A travers les saisons au Verdon

Through the seasons

The Gorges du Verdon in all seasons

Au fil de l’hiver
l'Hiver au verdon et ses 3 stations de ski

Over the winter

In winter, the Verdon is decked out in its lovely white coat. The splendid scenery is ideal for winter sports. Downhill skiing on the Val d’Allos ski areas, cross-country skiing at Ratery or La Colle-Saint-Michel, for those who aren’t too keen on sliding, opt for snowshoeing, tobogganing or sunset skating with the whole family.

Our family-friendly resorts are sure to put a smile on the faces of young and old alike, for unforgettable mountain vacation memories!

Visit the Verdon in winter

What an idea! No swimming or white-water sports, or you’ll turn into an ice cube! It’s the ideal season for lovers of nature and peace and quiet.

The Verdon reveals its true nature, preserved and secret, just for you! And with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to admire the gorges in their majestic white mantle…majestic.

Vue de village en automne

As autumn unfolds

The leaves are changing color, it’s a beautiful day to enjoy the Annot sandstone, and under the hundred-year-old chestnut trees, the fruit is starting to fall. You absolutely must try the chestnut cream!
In the Gorges de Daluis, the red of the rocks, the orange of the vegetation and the blue of the sky create a breathtaking contrast. Autumn in the Verdon has nothing to envy other seasons – it’s simply magical!
In the Haut-Verdon, the larch trees, the only conifers to lose their needles, change from intense green to orange and yellow depending on the amount of sunlight, making for magnificent photos!
A must: discover this cameo of colors by paragliding over the Verdon!

Did you know?

From yellow to red, through brown and orange…in autumn, the shades of color in the Verdon Gorges are infinite, making it the ideal season to visit them in complete tranquillity!

Randonée

As spring unfolds

Nature is turning green, flowers are bursting with color. No doubt about it, spring has arrived in the Verdon. This is the ideal season to discover the Verdon.
If you’re a good walker, take the legendary Blanc-Martel trail to discover the flora and fauna deep in the gorges.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll be able to enjoy the joys of climbing, as it’s not yet too hot against the cliffs.
Or simply take the route des crêtes and its many viewpoints, where you can stop to admire the gorges. A feeling of space and freedom!
And why not discover the sandstone of Annot, the citadel of Entrevaux…

Rafting

The Verdon awakens

Spring…is it really necessary to praise its beauty? In early spring, nature awakens… and amazes us!
Make the most of it.
In May and June, the Verdon and its lakes are yours to enjoy.

Waiting for the sun to come out

Despite 2,700 hours of sunshine a year, it can rain during your stay!

It’s the perfect time to discover the Verdon in a different way. Animations, places to visit, museums…adapted for young and old will satisfy your curiosity.

Want to relax and unwind? We’ve got lots of ideas to share…

L'été dans le Verdon

Over the summer

Summer has arrived on the Verdon and the southern sun is raising temperatures. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to keep you cool! Between Lac de Castillon and Lac de Sainte-Croix, you can enjoy swimming and water sports activities such as sailing, pedal boating and canoeing.

In Colmars-les-Alpes, enjoy the coolness of its fortifications or the Lance waterfall. Higher still, opt for the Lac d’Allos hike in the Mercantour National Park.

Au fil de l’été

You love water!

This is the season for you. A multitude of activities and entertainment await you. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
In September, there’s plenty to do and the water is still warm enough for lounging.

Les gorges en automne

3 good reasons to come out of season

Temperate temperatures

Fine weather, ideal for activities.


Quieter

Enjoy the world-famous Verdon in autumn and spring, and discover the peace and quiet of nature.


More time

In autumn, winter and spring, traffic is quieter, allowing us to devote as much time as possible to your requests.

Further information

Roads: depending on the season, some roads and passes may be closed. Don’t forget to ask before you leave.


Parking lots: depending on the season, parking lots may be free or chargeable, so be sure to check parking dates.

Our seasonal tips

Spring :

– As a general rule, The Blanc-Martel shuttle runs weekends and public holidays from early April to July 1. Don’t forget to reserve itThe same goes for your accommodation and activities.

– Bring a bathing suit and sun hat, depending on when you come… And always a small jacket and sun cream: the nights are still cold and the April sun can be bright.

– The famous lavender fields near the gorges are in flower from mid-June!

In summer :

Accommodation, activities, the Blanc-Martel shuttle: just one piece of advice: book well in advance, ideally the winter before in the case of accommodation.

– Most whitewater activities depend on water releases from the Castillon dam and are only available on certain days. Ask our guides or tourist information offices before planning your activities.

– A swimsuit, water bottle, hat (or cap!) and sun cream are essential, but the nights are still cool, so don’t forget your jacket.

– During the peak season, drive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid traffic jams.

Canoes and pedal boats on Lac de Sainte-Croix cannot be booked in advance. The solution: get up early (8am, doesn’t that sting?) to avoid waiting 1 or 2 hours.

– The lavender fields near the gorges are in bloom from mid-June to mid-July!

Autumn:

– Numerous events are organized during the autumn school vacations (zone B).


the Blanc-Martel shuttle
runs on certain dates.

– From November 1st, please refer to the winter period.

In winter :

– Bring gloves and a hat, as the temperature is low at almost 1000 m altitude, even in the south. Snowshoes and après-ski can come in handy during heavy snowfalls.

– Book your accommodation as few are still open. Find out about shop openings and trail conditions.

Equip your car with winter tires, even when there’s no snow. Their rubber remains softer at low temperatures, so the car reacts better in bends and under braking. Take your chains with you.

– During winter, the Route des Crêtes is closed from the Carelle lookout to the Chalet de la Maline. Don’t worry, you can still visit the most famous sites.

– All trails remain open, although the Blanc-Martel shuttle is no longer in service. Ask about the presence of snow on the heights and beware of slips in the gorges.