Gorges du Verdon

The Gorges du Verdon is one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in Europe, where the Verdon river has cut a gorge up to seven hundred metres deep through the limestone of inland Provence, its water an astonishing turquoise. Scenic roads run along both rims with dizzying viewpoints, while below, the river and the lake at its end draw kayakers, swimmers and hikers.

Background

The gorge lies in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, about 25 km long and up to 700 metres deep, cut by the Verdon between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The river takes its name from its turquoise-green colour, and at the end of the canyon it flows into the artificial Lake of Sainte-Croix. Its limestone walls, several hundred metres high, make it a major destination for multi-pitch climbing, with 1,500 routes from 20 metres to over 400 metres long.

Source: Wikipedia, "Verdon Gorge"

What you'll find

• The clifftop drives - the Route des Cretes and rim roads with dramatic viewpoints.
• The turquoise river - the Verdon's vivid water deep in the gorge.
• Lake Sainte-Croix - the turquoise lake at the gorge mouth, for kayaking and pedalos.
• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie - the pretty perched village at the gorge's edge.

When to go

Late spring to early autumn for the river, kayaking and swimming; the drives are open in the warm months. Summer is busy, so early starts help on the narrow rim roads.

Practical notes

It is deep in inland Provence, so a car is essential and the rim roads are narrow and winding. Summer brings crowds to the lake and viewpoints. The turquoise water is beautiful but the river cold and, in the gorge, for the experienced.

Nearby

The lavender plateau of Valensole and the perched villages of Provence spread around.

Key facts