Gorges du Verdon is the magnificent Verdon River canyon, sometimes called the European Grand Canyon, part of the Natural Regional Park in Provence. 25 km long and with up to 700 meters high limestone cliffs, the Gorge is located between the towns of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the west and the town of Castellane in the northeast.
At the end of the canyon the river flows into the artificial Lake of Sainte-Croix (Lac de Sainte-Croix) under the Pont du Galetas bridge. The highly popular tourist’s destination is accessible from the French Riviera in the south, 113 km from Cannes, or from Provence towns in the west, 170 km from Avignon, 107 km from Aix-En-Provence, and 118 km from the village of Gordes in the Luberon Region.
Traveling in the Verdon Canyon region, enjoy the overwhelming landscapes of the Verdon Canyon while driving along its southern or northern rim, enjoy the scenery from Pont du Galetas bridge, with the Lake of Sainte-Croix on one side, and the entrance to the canyon from the other side.
Near Pont du Galetas bridge you will be able to relax in one of the nearby beaches on the lake, or to rent a kayak or paddle boat, enjoying a calm sailing along the river.
The Verdon Canyon national park is heaven for outdoor and extreme activities, with more than 1,000 cliff climbing routes, numerous hiking trails, paragliding, canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, and much more. Extreme sports activities include bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. For detailed information on available activities consult the Tourist Information Centers in the region’s towns.
To enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Verdon canyon, drive along the canyon rim in panoramic roads featuring numerous stops and viewpoints, either on the southern rim, coming from the south, or on the northern rim coming from the north.
If you have the time, drive a complete circle around the canyon, from Pont du Galetas bridge north on D957 to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and east on D952, to Pont the Soleis. Continue south on D955 to Trigance, then back west on the southern rim, on D71 to Pont de l’Artuby, Aiguines, and back to Pont du Galetas. The 85 km route will take around 2 hours.
Moustiers Sainte Marie
Castellane
Verdon Gorge Circular Route
- Driving only on the southern rim will be on D71 between the town of Aiguines south of The Galetas Bridge in the west to Pont de l’Artuby and the town of Trigance in the southeast. The route called Corniche Sublime is 34 km long.
- Driving only on the northern rim, drive from Pont du Galetas bridge north on D957 to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie then east on D952 to the Village of La Palud-sur-Verdon, called Route des Crêtes. Then head back for a total of 43 km.
- For additional beautiful route you may also continue from La Palud-sur-Verdon south on D23 performing a 20 km loop returning to La Palud-sur-Verdon, and back to Galetas Bridge for a total of 86 km.
Spend 1-3 days in the Verdon Gorges region, either coming from the French Riviera in the south or from the Provencal towns in the west. Visit the region preferably during the summer when the Lavender fields are Blooming in the town of Valensole at the end of June and the start of July.
