7 Tips for the Gorges du Verdon in France. Discover the second largest canyon in Europe with these 7 practical tips. Go on foot, by car or take to the water – whatever suits you best!
Index
7 tips for the Gorges du Verdon
Discover the Gorges du Verdon with these 7 tips during your holiday in the south of France!
- Spot the griffon vultures soaring above the Gorges du Verdon;
- Take a challenging walk over steps, through tunnels and along rocks;
- Take a beautiful car trip over the north or south side of the Gorges du Verdon
- Dive into the water during a canyoning trip;
- Admire the gorge from the water in a canoe or boat;
- Jump a dizzying 182 meters down a bungee rope;
- Visit nearby Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
There is an incredible amount to do and discover in the area around the Gorges du Verdon. Read more about the villages & activities in the area here.
Why the Gorges du Verdon?
The Gorges du Verdon is a tourist attraction, especially in the summer months. And that is not so strange! This area offers plenty of challenge for all age groups and many different hobbies & passions.
Some reasons why you might want to go to the Gorges du Verdon:
- Beautiful challenging walks/hikes (short & long);
- Various water sports; such as canyoning, kayaking, rafting, and much more!
- Take wonderful turns on the mountain roads by motorbike or car;
- Sunbathing at the Lac de Sainte Croix, with a cooling dip every now and then;
- Real adrenaline junkies can jump 182 metres down on a bungee rope;
- Nature lovers will be delighted by the beautiful views, eroded rocks and griffon vultures soaring above the gorge;
- Photography is a real pleasure here! Whether you like action photography or nature photography!
You will find the Gorges du Verdon at about 1,300 kilometers from Utrecht, in the south of France. It is about 95 kilometers to the Mediterranean Sea. The gorge is located on the border of two departments: the Var & Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
For sporting activities the best time to travel is in the months April, May, June, September, October and November. However, do you want to enjoy wonderfully warm, sunny days by the water? Then July and August are the perfect time to visit the Gorges du Verdon!
In the winter the Gorges du Verdon is also beautiful to visit. However, there is less liveliness, and therefore also fewer possibilities. But, especially in the winter you can hike, cycle & tour with the car or motorcycle.
Tip 1. Griffon vultures in the Gorges du Verdon
In several places in and near the Gorges du Verdon you can see griffon vultures. They were released in the Verdon in 2005. Since then they nest on the rock faces and multiply.
You can most likely see them from the following places:
- From the Route des Crêtes – there are several viewpoints along the route;
- On the GR4 hike;
- From Rougon – from the village you walk towards Ravin de Saint-Jospeh.
I am not a bird watcher, but I can still watch the griffon vultures for hours. These majestic creatures have a wingspan of 2.4 to 2.8 meters. They can grow between 95cm and 110cm. They soar through the air as if it is nothing.
Tip 2. Hiking in the Gorges du Verdon
There are many hiking trails to discover in the Gorges du Verdon. There are hiking trails for various levels, of various lengths and durations. You can choose a round trip, or a trip where you return to your starting point by bus. Some well-known hiking trails are:
- Sentier de l'Imbut - 10 km - 4 to 5 hours. A roundtrip;
- Sentier Martel - 16 km - 5 to 6 hours. A single trip. In high season there is a bus from the end point back to the starting point. You can reserve a seat on the bus here;
- Part of the GR4 – 28 km – 10 to 11 hours. A roundtrip.
The entire GR4 runs from the Atlantic coast to Provence, right through France. It stretches over 1,500 kilometres and can be walked in 70 to 80 stages. In the Gorges du Verdon you can take a part of the GR4 with this route.
For another walk in the Gorges du Verdon you can find several hiking trails on Wikiloc, Alltrails & Komoot.
The best time to walk in the Gorges du Verdon is in the months of April, May, June, September, October and November.
Tip 3. Car trip in the Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon can be beautifully explored by car or motorbike. There are three tours to discover the Gorges du Verdon:
Exploring the Gorges du Verdon is a perfect activity for a rainy day. Because, even with rain or fog, the Gorges are overwhelmingly beautiful! You may not be able to see very far, but the rain clouds give the gorge an extra grim character.
In the period July and August there are many cars and campers on the routes. In the period from April to June and September to November you will find many motorcycles. The Route des crêtes can be closed in the winter (end of November - end of March) due to weather conditions.
Tip 4. Canyoning Gorges du Verdon
Canyoning involves walking, swimming, climbing, sliding, jumping and abseiling through the Gorges du Verdon. There are various levels and degrees of difficulty. As a beginner you can enter the gorge, but even as an experienced hand there is a challenge!
There are several canyoning providers in the Gorges du Verdon. Most are located in and around Castellane and offer guidance in French and sometimes in English. At Pure Canyoning they also offer Dutch-speaking guidance.
Their Saint-Auban and Kids Canyoning take place in the area of the Gorges du Verdon. They also offer other canyoning experiences, but they are further away from the Gorges.
Tip 5. On the water
If you don't want to go into the water, but on the water, you can rent a canoe or boat at Lac de Sainte Croix to sail into the Gorges. From the water you look up at the high rock walls on either side.
At Pont du Galetas you can rent canoes, pedal boats and electric boats from May to October. In high season it can be very busy at the rental, so book in time.
From here you can go under the bridge into the Gorges du Verdon. You can follow this for a long way, until there is a chain in the water. This is after about 2 kilometers. After this point, no more boats are allowed. Along the sides you will find several small beaches or rocks where you can moor. From here you can take a refreshing dip.
Here you can read more about sailing and rafting in the Gorges du Verdon.
Tip 6. Bungeejumpen in the Gorges du Verdon
Are you a real daredevil and adrenaline junkie? Then the bungee jump from the Pont de l’Artuby is something for you!
From this bridge you jump a dizzying 182 meters down on a bungee rope. After the jump you walk back up to the bridge in about 30 minutes. Both the jump and the walk are said to be a cool experience. I have not yet dared to do it and doubt that I ever will.
You can bungee jump in the period May - November, on Saturdays and Sundays. If the weather conditions do not allow it, jumps will be rescheduled for another time. The minimum age is 15, minimum weight 50kg. More information & booking.
Tip 7. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located on the west side of the Gorges du Verdon, near the Lac de Sainte Croix. The village is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
The village is known for its faience. This is the typical earthenware with glaze decoration. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is very pleasant. The streets are full of people, the shops offer their colorful products and the restaurants are full. The village is known for its faience. This is typical earthenware with glaze decoration.
Above the village is a chapel with a beautiful view. This chapel can only be reached by climbing 262 steps of about 20 minutes. Behind the chapel, between the rocks, hangs a golden star on a chain. Its origin is shrouded in mystery.
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