Guides
Ultimate Travel Guide to the Gorges du Verdon
Lose yourself between breathtaking cliffs and turquoise waters.
The Gorges du Verdon, aka the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” is famous for its turquoise river and towering cliffs. It’s in Provence, between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie—perfect for hiking, kayaking, and epic views. It actually stretch over several kilometers and are divided into two main sections: the Haute Gorges and the Basse Gorges. While both are spectacular, the most popular one is the one withe turquoise waters at the Lac de Sainte-Croix, which sits at the end of the canyon.
If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, this is the place to be. I’ve lived just a few hours from it (in Nice) for over 10 years, and I still can’t believe this was my first visit! Sometimes we think the best adventures are far away, but we forget to explore our own backyard. I was completely blown away by this long weekend in the South of France.
In this Gorges du Verdon travel guide, I’ll share the best things to see and do for a long, relaxing, and unforgettable moment in this stunning part of Provence.
Things to Know
How to Get There
– From Nice → about 2h30 by car.
– From Marseille → also 2h30 by car
Even though we ended up giving a ride to some girls who were hitchhiking, public transport is really limited in the Gorges du Verdon, so renting a car is definitely the easiest way to explore.
How to Get Around
– Car → essential for the Route des Crêtes and viewpoints
– Bike → great if you enjoy cycling and want views from higher points (we did it with an e-bike tho)
– Walking → perfect for hikes, trails, and village exploration
– Hitchiking → since public transports are limited you can use this solution
Fun fact: hitchhiking is actually quite popular around here—we even tried it once to get back to our car at the start of a hike, and it worked perfectly!
Best Time to Visit
– May–June → warm weather, fewer tourists. My favorite time to hike and kayak.
– July–August → warmer but very busy, good for swimming in Lac de Sainte-Croix (still not that hot)
– September–October → a little bit hoter than spring but quite the same ambiance and amazing sunsets.
Budget / Practical Tips
– Can get really crowded during summer; starting early is the best (same for every turistic location aka Venise). Kayaking the Gorges after 10 a.m.? Not my fav, the crowds can kill the vibe.
– Book in advance! is the motto if you come in high season—whatever it is: restaurant, activity, shuttle, or hotel (we already faced this problem with hotel and shuttle in May—bank holiday, but still!)
Things to Do
Kayaking on the turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix was such a different way to experience the Gorges du Verdon. From the water, the cliffs feel massive and you really feel tiny in comparison—it’s humbling in the best way. Gliding through calm, crystal-clear water with the sun hitting the cliffs felt completely magical. Honestly, if you can, go early in the morning—it’s so peaceful, quiet, and the lake is all yours before the crowds arrive.
Where to Rent:
You have multiple spots along the lake—prices are around the same. Book in advance during high season (summer). Ps : They’ll provide waterproof bags
Recommended Rent Spots:
– Verdon Canoe
– Lac Loc Sainte Croix – Verdon
– Base Nautique Etoile
Prices:
– From 20 to 40€ (2h) → Canoe/Kayak for 2 people
– From 30€ (2h) → Pedalo
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is officially one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages” and honestly, I couldn’t agree more—it’s worth a stop all on its own. If you wanna stop here after the lake it’s only a 35mn drive.
Nestled at the foot of dramatic cliffs, its ramparts and aqueduct give the village such a unique vibe. Add in the handmade pottery shops and the little cobblestone streets, and it’s just a joy to wander around. I loved simply strolling and soaking it all in. Make sure you walk up to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel for an incredible viewpoint—and don’t miss the tiny star hanging between the rocks, it’s such a fun detail!
For lunch, I’d totally recommend La Terrasse de Cassius—they serve authentic dishes with local products, and the view while you eat is just unbeatable. Later, if you’re craving a chill spot (or even brunch), check out the hidden gem La Grignotière x L’Étoile Givrée. Not easy finding it, but once I did, I couldn’t believe such a peaceful little haven existed right next to the busy streets.
Where to Park:
In the village there is one parking but even before noon it’s full so down the village you got a football field that transform into a parking and then you walk up the village.
The Blanc-Martel Trail is a must if you love a bit of adventure and epic views. We spent a few hours hiking along the canyon, stopping here and there (probably a bit too much, because we barely made it on time to the end—I didn’t realize it would take that long hehe). The trail is about 13 km, so take it easy but plan well. Def bring water, some snacks, and wear comfy shoes.
One of my favorite parts? Walking through the narrow tunnel carved into the rock with water at your feet—it honestly felt like a little adventure all by itself. The hike isn’t the easiest, but trust me, the breathtaking scenery makes every step worth it.
Distance: about 13 km (one way)
Elevation: 920m+
Time: 5–6 hours depending on your pace and stops
Difficulty: challenging (lots of ups and downs)
Start/End: Chalet de la Maline → Point Sublime (best done with shuttle or hitchhiking to return). Make sure to book the shuttle in advance, otherwise you’re gonna end up hitchhiking like we did—which, I loved anyway!
All Trail Trace: Here
Point Sublime is, without a doubt, one of the most amazing viewpoints in the Gorges du Verdon. It’s the endpoint of the Blanc-Martel Trail, and after hiking 15 km through cliffs, tunnels, and rivers, reaching it feels like standing on top of the world. Honestly, it makes every step of the hike completely worth it.
If you’re not up for hiking, you can drive here, but trust me—it’s just not the same. There’s something about arriving after all that effort; that sense of accomplishment is unbeatable. I could have sat there for hours, completely hypnotized, imagining a cold beer in my hand… something I sadly didn’t have, but hey, it just means I need to go back! Anyway—by car or by hike, just do it!
For something wilder and less crowded, the Sentier de l’Imbut trail is perfect. It’s a bit more challenging, but totally worth it if you love adventure. Unfortunately, it was forecasted to rain on the day we planned to go, so we couldn’t do it. Most of the time it says closed but people are still doing it so it’s on your risk.
Distance: about 9km
Elevation: 802m+
Time: 6 hours depending on your pace and stops
Difficulty: very challenging–narrow paths, steep descents, rocky terrain. Not recommended after rain (slippery!)
Start/End: Parking at La Palud-sur-Verdon. Trail descends to the river. If you do the Vidal Trail loop, it’s a tough climb back up!
All Trail Trace: Here
The Gorges du Verdon, A Must See in Provence
It was actually my first time at the Gorges du Verdon, and honestly, 3 days felt perfect. Start with the lake and some kayaking to soak in the atmosphere, then explore the villages, and finish with a big hike. This way, you really get to experience the full diversity of this amazing place. If you’re planning a trip, trust me—3 days is the good time, so pack your bags and go for it!
