Do you dream of freedom, grandiose landscapes and spectacular views? The Gorges du Verdon, a must-see destination in Provence, France and Europe, await you and promise unforgettable memories! Considered France’s “grand canyon”, it’s Europe’s largest canyon, a perfect place for hiking, climbing and white-water sports. But no matter what you do or how big you are, you’ll feel tiny in the face of its immensity.
Magical, disconcerting, addictive… the spectacle offered by the Gorges du Verdon never ceases to amaze!
By road, you reach the top of the highest cliffs with breathtaking, exceptional views. Two routes are available, one on the left bank, the other on the right. Both give access to a number of must-see spots: Point Sublime, Route des Crêtes, Corniche Sublime, Balcons de la Mescla… It takes around 1h30 to cover the gorges from east to west.
If you want to venture deep into Europe’s largest canyon, you’ll need your hiking boots to discover the many trails that line the gorges, often right next to the river. Sentier Blanc-Martel, sentier de l’Imbut and many others will enable all hiking enthusiasts to enter the intimacy of this exceptional site.
It’s possible to conquer the canyon with your little adventurers. A number of discovery trails, starting from Point Sublime, require less than 2 hours’ walking and are not very steep.
The vulture is emblematic of the destination. Of the 4 species present in France, 3 nest in the Gorges du Verdon.
Every year, over a million people from all over the world visit the Gorges du Verdon. This reputation contrasts strikingly with the wilderness of the area. and the slow pace of pastoral life.
If you’re expecting to enter an urbanized territory, you’ll be all the more surprised by the presence of small villages that seem to protect the intimacy of their panoramas.
Located in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, the canyon is home to a rare wealth of flora and fauna. To guarantee its long-term protection and management, the vigilance of visitors is essential. We’re counting on you to help us preserve this exceptional natural environment, soon to be awarded the Grand Site de France label!
A limestone plateau carved out over thousands of years by the Verdon river, the Gorges du Verdon form a mineral border between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var departments.
It wasn’t until 1905, with Isidore Blanc and Edouard-Alfred Martel’s highly publicized descent of the Verdon, that the whole of France discovered this mythical place.
In the 1930s, the Blanc-Martel and Imbut trails and the Route des Crêtes opened up the site to tourism. Between 1948 and 1975, the construction of five dams on the Verdon (Castillon, Chaudanne, Sainte-Croix, Quinson, Esparron), creating 5 artificial lakes with the same names, marked a new boom in tourism.
Contemplating the landscape, the flight of vultures and climbers, breathing and taking time to refocus.
Raw and invigorating, a place of varied contrasts created by Mother Nature.
A place dedicated to extreme sports, climbing, high line, hydrospeed, but also to gentle activities: discovery hikes, electric-assist bicycles, aqua hiking…
Access
Access to the Gorges du Verdon is never closed and is free of charge. Depending on weather conditions (snow, wind, etc.), certain routes or activities may be restricted. Check with local tourist offices.
Parking
Parking at Point Sublime and in the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon. To reduce your ecological footprint, we invite you to use alternative means of transport to get around the Gorges du Verdon.
Regulations
Swimming in the river is forbidden as it is dangerous. It’s your responsibility. Choose whitewater activities supervised by approved guides. Unauthorized camping is strictly forbidden in the canyon and on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix.
