainte Marie or the lavender fields are typically included.
Where To Remain Verdon Gorges
The Gorges du Verdon are a fantastic day trip destination from the French Riviera, or it can be combined with a visit to Provence’s lavender fields. Nonetheless, it’s certainly worth staying a few extra days to take advantage of the villages, beaches, and hiking trails because this place is so stunning. In addition to the abundance of campsites, the neighboring village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie offers lodging options such as hotels and apartments.
- Le Relais de Moustiers
- Les Restanques De Moustiers
- Hotel Clos des Iris
The Ideal Time to Go to Gorges du Verdon
A summertime trip to the Gorges du Verdon is ideal. You can truly enjoy swimming, jumping into the water, and getting away from the summer heat during this time.
It does, however, get extremely busy due to its popularity. It is advisable to arrive early (9 AM) in order to rent a kayak or boat and beat the crowds.
