What to Do in the Verdon Gorge?

In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, you will find the Verdon Gorge, one of the most beautiful regional natural parks in France and the largest canyon in Europe! This vacation destination attracts thousands of tourists each year, eager for outdoor activities and water sports. A trip to the Verdon Gorge also includes visiting its most beautiful villages and the best viewpoints... Ready to go?

The Blanc-Martel trail is one of the most popular hiking routes in the Verdon! It starts at the Chalet de la Maline and ends at the Point Sublime, totaling about 15 kilometers in length. If you are already convinced, find all the practical information on the official Verdon Tourisme website.

Along the way, hikers pass through tunnels, bridges, and steeper sections revealing spectacular views of the gorges: impressive cliffs, varied landscapes, rich biodiversity... Although this hike is more suitable for experienced walkers, several stops allow you to admire essential panoramas like the Belvédère du Couloir Samson and the Pas d'Issane

Of course, take advantage of your visit to the Verdon Gorge by exploring the surrounding villages. All renowned for their beauty and authentic character, they definitely deserve to be seen at least once.

Among them, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is famous for its pottery and its star suspended between two cliffs, while Castellane, dominated by a rock, is the perfect starting point for various outdoor activities!

Next comes the village of Aiguines, whose breathtaking views over Lake Sainte-Croix will leave you speechless, just like the medieval timelessness of Bauduen, one of the most charming villages in Verdon

Looking for thrills and an adrenaline rush? Well, it's obvious that the Verdon Gorge is the perfect playground for rafting and canoeing, two must-do activities in the region.

The Via Ferrata de la Grande Fistoire typically gathers the most passionate climbing enthusiasts! ‍♀️ This course, equipped with cables, ladders, and suspension bridges, will undoubtedly satisfy those looking to climb the cliffs of the Verdon Gorge while enjoying spectacular views.

There are also plenty of hikes accessible to everyone and suitable for all levels. To access the Via Ferrata, expect an entry fee of 7 euros per person. If you do not have the necessary equipment, it is possible to rent everything for €16 or €4 per item. All information is available on the official website of the Alpes de Haute Provence Tourist Office.

Alternatively, I recommend the course of the via cordata of Trou du Renard, which, in La Palud-sur-Verdon, offers you a wonderful panorama of the Verdon Gorge! For this course, you will need to budget €55 per person

Among the most beautiful attractions of the Verdon Gorge, Lake Sainte-Croix, located between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, is a natural wonder dating back to the 1970s. This artificial lake was created by Electricité France following the construction of the Sainte-Croix dam. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, ranked as the fourth largest reservoir in France with an area of 2,200 hectares!

It features incredible turquoise waters where you can pedal boat, paddle, swim, and even explore the Verdon Gorge by canoe from Lake Sainte-Croix. If you're visiting with family, note that several small beaches are located along the shores of the following villages: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Aiguines, Les Salles-Sur-Verdon (one of the most pleasant), Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, and Bauduen.

For the bravest among you, head to the Artuby Bridge, soaring about 182 meters high, for a bungee jump session! This is the highest bridge in Europe and offers a breathtaking view of the Verdon Gorge, not to mention the adrenaline rush that's simply exhilarating...

Of course, such an activity is supervised by professionals, and jumpers benefit from optimal safety. If you're interested, I invite you to book your session now! All sessions include a briefing on the course of the activity, equipment, and safety rules. Expect to pay €105 per person.

Here's another thrilling activity that is very popular in Verdon: paragliding If you're not too afraid of heights, paragliding is an extraordinary way to discover the Verdon Gorge from the air!

Several operators organize tandem flights with experienced instructors to soar over Lake Sainte-Croix, the cliffs of the gorge, and much more... These flights last between 10 and 45 minutes and allow you to experience all the sensations of paragliding. Several takeoff points are available, including Castellane, Aiguines, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, or Barrême. This activity lasts 20 minutes and costs €120 per person.

This scenic road starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon towards Rougon stretches about 24 kilometers and shares breathtaking views of the Verdon Gorge.

As you travel along the Crêtes du Grand Canyon, several viewpoints such as the Balcon de la Mescla and the Point Sublime give the feeling of plunging into the depths of the gorges and the surrounding cliffs... The Route des Crêtes of the Verdon Gorge is open from late March to late November and is closed in winter for safety reasons.

Find all the information on the official Verdon Tourisme website.

Have you ever heard of hydrospeed? It is a thrilling water sport that involves riding down a river with a board and a pair of flippers! Much more immersive than rafting, your body is submerged in the water and you steer using a float. It's the best way to taste more thrills, of course, with an initiation session before tackling the rapids!

The best starting point for hydrospeed is Castellane! This is where you can find calmer sections to familiarize yourself with the equipment before getting to the more intense parts. There are several types of courses to choose from and to book directly online. Each session lasts about 1.5 hours, but the duration also depends on weather conditions, starting from €50 per person.

While summer is considered the best time to visit the Verdon Gorge and enjoy the water and outdoor activities, spring and autumn are also great alternatives.

During the summer, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence enjoys warm temperatures reaching 30 degrees ️, ideal for swimming and outdoor outings... It's also peak tourist season, which means rising prices and a lot of crowds in the gorges.

That's why going in spring or autumn would be a better idea! By targeting April, May, September, and October, you'll enjoy mild temperatures. Prices are much more attractive in terms of accommodation, there are fewer crowds, and the weather will be perfect for hiking

Car and train are generally the most popular options for reaching Verdon. On the one hand, driving offers much more freedom to explore the villages and take scenic routes. It's the perfect means of transport if you are traveling with family, friends, or for comfort...

For car rentals, I highly recommend using DiscoverCars! It's a platform that compares all prices to give you the best offers

As for the train, you must first reach Nice or Marseille. These are the two major cities located close to the Verdon Gorge. Once there, you can rent a car or take the bus towards Castellane or Gréoux-les-Bains; these two villages are at the entrance of the regional park.

Moreover, flying to Nice and Marseille airports will cost you less! If you book several months in advance, you can find really cheap round-trip direct flights. Of course, make sure to plan the journey from the arrival airport to the train station.

That's all for this article! You now know what to do in the Verdon Gorge If you're looking for a place to stay in the Verdon Gorge for your holiday, I also have an article on that subject!