The Gorges du Verdon have their sources at the Col d'Allos and stretch over 100 km. In places, the depth reaches 750 m. Its dimensions make it the largest Canyon in Europe.
The Gorges du Verdon are divided into 4 distinct geographical areas:
- The pre-gorges du Verdon pass from the Village of Castellane to the Point Sublime;
- The Grand Canyon stretches from the Samson corridor to the Lac de Sainte-Croix;
- The Gorges de Baudinard begin downstream from the Sainte-Croix dam then cross the sector of the 3 lakes to the Quinson dam;
- The Basses Gorges, from Quinson lake to Esparron lake.
Map of Gorges du Verdon
A relaxing and inspiring natural setting
The Gorges du Verdon fully deserve to be included on the list of the most beautiful natural sites in France and Europe.
Visit the villages of the Verdon:
The Verdon not only shines with the majestic strength of its gorges and the beauty of its lakes. It is a territory of history and culture which also welcomes you in its authentic and quiet villages.
The Verdon Regional Nature Park can be divided into different geographical areas which offer a great diversity of tourist landscapes. In each of these, typical villages are the representatives of the different identities of this natural and cultural territory.
The Gorges du Verdon itself extend between the villages of Moustiers Sainte-Marie to the west and Castellane to the east. While exploring the gorges, you can for example stop off in the villages of La Palud-sur-Verdon and Rougon, which in addition to being one of the most beautiful villages in the Verdon, will give you access to the famous ridge road.
Finally, the low gorges are located between the lake of Sainte-Croix and the Durance. Your route will cross the villages of Quinson and Esparron-de-Verdon, which benefit from two of the most beautiful lakes in the Verdon, and finally Gréoux-les-Bains, famous for its thermal waters.
Among all these villages scattered in the Verdon, some have become famous thanks to their gastronomy, their art, or their crafts. This is the case of Moustiers Sainte-Marie for example, which the delicacy of its earthenware has illustrated for more than three hundred years. Among other things, you can visit the museum which exhibits the most beautiful pieces created since the 17th century.
The black truffle is a well-known specialty of the Verdon, and the villages of Aups (read our blog post on the village of Aups) and Montpezat are its most famous representatives. You can taste it everywhere, and visit the Maison de la truffe in Aups which offers several fun approaches to enter the mysterious world of truffles with your children.
Then, for a dive into Provençal art and crafts, you will discover the world of woodturning in the village of Aiguines, a traditional craft that is still very much alive today. And finally, you will go to Tourtour (read our blog post on the village of Tourtour), the village in the sky, if you want to enter the abundant contemporary art galleries.
Visit the most beautiful lakes of the Verdon:
We cannot mention the Gorges du Verdon without mentioning its splendid turquoise waters. The banks of this river reveal a thousand perspectives on an overflowing and incredibly preserved nature, and the 9 lakes that punctuate its course offer a concentrate of these riches. From beaches to rest to invigorating swimming, to boat trips to let yourself be lulled by the water, the Verdon lakes offer a thousand ways to live unforgettable experiences.
Here are the 5 lakes to visit in priority:
- Lac de Castillon : 1h30 by car from Villa B
- Lac de Quinson : 37 min by car from Villa B
- Lac d’Esparron : 44 min by car from Villa B
- Lac d’Artignosc : 32 min by car from Villa B
- Lac de Sainte-Croix : 30 min by car from Villa B
The must-see places in the Gorges du Verdon:
Ile de Costebelle : Opposite the village of Les Salles sur Verdon, the island of Costebelle is a small island located about a hundred meters from the shore (depending on the height of the water). You can get there easily by pedal boat or kayak from Les Salles sur Verdon. Once on the island, you will discover vegetation identical to that of the coast, the interest of going to this island is first of all the view of the village Les Salles sur Verdon, and the 360-degree landscape on the lake. of Sainte Croix, which the islet offers you through a short walk on the banks.
Take a boat and let yourself be carried away by the charm of this paradise island. We must also admit the pleasure of finding yourself "stranded" like a castaway on Costebelle will remind you of your early childhood cradled by Robinson Crusoe.
Le Vallon des Carmes : is located a few steps from Barjols in the Var department. It can be reached on foot from the center of the village and the climb to the valley is easy. However, for the most fragile, it is possible to get there by car. To do this, go to the top of the village and follow the signs, which are more or less well marked. Before arriving, the small road passes between private houses, you will find a small free car park on the right. The valley is a mix of bathing spots and belvederes, you will find two waterfalls where swimming is allowed all year round. Access is easy but not recommended for strollers and people with reduced mobility, due to several steps on the way.
Please note, the Vallon des Carmes has been closed by municipal decree - risk of landslide since the beginning of October 2021.
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