What to see and do in the Verdon gorges region?

The gorges of Verdon

A true geological marvel, the Verdon River flows for about twenty kilometers in the depths of majestic gorges known as the Verdon gorges. Gorges du Verdon.

Europe's largest canyon, the Verdon, flows down to a depth of 700 meters at its base and its two banks are sometimes separated by 1500 meters of sheer drop. There's really enough to take your breath away!

Local pride and a place very popular with tourists from all over the world, the Verdon gorges are beautifully preserved and every day confront visitors with a raw, powerful and timeless nature.

But how to get the most out of it when you only have a few days ahead of you? What is the most magical route to get there? And what are the breathtaking viewpoints?

The Napoleon route, the imperial road to access the Verdon gorges

 One day along a bend, we came across this road. This road owes its name to the emperor who wanted to reconquer his throne in 1815 and left his exile on the island of Elba to join the capital. In fact, the Napoleon Road is 314 kilometers long and connects Elbe and Grenoble; it is one of the most beautiful roads in France!

Even before reaching our destination, we already enjoy the beauty of the landscapes as we follow the famous Napoleon route from the heights of Grasse. We drive slowly, taking our time, admiring the scenery that changes with each kilometer, and we can even come face to face with a herd of goats!

This route had to pass through the Verdon gorges and the city of Castellane, considered one of the gates of the Verdon and one of the main stages of this mythical imperial road. This gorge-side town reaches a height of more than 700 meters and is dominated by an immense limestone block.

A path leads to the summit of this block, overlooked by the chapel of Notre-Dame du Roc. This magical place, perched at an altitude of over 900 meters, offers an incomparable panorama overlooking the gorges.

In the city center, there is a large square surrounded by shops, tourist information centers, bars, restaurants, and hotels. This is a great opportunity to stop for a meal or a drink before continuing on your way towards the Village of Rougon (spectacular views of the gorges) then that of La-Palud-sur-Verdon where one can enjoy the remarkable natural scenery.

Council For the return journey, we recommend that you depart from Village of Aiguine and to take the D71 departmental road that runs along the southern bank of the Verdon gorges all the way to Comps-Sur-Artuby, You will be amazed by the beauty of the landscapes.

Before continuing on our way towards Bargemon, Montferrat and Figs, take a detour to the (almost) deserted little village of Bargème, The setting is exceptional and it feels as if time has stopped.

The lavender route: The plateau of Valensole

Also called Lavender Route, This section of the imperial road runs across the wide plateau of Valensole, famous for its lavender plants that are deliciously fragrant and have sparkling colors.

Renowned worldwide for its fragrant lavender, lavender from Provence grows naturally in dry and sunny environments. The Mediterranean and mountainous climate (warm and arid with the exception of a few thunderstorms in late August) of the Valensole plateau is ideal for the cultivation of lavender.

When the wind blows and thousands of strands of hair dance in unison, the spectacle has a magical, almost supernatural quality. There are absolutely exceptional observation points in the Verdon Gorge region.

The Valensole plateau offers fields of lavender that stretch out for miles, but not only that... This 800 square kilometer plateau located north of the Verdon gorges (which defines its southern border) is also renowned for its sunflower fields, truffles, almond trees and vineyards.

Tips If you want to enjoy the colorful lavender fields, head to plateau of Valensole Between mid-June and the end of July, early August. Be careful: before leaving, make sure the lavender hasn’t already been cut!

We have spotted beautiful fields on the D15 départemental road between Allemagne-en-Provence and the village of Valensole, but also in the surroundings of the beautiful villages of Riez, Puimoisson, Saint-Jurs, or Saint-Martin-de-Brômes, located a few kilometers from the famous village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie.

Moustier Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France

Like Castellane, Moustier Sainte-Marie Moustier is one of the gates of the Verdon gorges. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France and part of the Verdon natural park, the commune is protected by the state and new constructions are subject to strict regulations. And that’s a good thing, since this allows Moustier to retain its splendor and charm.

Built on a rocky cliff, the commune is nicknamed the Provencal manger because of a star suspended in the void and overlooking the village in the manner of the shepherd’s star that protects the inhabitants.

We love strolling through the colorful alleys, sitting on the terrace of a café, visiting the famous pottery workshops that make the reputation of Moustier Sainte Marie internationally, but also listening to the rushing of the water flowing down the gorge that cuts the village in two, and enjoying this breathtaking panoramic view of the valley.

Council To enjoy a beautiful view of the roofs of Moustier Sainte-Marie, take the stairs to reach the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel. The effort is worth it!

To find accommodation in the Verdon gorges, we recommend using the holiday rental comparison tool. Cozycozy 

Lake Sainte-Croix

In the 20th century, the idea of developing the Verdon began to take shape: a water and electricity reserve, the presence of strategic dams could well benefit the department of Var and its surroundings. Unfortunately, this idea of a dam cannot be realized without submerging the Salles valley, an ancient valley populated by three villages.

The project was discussed at the beginning of the century, but local resistance is strong and is not weakening. The project was abandoned until 1968, when an agreement was reached and two of the three villages were spared.

Alone The Salles-Sur-Verdon It does not escape the rise of the high-rise buildings even though the commune was rebuilt a few hundred meters higher in 1973… making it the youngest village in France!

This artificial lake is not only a useful water reserve; it also attracts many holidaymakers and locals who enjoy the great outdoors and sports activities. The influence of the Var region in France is largely due to this lake, which makes the region a popular destination for tourists.

Tips :

• For about twenty Euros you can renting a pedal boat And you can stroll between the lake and the entrance to the Verdon gorges, passing under this famous bridge from which you systematically stop to take beautiful photos. Feeling hot or tired of pedaling? Dive into this turquoise and transparent water; you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the scenery right in the heart of the gorges…

• Don't miss out on visiting the village of Aiguines, You will also be able to enjoy remarkable panoramic views of Lake Sainte Croix.

Many sports activities

Lake, river, rocky slopes and breathtaking landscapes, the Verdon gorges and its surroundings are an ideal place to engage in all kinds of sports activities, which is convenient since many approved centers offer a multitude of activities that are all more breathtaking than the others:

– Paragliders and paragliders: The Mercantour, Ste Victoire, Mont de Ventoux, or the gorges of Verdon seen from the sky.

– Mountain bikes or electric bikes: to wander the plateaus and be intoxicated by the scent of lavender

– Escalade and Via Ferrata: Anyone who talks about gorges talks about altitude, and anyone who talks about altitude talks about climbing. Many clubs allow you to climb the few dozen to hundreds of meters that separate the bottom of the gorges from their summit.

– Canyoning: To embark on a journey into the depths of the gorges… Just like when you embark on a great adventure full of twists and turns!

– Kayak canoeing: Discover the lower gorges with an accredited guide. Be sure to keep your head up; the view is breathtaking. And for those who enjoy extreme sensations, the thrilling rafting option is also available!

To continue your journey, I recommend reading the articles:
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Our 8 secret beaches on the Côte d’Azur
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