The Gorges du Verdon, Europe's largest canyon

How to visit the Gorges du Verdon

Where is the Gorges du Verdon?

The exit from the Gorges is around 25 minutes from the campsite at the Galetas bridge.

The Grand canyon is the part carved out by the Verdon since the Tertiary era between Castellane and Lake Sainte-Croix. From the river's edge, the Verdon gorges are between 250 and 700 metres high.

The Gorges du Verdon form the border between two French departments: Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

The Gorges du Verdon are the largest canyon in Europe. This deep fault, carved out over thousands of years by water from the Allos valley in the Alps, offers a majestic landscape. The site is home to an entire ecosystem, now protected by the Verdon Regional Nature Park.

What to do in the Gorges du Verdon?

CANOEING IN THE VERDON GORGES

The Verdon river offers many routes for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. From the rapids to the flat calm of the lower Gorges du Verdon, not forgetting the turquoise waters of Lake Sainte-Croix. Find out more on our Verdon blog.

THE ELECTRIC BOAT ON THE VERDON

On the lakes, all along the Verdon, the water sports centres offer the chance to explore the Gorges in an electric boat. It's the easiest way to glide along the water and enjoy the scenery at the same time.

CLIMBING IN THE GORGES DU VERDON

With over 2,500 routes to choose from, you're spoilt for choice. Discover the wild and varied routes in the Verdon.

EXPLORE THE MANY HIKING TRAILS IN THE VERDON REGION

In the immediate vicinity of the campsite you'll find a number of hiking trails that will allow you to discover the region and its landscapes. Explore the Verdon on foot.

THE BLANC-MARTEL TRAIL IN THE HEART OF THE VERDON GORGES

Probably one of the most beautiful footpaths in France. Located between La Palud-sur-Verdon and Rougon, the Blanc-Martel trail takes you 16 kilometres into the heart of the Gorges du Verdon.

HORSE RIDING IN THE VERDON

Explore the Verdon on horseback. It's an experience we've had with Les Chevaux du Verdon.

THE VERDON LAND OF MOUNTAIN BIKING

Hire mountain bikes or assisted mountain bikes and explore the Gorges du Verdon by bike.

THE VERDON GORGES, A LAND OF EXPERIENCES

Rafting, canyoning, caving, paragliding and bungee jumping for thrill-seekers. Find all the activities on the Intercommunal Office website.

Reaching the Gorges du Verdon

If you love hiking and the great outdoors with family or friends, the Gorges du Verdon is the ideal place for you. The trails are accessible by car from the right bank, on the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence side, from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, or from the left bank, on the Var side, from the village of Aiguines. Passing along the sublime corniche and the Mescla balcony, you'll discover sumptuous landscapes where nature has retained all its strength and beauty. Open your eyes wide, in the shadow of the Alps and its peaks, the canyon has a few surprises in store for you.

Then on the way back, from the village of Rougon and the Point Sublime, discover the impressive Couloir Samson, then towards La Palud-sur-Verdon, take the route des crêtes. It overlooks the Gorges du Verdon and there are several lookouts where you can get close to the cliffs in complete safety. This is where you can best observe the flight of griffon vultures, introduced to the Verdon in the early 2000s.

Downstream, the lower Gorges du Verdon

From the campsite, follow the Verdon and reach Baudinard after the Sainte-Croix dam or the magnificent village of Quinson, a 30-minute drive away, or Esparron-sur-Verdon. The Lower Gorges of the Verdon, although less spectacular, are a delight for canoe and paddle-boat enthusiasts.

What can you visit in the Gorges du Verdon?

Here at Le Clos de Barbey we love our region and want to share our discoveries and experiences with you. We've opened a blog section which we hope will help you plan your next holiday in the Verdon.

Visit the villages of Provence

Visit the Provencal villages that have brought the river to life for centuries. Bauduen of course, but also all the other villages that border the lake of Sainte-Croix, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Baudinard and Aiguines, which from its elevated position offers visitors an exceptional view of the exit from the Gorges and the lake. In the Gorges du Verdon, be sure to stop at La Palud-sur-Verdon (pronounced "Palu") and drive on to Rougon to stop at the sublime point marking the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon. It's an exceptional site! How could we forget the nearby villages, starting with the most famous of all: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, before passing through Riez-la-Romaine to see the ruins of its Roman temple, its very old baptistery and enjoy its Provencal market. In the Var, the medieval village of Aups, 15 minutes from the campsite, is well worth a visit, and a little further afield you can discover the waterfall at Sillans-la-Cascade.

Explore the Valensole plateau

Explore the Valensole plateau, famous the world over for its fields of lavender and lavandin, which turn the landscape blue. It's probably one of the most famous spots on Instagram.

Discover gastronomy in the Verdon

Discover the local gastronomy, Aups truffles, olive oil, Provence rosé wine and lavender honey.

Back in time to prehistory

Take a trip back into prehistory at Quinson.

Extending the adventure to Gréoux

Head to Gréoux, around 45 minutes from the campsite, to extend your adventure at the cinema with the 3D film "Verdon Secret", projected onto a giant screen. Open-air screenings are also scheduled during the summer months.

Map of the Gorges du Verdon

It's not easy to find your way around when you know little or nothing about the region, so to help you find your way around, the tourist office has produced a detailed map of the main points of interest on the Var side of the Verdon.

Where to stay on a campsite in the Gorges du Verdon?

With a restaurant, entertainment throughout the summer, a swimming pool and a mini-market, Clos de Barbey is the campsite in the Verdon that offers the most services for holidaymakers wanting to discover the famous Gorges du Verdon. Halfway between the Grand Canyon, the lakes and the Basses Gorges du Verdon, all the activities are less than 30 minutes away by car. Freedom in the heart of nature 😃

Share more 😃 Le Clos de Barbey, a campsite in the Gorges du Verdon

FAQ about the Gorges du Verdon

How can I book an activity at Gorges du Verdon?

Book your activities at least one day in advance. For some popular activities, such as electric boats in summer, it is advisable to book several days in advance.

How do I get to the Gorges du Verdon?

The car is the most practical means of transport for exploring the region. You can also get there by bus, taxi, train or plane, with a variety of transport options from the nearest airports and stations.

What walks can I do in the Gorges du Verdon?

There are a number of hiking trails to suit all abilities, including the Martel trail, the Imbut trail, and other routes such as the Teillon hike. Make sure you have good shoes and plenty of water.

What sports and water activities are available?

The Gorges du Verdon offer a wide variety of activities, including rafting, canyoning, paragliding, climbing, mountain biking and bungee jumping, as well as water sports such as canoeing, kayaking and pedal boating.

When is the best time to visit the Gorges du Verdon?

Mid-season, particularly in May, June and September, is the ideal time to visit the Gorges du Verdon. During this period, the climate is pleasant and the sites are less crowded.