Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon)

Whether you're after adventure or relaxation, the Alpes de Haute Provence region has it all. The stretch of the Verdon River that flows between Castellane and Chasteuil boasts Class I-IV rapids, making it an ideal place for thrill-seeking rafters. Hiking trails abound, with the 9-mile (14-km) Sentier Martel trail ranking as one of the country's top treks, while the emerald waters of the Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon lake, nestled deep within the limestone canyon, prove the perfect place to swim or sunbathe. For rock climbers, the gorge provides ample adventures with its 15-mile (25-km) network of climbing routes.

Experience the best of Provence (Verdon Gorge included) on a day trip tour from Cannes, Aix-en-Provence, or Nice that also visits the picturesque pilgrimage site of Castellane and the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, famed for its pottery industry.

• The majority of tours departing from Cannes, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice provide hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Choose between a group or private tour, both available with half- and full-day options.

• Outdoor activities include rock climbing and kayaking.

• Remember sunscreen, hiking boots, and appropriate attire for outdoor Verdon Gorge adventures.

A couple of hours' drive west from St. Tropez, the right bank of the Verdon Gorge is easy to reach from the north (on route D952 from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie) by car. From the south, it's better to follow its left bank (on routes D71, D90 and D955 from Aiguines to Castellane). The Verdon Gorge is more difficult to access via public transport.

Summer is the perfect time to visit the Verdon Gorge. Reliable sunshine makes all outdoor activities possible, while warm temperatures also allow visitors to camp throughout the region. During summer, tours usually visit the scenic Valensole Plateau and Grasse to see the blooming lavender fields.

Natural beauty is not the only reason to visit Verdon. The area is a cornucopia of wildlife, attracting birders and flower fanatics alike. Expect to see griffon vultures, the goat-antelope-hybrid chamois, and hoopoes, birds known for their striking striped pattern and eccentric crown of feathers. Turn your gaze downward to admire the lush flora; orchids, hawthorn, and yarrow are among the most prevalent blooms.

The Verdon Gorge is about 2–3 hours from Marseille and Nice on D952, known as the Route des Gorges. It leads right to the park, though you’ll need to hop over to the D957 and other switchback-heavy roads to get into the canyon and to spots such as Pont du Galetas bridge.

Many consider the Imbut Trail to be the most beautiful hike in the Verdon Gorge—it takes 5–6 hours and hugs the canyon walls. The Blanc-Martel Trail, from La Maline to Point Sublime, is another contender, as it winds for 10 miles (16km) along the gorge’s slopes to the bottom of the canyon.

The best time of year to visit the Verdon Gorge is summer, from June to August, when temperatures are warm and sunny, and all the local businesses are operating. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit April–May or September–October, and you’ll likely get the best of both worlds.

A day trip provides an overview of Verdon Gorge, allowing you to hit the overlooks and go for a short hike or swim. However, spending a few days there allows you to go paddle boating or kayaking, scope out the sheltered beaches, hike around the canyon, and visit the area’s rural towns.

While most locals will tell you the entire Verdon Gorge is exquisite, the most popular spots for scenery include Point Sublime, a panoramic viewpoint over the gorge’s dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters; the Martel Trail and its access to the gorge’s deep ravines; and the Pont du Galetas bridge for photography.

The striking blue hue of the Verdon Gorge is due to the area's geological composition. The waters contain silty glacial sediments, fluorite, and strains of microalgae, all of which reflect blueish green to human eyes. The gorge’s rock is primarily composed of limestone, which helps keep the water clear and transparent.