Check out our FAQ, it’s a wealth of information on the most frequently asked questions, from booking to cancellation. Click on the topic that interests you.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can always contact us by using the “Chat” at the bottom right of your screen or by clicking here.
Verdon Water Levels 2026: Summer Conditions and Activities (updated march 1, 2026)
Climate and Water Conditions in the Verdon in 2026
The Verdon region stretches over 100 km and includes 9 lakes. These lakes are managed by a hydrological system. For 2026, the situation is reassuring. Water reserves are replenished, and water levels remain good across the region. Most outdoor and water activities can operate normally. Visitors can enjoy lakes, rivers, and gorges safely this year.
Rafting and White-Water Activities in Spring
Spring is one of the best seasons for white-water sports in the Verdon. In spring 2026, the river provides dynamic and exciting rafting conditions for adventure seekers. Rafting in the Verdon Gorges offers lively water levels with technical rapids and authentic river experiences. Kayak-rafting is possible under more sporty conditions. Spring is ideal for experienced paddlers exploring technical sections.
Verdon Lakes Water Levels in Summer 2026
During summer, Verdon lakes reach tourist water levels, ideal for swimming, canoeing, paddle sports, and family activities.
Lake Castillon
Lake Castillon is currently lower due to hydroelectric management. Snowmelt from the Upper Verdon in April and May should refill the lake by June.
Lake Sainte-Croix
Lake Sainte-Croix, the second largest in France, has returned to its tourist level. Verdon Gorges access at Pont de Galetas is open, allowing canoeing and boat exploration in the canyon.
Lake Esparron
Lake Esparron is at maximum level. This ensures excellent conditions for swimming, kayaking, and boating.
Outdoor Activities in the Verdon in 2026
Rainfall levels this season are normal. Many outdoor adventure activities are available with good conditions. Canyoning: water levels are normal, with routes suitable for beginners and experienced adventurers. Aquatic trekking (randonnée aquatique): river flow is safe for exploring rivers and natural pools.
Rafting: trips run every Tuesday and Friday this season. Canoeing in the Verdon Gorges: available in all sectors from April, including Pont de Galetas. Spring and summer 2026 are excellent for discovering the Verdon through water-based adventures.
To know more and to see the pictures in real time, we keep an article updated every week with the detailed situation lake by lake and activity by activity.
Verdon Gift Card: Booking and Conditions
How long is my gift card valid?
Our gift cards are valid for two years from the date of purchase: for example, your gift card purchased on December 5, 2024 will be valid until December 5, 2026.
How do I order my gift card?
You can order your gift card by following this link: you will discover the different offers of Verdon Voyages to offer a gift. Remember that Verdon Secret, LesGorgesduVerdon are the websites of Verdon Voyages. See also in this topic Who are we?
How do I contact my guide?
To contact your guide, you contact us on the chat and we check the availability. We organize the reservation for you and answer all your questions.
How do I pay for my activity with my “Offer the Verdon” gift card?
The voucher or gift card has the value of payment: when booking, you give us your name, the name of the person who offered you the gift and the number on the gift card starting with ECO and then a series of numbers. This number will appear on your gift certificate.
Can I pay for my gift card with a vacation voucher?
Yes, we accept vacation vouchers for all our activities and even for gift cards. We also accept internet vacation vouchers.
If your vacation vouchers expire, you can pay before the expiry date and then you have two years to book your activity.
I would like to exchange my gift card for another activity: Is this possible?
Yes, you can. Just call us and choose a different activity: you may have to pay a little more. However, we do not refund gift vouchers. Find all our activities easily thanks to our search engine.
Can I give my gift card to another person?
The gift card is not nominative and you can give it or buy it without knowing the beneficiary at the time of purchase. You can pass it on or use it for yourself. However, you cannot resell it.
Are there gift vouchers for stays or combinations of activities?
We organize trips in the Gorges du Verdon. The gift card can also be used as a discount voucher for stays. Finally we can edit you a customized gift voucher: call us.
The guide is not available on the desired dates, what can I do?
Contact us because all the activities of our catalog are not on the website: we will find a solution.
Of course you don’t go rafting in February or canoeing in December. The activities depend on the seasons and the weather.
I have booked my activity but the weather is terrible: what can I do?
Even with us it happens that the weather is not good. We will propose you to postpone and if you are at the end of the voucher validity, we will accept to postpone to the next season. The Verdon will always be there and so will we!
Reservation Process for an Activity in the Verdon Gorge
How to book an activity?
The search engine on the home page allows you to select the activity you are interested in and the dates you are considering.
A selection of proposals appears and you can choose the one that suits you.
Each activity has its own booking rules and you will be asked questions according to the activity you have booked.
The description and the pictures give you the essential information.
For example, for the canyoning activity, you will be asked your weight and height in order to prepare your neoprene suit…
If you have any questions at the time of booking, click on our “chat” at the bottom right and we will answer you very quickly and almost always in real time. You can also come and visit us in Moustiers Sainte-Marie during opening hours.
When to book an activity?
Book at least one day before the activity. We do not take reservations for the same day.
For electric boats in July and August, booking several days in advance is often necessary to be sure to have a boat available. If the boxes on the calendar are green, then you can book. If the boxes are red, then there is no more availability. In this case, we can offer you another activity. In this case, don’t call us: by phone or online, the availability is the same.
How to book a trip?
Trips must be booked one month before the departure date in order to guarantee availability. Our trips include meals, accommodation and the supervision of activities by professional guides. Please read the detailed descriptions: you can also ask questions using our tchat.
How to book a private guide?
By booking a private guide, you are sure to have the guide only for your family or your group of friends. No other person will be added to your group.
To choose this option, when booking the activity, select “private group participants”.
– Private group participants………………………………-1+
– Public group participants…………………………..-0+
Please note that it is important to specify the number of people in the group. Replace 1 with the number in question. The price of booking a private guide will be higher than the price of joining a public group. It is important to note that this is a package that does not change with the number of participants.
=> Make sure that the other option “Public group participant” has zero participants.
In case of question or difficulty, click on the “Chat” (bottom right): we answer very quickly.
Can I pay with a vacation voucher?
Payment with CONNECT vacation vouchers
You can pay for your reservation online using your ANCV CONNECT vacation vouchers. To do so, download the dedicated app (more info here : https://www.cheque-vacances-connect.com/collaborateur/).
Contact us on the chat so that we can send you the payment link that will allow you to pay for your reservation with your CONNECT e-wallet.
Minimum purchase amount: €100
Payment with PAPER vacation vouchers in store
We accept PAPER vacation vouchers in our store in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. There is no minimum purchase required for payments made in person.
Payment with PAPER vacation vouchers by mail
You may also send your PAPER vacation vouchers by registered mail to the following address: Verdon Voyages, Le Serre, 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France. In this case, a 30% deposit must be paid online, and the rest sent by registered mail.
Minimum purchase amount for mail payments: €500
ATTENTION: a payment by vacation voucher does not give the right to a refund (according to the ANCV’s CGV). In case of cancellation of your reservation we will issue a credit note valid for 12 months.
Modify my reservation in the Verdon Gorge
- Can I postpone the activity?
A postponement is considered as a cancellation.
However, depending on the activity and the notice period, we will make every effort to reschedule without charge by offering you a satisfactory alternative.
- Can I change the activity if I change my mind?
Again, you can modify your activity up to the maximum cancellation date, i.e. 72 hours before the activity starts. You can contact us directly so that we can make the exchange.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Day activities can be cancelled or postponed according to the booking conditions:
We will refund your purchase, sometimes with a 5 euro deduction.
Full billing will occur in all cases if you do not show up without cancelling (No show).
How to cancel an activity?
Before departure:
Cancellation is possible for any reason up to 72 hours before departure (fee 5 euros per person) depending on your activity. After this period, the activity will be charged. You will find the cancellation period for your activity clearly mentioned on the reservation sticker.
After departure:
The activity is charged in all cases.
Some activities require a confirmation from the provider. In this case, we mention it at the time of the reservation.
You will receive an email to remind you with the phone number or email of the provider.
If the weather conditions are bad, will I be refunded?
In case of bad weather conditions: If the provider decides to cancel the activity for safety reasons, we propose a postponement or refund the activity in full according to your choice. If the activity is maintained, our classic cancellation policy applies: you can cancel up to 24/48/72 hours before departure (fee 5 euros per booking) depending on your activity. After this time, the activity will be charged.
- How to cancel restaurants, hotels or campsites ?
For hotels or campings, you will have to refer directly to the conditions of each provider by clicking on the visible link that directs you to their website.
How can I cancel a museum, cinema, country house?
Cancellations are possible with a 5 euro deduction per person up to 72 hours before the reservation. Postponement and weather cancellations for the free outdoor cinema.
How to book trips and for groups of more than 20 people?
For groups or for trips including your accommodation, we apply special conditions.
These conditions are specified on the quote or on the detailed information sheet of the trip that you sign to book your excursion or trip.
A deposit of 30% is required upon reservation.
I made my reservation by phone, can I cancel by email?
Yes, to cancel, you have to send us an e-mail to info@verdonvoyages.com,
You will have to specify your reservation number and your name and first name.
Can I cancel for a part of the participants ?
The same conditions apply to a partial cancellation.
For example, if 4 people cancel out of a group of 8, only those who cancelled will be held back.
How long does it take to get a refund after a cancellation?
We need an average of 7 days (and 10 days maximum) to process a cancellation and issue a refund. When the cancellation has been processed we will confirm it by email (so 3 to 7 days after your request).
We credit your credit card in most cases. If you have paid by vacation voucher, we cannot send back the vouchers: you have to come back to our store in Moustiers Sainte-Marie else we will make a promo code with 12 months expiration date.
How to Get to the Gorges du Verdon (Car-Free Travel Guide) ?
How do I get to the Gorges du Verdon from Marseille in 2025?
To get here from Marseille Saint-Charles TGV station, first take the ZOU 67 Marseille-Riez bus, then change at Riez for the 450 RIEZ-Castellane bus. These buses run every day except Sunday from May 1 to September 30. In July and August, Sunday routes will be added (not yet published).
How do I get to the Gorges du Verdon without a car?
You arrive at Marseille Saint-Charles station: from there you have several options:
Take the 67 Marseille Riez line, departing at 2:20 pm. Change at Riez for line 450, departing at 4:15 pm. Note that the two buses wait for each other, but as a precaution you should inform the driver of the connection! To book, follow this link to the bus booking site for the South of France (Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur). You’ll arrive in the Gorges du Verdon at 4.30pm (Moustiers Sainte-Marie) or 5.30pm (La Palud sur Verdon or Rougon). The price is €19/person for the Marseille Riez and €2.50/person for Riez-Castellane (whatever your destination – Moustiers Sainte-Marie, La Palud sur Verdon or Castellane).
For the return journey, you have a bus departing at 1:00 pm (La Palud sur Verdon) or 1:50 pm (Moustiers Sainte-Marie) with a change at Riez. You arrive at Marseille Saint-Charles station at 4:00 pm.
Car free vacation in Verdon Gorges
Vacation with out a car is possible thanks to our organized adventure tours. Have a look at the Verdon Adventure Tour.
If you prefer hiking, Verdon Hiking Tour will take you to the best landscapes of the canyon from refuge to confortable mountain huts.
If you arrive by bus, we will organize your transfer to the mountain hut and will help you with the overall organization.
Seasons & Weather in the Gorges du Verdon
FAQ Gorges du Verdon: What is the best time to discover the Verdon ?
The best time to discover the Verdon is mid-May and June. Moreover, in June you can easily find a campsite open and enjoy a good swim in the lakes of the region.
For those who are looking for more entertainment, you can of course go there during July/August. Likewise depending on the weather, September is also a good month to come.
Is it true that some trails or paths (Sentier Martel,...) are closed in winter?
So the trails are not closed in winter, but they are strongly not advised, as there are many rock falls and the sunny and humid areas at the bottom of the gorges are sometimes covered with ice, which makes progress on the Blanc-Martel trail and the Imbut trail dangerous.
What is the harvest period for lavender on the Valensole plateau?
As the plateau is the place where lavandin is grown, which you can observe from the end of June to the beginning of July depending on the year. Then to be differentiated from the lavender which grows in altitude in July-August.
Accessibility & Visitor Information in the Gorges du Verdon
FAQ Gorges du Verdon: Is there accommodation for disabled people available in the Gorges du Verdon?
Yes there are. Some even have the tourism and handicap label. This label is an approach aimed above all at improving the quality of the reception and the accessibility of all types of structures to the greatest number, tourism professionals in the Verdon benefit from this label.
Accommodations
Quinson | gîte d’étape L’escargot 04 92 74 09 73
Gréoux-les-Bains | gîte rural Le petit étang 04 92 74 35 52
Valensole | gîte rural Lou coquelicot 04 92 74 91 43
Valensole | Les grandes aires 04 92 74 92 88
Castellane | Camping La ferme de Castellane 04 92 83 67 77
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie | hotel Les restanques de Moustiers 04 92 74 93 9
Are there any recommended or discouraged paths for families with strollers?
The Verdon is not, strictly speaking, a suitable terrain for hiking with a stroller. Some of the trails in the Gorges are forbidden to children under 10 years old.
Nevertheless the Verdon does not only offer the Gorges as a spectacle. You will be able to discover typical Provencal villages such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Trigance, Rougon, Aiguines, Bargèmes. These places are of course, accessible to strollers as well as other small walks on the tracks of the plateau of Valensole (if you have a stroller).
Are animals allowed in the park?
A Regional Nature Park has no regulatory powers. Thus, the rules in force are the same as elsewhere. Animals are allowed but must be kept on a leash on the hiking trails. In the mountains, we advise people not to bring their animals, watchdog (guard dogs) are there to protect the herds from wolves and other stray dogs.
However, the Imbut trail and the Blanc Martel trail are forbidden to dogs, but for safety reasons (many ladders to cross)
Tours & Activities in the Gorges du Verdon
Are there any tours of the park organized by travel agencies or others?
If you are looking for structures that can host groups or youth camps, check the “Where to Stay?” section. There, you will find a selection of campings and gîtes with large capacities. You can contact them directly for details on group rates and availability.
We also organize custom stays in the Gorges du Verdon, tailored for groups, associations, companies (team building), or youth programs. For example, our group stay in the Verdon includes guided hikes, rafting, canyoning, and accommodations suitable for large groups.
For specific requests, contact us directly through the website chat. Our team can help you create a personalized program based on your budget, group size, and preferred dates.
Are mini-cruises possible on the Verdon?
You can rent boats to sail on the lakes of Esparron or Sainte-Crois. Go to the page “What to do on the water” in the tab What to do?
Group Accommodation in the Gorges du Verdon
FAQ Gorges du Verdon: Is there any accommodation for groups in the Verdon?
Concerning the structures allowing to welcome groups or colonies, we invite you to go to the tab Where to stay? . You will find a selection of campsites and lodges with large capacities. You will have to contact them directly for discounts and capacities for groups.
Can student groups book accommodation in the Verdon?
It is a bit complicated for a group of students to book an accommodation in the Verdon. Besides the campsites will be rather suspicious about this. We advise you to contact the Youth Hostel in La Palud sur Verdon with a capacity of 54 places.
Are there any search possibilities or a job exchange in the Verdon for seasonal workers?
There is an employment forum in the upper Var Verdon area which is usually organized in Aups or Moissac in the spring by the Conseil général du Var.
