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    Gorges du Verdon

    France

    Gorges du Verdon

    Point of Interest

    The Gorges du Verdon are considered one of Europe's largest canyons. The Verdon river has carved up to 700 meters deep into the limestone, its water shimmering from green to turquoise.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
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    3. France
    4. Provence
    5. Gorges du Verdon
    The Gorges du Verdon are considered one of Europe's largest canyons. The Verdon river has carved up to 700 meters deep into the limestone, its water shimmering from green to turquoise.Here you can go kayaking, rafting, or embark on challenging hikes. At its western end lies the Lac de Sainte-Croix, a lake dammed in 1974, perfect for swimming and boat trips.The panoramic road Corniche Sublime runs along the southern rim, while the Route des Crêtes follows the northern side near La Palud-sur-Verdon. Close to the gorge is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, renowned for its Fayence pottery and the star suspended between two cliffs.The classic path through the gorge is the Sentier Blanc-Martel, a challenging day hike featuring tunnels and ladders. May, June, September, and October are the best times to visit; in mid-summer, paths may be closed due to wildfire risk.

    Places of Interest

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Point de vue

    This viewpoint on the south side of the Gorges du Verdon offers a view into the deep-cut gorge that the Verdon has carved into the limestone. The rock walls are up to 700 meters high at their highest points, the water shimmers green to turquoise. Our Tip: Early in the morning, the light is soft and it's still quiet. A wide-angle lens helps capture the width of the gorge in the picture.
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    Pont du Galetas

    2Pont du Galetas

    The **Pont du Galetas** is a prominent landmark at the mouth of the Gorges du Verdon into Lac de Sainte-Croix. This bridge offers one of the most stunning views of the Verdon's emerald waters, where the river flows into the expansive lake. You stand here at a strategic point that not only connects the two banks but also serves as a gateway to the spectacular gorges. From here, you can admire the majestic rock faces that rise hundreds of meters high.The bridge itself is a functional structure, its significance primarily lying in its location. It provides access to various water sports activities; many canoe and pedal boat rentals are located in the immediate vicinity. From here, you can paddle directly into the gorge or explore the lake. Our Tip: Visit the Pont du Galetas in the early morning to enjoy the tranquility of the landscape and take advantage of the best light conditions for photos, before the crowds of day-trippers arrive. An ideal photo spot is the bridge itself or the shore areas directly below it, which offer a panoramic view of the gorge and the lake.
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    3Belle vue - Panorama

    The Belle rue is an alley in one of the villages around the Gorges du Verdon, with cobbled paths and old stone houses. It's perfect for a short stroll away from the viewpoints. Our tip: It's quieter in the early morning or late afternoon.
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    Village d’Aiguines

    4Village d’Aiguines

    Aiguines is situated on the hillside above Lac de Sainte-Croix and at the start of the Corniche Sublime. Its landmark is the 17th-century castle with four corner towers, whose roofs are covered with glazed tiles; it is privately owned. Formerly, Aiguines was known for producing boules made from boxwood, studded with nails; a small museum commemorates this. From viewpoints in the village, you look out over the lake. A practical tip: Early in the morning, it's quiet, and the light over the lake is especially beautiful.
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    5Aire de décollage du Puits

    The Aire de décollage du Puits is a paragliding takeoff site on the south side of the Gorges du Verdon. It is also a viewpoint with views over the gorge and Lac de Sainte-Croix. When the weather is suitable, you can watch pilots take off. Our tip: Keep your distance from the takeoff area so the paragliders can launch undisturbed.
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    6Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Tourisme

    Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located at the western entrance to the Gorges du Verdon and is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". The village, with its bright stone houses, narrow streets, and a stream flowing through its center, is renowned for its faience, which is still produced in several workshops today. Above the village, a golden star hangs on a chain between two rock faces; according to legend, a crusader had it placed there as a vow. The ascent to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel offers expansive views over the village and valley. At the tourist office, you can get information on hikes and events. Our tip: It's quieter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
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    Dining & Drinks

    Chez Danté

    Restaurant in 83630 Aiguines.
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    Camping de l'Aigle - Camping Aiguines dans les Gorges du Verdon - CAMPASUN (actuellement fermé)

    Gemütlicher Campingplatz mit Hütten, Camping Pods, Kinderspielen sowie Restaurant mit Aussicht auf die Natur.
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    Brasserie l'antidote

    Restaurant in All. des Tilleuls.
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    Restaurant Pizzeria Sous Le Tilleul

    Restaurant in RD 19 Grand Rue.
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    Restaurant Le vieux château

    Restaurant in 4 Pl. de la Fontaine.
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    Le Four

    Restaurant in Av. Frédéric Mistral.
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    La Cantine

    Restaurant in 50 Rue de la Bourgade.
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    La Bastide du Paradou

    Einladendes Hotel in einem Haus aus dem 16. Jahrhundert mit Tennisplatz und Garten mit Sitzgelegenheiten.
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    La Part des Anges Moustiers

    Restaurant in Av. Frédéric Mistral.
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    KAKO BISTROT

    Restaurant in Rue du Docteur Sénes.
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    Food and Drinks

    In the gorge itself, dining options are scarce. Meals are enjoyed in the rim villages, where Haute-Provence cuisine dominates.

    Lamb and Goat cheese

    The high-altitude pastures define the menus: lamb, aged goat cheese, and local herbs. Villages such as Moustiers, Aiguines, and La Palud offer fitting eateries.

    Picnic, not the restaurant

    No refreshment stops along the hiking trails. Pack bread, cheese, and water beforehand, at least two liters per person when hot.

    Lavender Honey

    Light honey, sourced from the plateaus north of the gorge, is sold in almost every village shop.

    Wines from the Coteaux Varois

    South of the gorge begins a highland wine region with fresh rosés and light reds, perfect for the simple local cuisine.

    Cultural Heritage and History of the Verdon Region

    The Gorges du Verdon are primarily known for their landscape, but the region also has a long history. Discoveries in caves along the river attest to human settlement since prehistoric times, and later the Romans left their mark. Fortified villages and Romanesque chapels on hilltops date from the Middle Ages. The gorge was scientifically explored only in 1905 by the speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel, after whom the most famous hiking trail is named.The villages are characterized by stone houses and narrow streets. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is known for its faience, which has been produced there since the late 17th century; Aiguines was formerly known for boule balls made of boxwood. In addition, pastoral farming is still present on the plateaus today.

    On the go locally

    Around the Gorges du Verdon, you're most flexible by car, for instance on the Route des Crêtes or the Corniche Sublime. Public buses between the villages run infrequently. In summer, shuttle buses operate, including to the starting points of the Sentier Blanc-Martel, so you can do the linear hike without having to return to your car.E-bikes can be rented in some places, but the roads are steep and winding. For hikes, you need sturdy footwear and sufficient water. Taxis should be booked in advance. Download offline maps, as mobile reception is weak in places, and expect full car parks during peak season.

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    Nearby

    Moustiers

    Moustiers

    Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is situated on a rock face at the western end of the Gorges du Verdon and is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". The village is known for the golden star that hangs on a chain high above the rooftops between two rocks, and for its faience tradition since the 17th century. You'll stroll through narrow streets, along a stream that rushes right through the village, and climb up to the Chapel Notre-Dame de Beauvoir.
    Saint-Tropez

    Saint-Tropez

    Saint-Tropez lies on the northern side of a peninsula in the Var département, where the Gulf of Saint-Tropez meets the Mediterranean Sea. The fishing village evolved into a gathering point for film and the jet set in the 1950s, sparked by the film 'And God Created Woman' starring Brigitte Bardot. Even earlier, painters such as Paul Signac had discovered the bay's unique light.Behind the harbour with its yachts lies a compact old town of ochre-coloured houses and narrow alleys. Overlooking the town is the 17th-century citadel, while the Musée de l'Annonciade showcases works by Pointillists and Fauves. Its famous sandy beaches, especially the Plage de Pampelonne, belong to the neighbouring commune of Ramatuelle.
    Cannes

    Cannes

    Cannes is world-renowned as the city of the Film Festival, which first took place in 1946 and is now held every May at the Palais des Festivals. The La Croisette promenade, with its palace hotels and private beaches, defines the city's image on the Golfe de la Napoule.Beyond the glamour, explore Le Suquet Old Town on the hill above the old port, offering views over the bay and the Esterel Mountains. Off the coast lie the Îles de Lérins: On Île Sainte-Marguerite stands Fort Royal, where the "Man in the Iron Mask" was imprisoned, while on Île Saint-Honorat, monks still live in an abbey.
    Aix-en-Provence

    Aix-en-Provence

    Aix-en-Provence, the former capital of Provence, welcomes you with an elegant atmosphere, shaped by historic buildings and shade-giving plane trees. Stroll along the famous Cours Mirabeau, lined with magnificent mansions and numerous fountains that significantly define the cityscape. Discover charming alleyways and impressive 17th-century townhouses in the Quartier Mazarin, south of the Cours Mirabeau. Visit the Atelier de Cézanne, where the famous painter Paul Cézanne created many of his works, and gain insights into his artistry. The Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements, testifying to the city's rich history. For authentic impressions, it is recommended to visit the lively weekly markets, which offer fresh regional products and antiques. The best time to visit is spring or autumn, to explore the city at pleasant temperatures and with fewer tourists.
    Antibes Juan-les-Pins

    Antibes Juan-les-Pins

    Antibes Juan-les-Pins combines a walled old town with seaside resorts on the Côte d'Azur. In Vieil Antibes, you'll find narrow streets, the Marché Provençal and the Musée Picasso in Château Grimaldi, where Picasso worked in 1946. Port Vauban is considered one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean, overlooked by Fort Carré. Juan-les-Pins is known for sandy beaches, nightlife, and the festival Jazz à Juan. Along the coastal path around Cap d'Antibes, you'll pass villas and rocky coastline. Spring and autumn are quieter than mid-summer.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI