An insider’s guide to the hidden wonders of France
Diplomat.Today
If you’re looking for spectacular hidden wonders of France, the ultimate has to be the majestic Gorges du Verdon, located in the picturesque southern France. Gorges du Verdon, also called the Gorges du Verdon in English, is also called the “Grand Canyon of France”. It is in fact the largest and deepest gorge in Europe.
Gorges du Verdon is one of the best places to visit in the South of France. It’s about a two-hour drive from most nearby towns, so I highly recommend making a full day of it by visiting some of the charming nearby villages.
This incredible natural wonder is one of my favorite places to visit every summer. I like to take friends and family who visit here because it’s not the easiest place to get to, but it’s definitely worth the trip. Read on to discover everything that makes this place one of France’s best hidden wonders!
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Rental | South-eastern France |
| Region | Alps of Haute Provence |
| depth | 700 meters (2,100 feet) |
| Activities | Rock climbing, kayaking, electric boating |
| WHO | Sports enthusiasts, families |
| Distance from Nice | 85 miles |
The significance of the Gorges du Verdon
Gorges du Verdon is the deepest gorge in France, making it one of the country’s top natural wonders that you must see. Cliffs surrounding the gorge range from 180 meters to as high as 700 meters. The gorge eventually leads to the beautiful Lac de Sainte-Croix, an artificial reservoir and a popular swimming spot.
Visitors can admire the gorge from above, by car or bicycle. To take a closer look, the gorge offers a plethora of water sports including kayaking, paddle boarding and electric boating. Fishing is not allowed in the gorge, but for some species it is allowed in Lac de Sainte-Croix.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Gorges du Verdon is undoubtedly summer. The beautiful turquoise water is absolutely breathtaking in the summer months.
Because much of the water consists of snow flowing from the mountains, it is quite chilly most of the year. Summer is the best choice to enjoy the water.
If you don’t plan on swimming in the gorge, I recommend driving around it in the fall. It’s absolutely beautiful to see the gorge against the backdrop of changing autumn leaves, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way.
See related: Most beautiful small towns in France
How to get there
The only way to reach the Gorges du Verdon is by car. I recommend renting your own car for the day, but there are also many tours from the largest cities in the south of France. If you’re coming from Nice or Marseille, about half of the journey will be on winding country roads, so be prepared if you’re prone to motion sickness.
For directions, search for “Pont du Galetas” in your navigation. Simply typing “Gorges du Verdon” or “Verdon Gorge” will not take you into the swimming area. Driving takes about two hours from Nice and Marseille or 1.5 hours from Aix.
From Nice: Join the A8 motorway west and take exit 36 towards Saint Tropez. Stay on the D1555 towards Draguingian and stay on the D955. Continue on the D49 towards Aiguines to reach Pont du Galetas.
From Marseille: Take the A8 motorway east and take exit 34 towards Barjols. Continue on the D560 to Aups and then turn to the D60 and then to the D957, towards Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
From Aix-en-Provence: Follow the A51 and D6 to D6A in Valensole. Take the RD8 (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) to the D953. Follow the D953 to the D957 to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and follow signs for Pont du Galetas.
Excursions to the Gorges du Verdon
Things to do in the Gorges du Verdon
Kayaking and canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are the most common activities in the canyon. Many people bring their own canoes and kayaks, but there are several rental locations around Pont du Galetas where you can rent equipment by the hour. If you’re kayaking, plan to spend at least two hours on the trip, especially on busy weekends.
Paddle boarding
While I didn’t see any paddleboard rentals at Lake Sainte-Croix or near the gorge, I highly recommend doing so if you can rent or bring one. It’s a great way to enjoy the gorge, get some exercise and relax on the lake. My husband and I had an inflatable paddleboard that we took to the lake and canyon every summer, and it was seriously one of our favorite summer activities.
Electric sailing or pedal boating
If you want a more relaxing experience and admire the beautiful views of the Gorges du Verdon, rent an electric boat or pedal boat. Both can be found near Pont du Galetas.
I recommend pedal boats at Nounet or Kanojano. These places usually only accept cash, so make sure you have at least 20 euros on hand. This is my favorite way to experience the canyon, especially if you have older relatives visiting.
See related: Most famous historical monuments in France
picnic
The best way to end your time in the gorge is with a picnic on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix. Choose from the sandy stretches of the beach or one of the large lawns.
There is only one small shop near the Plage du Galetas car park where you can buy snacks and drinks, so I recommend bringing your own. Also bring plenty of water!
Visit nearby attractions
Lac de Sainte-Croix and Gorges du Verdon are very close to some other fantastic places to visit in Provence. If you visit in late June to mid-July, this is the best time to see Provence’s incredible lavender fields in full bloom. I highly recommend driving around to see this!
Another great stop is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a small village on the official list of the most beautiful villages in France. This charming mountain town is known for its lavender products and ceramics, perfect souvenirs for your stay in Provence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Gorges du Verdon famous?
The Gorges du Verdon is the largest and deepest gorge in Europe and is therefore one of the must-see natural wonders in France. In summer it attracts countless tourists from all over the world.
Is the Gorges du Verdon free to visit?
Gorges du Verdon can be visited for free all year round. Parking is also free. However, you will have to pay a fee for rental equipment such as kayaks and electric boats.
How long do you need in the Gorges du Verdon?
Plan a visit of at least two hours to the Gorges du Verdon. This takes into account actual swimming or participating in water sports. You can also admire the gorge during a short drive or bike ride.
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