Gorges du Verdon France the biggest canyon in Europe
The Gorges of Verdon
The Gorges of Verdon, also known as the Grand Canyon of Europe, is a breathtaking natural wonder that stretches over 100 km and lined with vertical cliffs: they are the most impressive of Europe. The deep turquoise waters of the Verdon River wind through towering cliffs, creating a dramatic landscape that attracts hikers, rock climbers, kayakers, and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. The canyon is also home to a rich flora and fauna, including eagles, vultures, and rare orchids.
To explore the Gorges of Verdon, visitors can drive along the scenic Route des Crêtes, which offers stunning panoramic views of the canyon from several lookout points. Hiking trails also abound, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks that take you deep into the heart of the canyon. Kayaking, rafting, and swimming in translucent pools of water rhyme with the sun, gastronomy will make your vacations unforgettable. You can find all the tips and tricks on our website Les Gorges du Verdon in order to live La dolce vita provençale.
The South of France is a land of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and exquisite gastronomy. From the charming villages perched on hilltops to the sun-kissed beaches of the Mediterranean coast, the region is a traveler’s paradise. One of the most spectacular destinations in the South of France is the Gorges of Verdon, a deep canyon carved by the Verdon River through the limestone plateau of the Verdon Natural Regional Park.
Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, the Gorges of Verdon offer a unique and thrilling experience for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Here are some of the best places to visit in the South of France, with a special focus on the Gorges of Verdon.
Aix-en-Provence
Known as the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” Aix-en-Provence is a charming town with a rich history and cultural heritage. The town, known for being the official most beautiful city of France, is also called « The Little Paris of the South ». Unlike Paris, Aix has succeeded to conquer all types of tourism without being overcrowded. The town’s elegant boulevards and charming squares are lined with elegant mansions, art galleries, and museums.
One of the must-see attractions in Aix-en-Provence is the Cours Mirabeau, a wide avenue lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The avenue is shaded by rows of plane trees and is a popular spot for a leisurely stroll or a cup of coffee. Another highlight is the Atelier Cézanne, the former studio of the famous Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne, which offers a glimpse into the artist’s life and works.Thanks to its very rich artistic heritage, several Historical sites, pastel colored facades, its 250 fountains and its hundreds of cafés, the city has succeeded to embody the typical town of the South of France.
The Hilltop villages of Provence
Moustiers Sainte-Marie
If you want a complete immersion in Provence, you must visit the village known as The Provencal crib: Moustiers Sainte-Marie. This typical village, nestled between two rocks and overlooked by the famous star has everything of a postcard image! A visit to Provence without visiting Moustiers Sainte-Marie would be a bit like a champagne without bubbles. That village is so rich that we dedicated a whole article to it, that you can read in order to discover more in detail this magnificent village.
Gréoux les Bains
The Oasis of Verdon: so was called Gréoux Les Bains, the gateway to the Verdon Gorges, by the Provencal poet Jean Giono. Famous for its Provencal market and its Roman thermal baths, this is the place to go to learn more about the region, especially when you know that the village has the one and only cinema that diffuses a movie called Verdon Secret, to discover the beauty of the region in less than an hour on a giant screen.
An hour away from Aix en Provence, Gréoux with its 25 hotels is also an excellent base camp for the visit of the Gorges du Verdon.
Tourtour
If you’re visiting the French Riviera, don’t hesitate to take a day away from the crowds to immerse yourself in the hinterland of the Var. The village of Tourtour is home to many artists and a few gourmet restaurants. To learn more, read the article we dedicated to the village of Tourtour.
Avignon & Arles
Arles is one of the inevitable city of the South of France. Thanks to its incredible cultural history and its beautiful landscapes, it is the perfect place to wander around. You see, when you’re reading a book and a typical small town of France is depicted ? That small town is Arles. Wander around in Arles is like wander around in a book that has come to life. That town is such an inspiration for art that even Vincent Van Gogh took inspiration from the city for a lot of his famous paintings.
Another city that is quite similar to Arles is Avignon. Indeed, Avignon also has a rich cultural history, beautiful landscapes and was an inspiration for Van Gogh paintings. The town is full of several landmarks, like The Café du Forum, painted by the artist. The old town, still protected by its well-preserved ramparts, is the perfect place to chill at a café and enjoy the view.
Montpellier & Nîmes
Montpellier and Nîmes also are two beautiful but underrated cities of the South of France.
Though Montpellier is the third largest city of the Mediterranean Coast of France — right after Nice and Marseille — it remains one of the most overlooked cities of the South of France by travelers. That perfect combination of old and new is just as amazing as the other big cities, but this one is way less crowded. Indeed, not only has Montpellier an important cultural history but also beautiful scares and beaches. Contrary to the beaches you can find in Nice or Marseille, those ones are bigger and less crowded. Montpellier is also an international student city, full of young people. If you’re young, want to visit a town in the South of France with friends and meet new people, Montpellier is one of the best places to visit in the South of France.
There is also a city, half an hour away from Montpellier that you must visit: Nîmes. The town is full of historic Roman Monuments. The most famous one is The Arènes de Nîmes, an exceptional Roman amphitheater, still very well-preserved. A lot of shows and concerts take place in it. In May, just before summer, you can go to the Féria and every evening for 5 days, enjoy evenings full of music in the Old Town, from the Arènes de Nîmes to the Maison Carrée. And since it’s in the Old Town, there are several Street bars next to it (especially on the Victor Hugo boulevard) you can enjoy.
Verdon Gorges : stunning canyon and lake area in the Provence
Straddling the departments of Alpes de Haute Provence (04) and Var (83), the Gorges du Verdon is a canyon carved out by the Verdon river over thousands of years. The canyon lies between the communes of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Tout d’abord, une route permet de parcourir les gorges et de découvrir des paysages inoubliables et majestueux. On ne peut que vous conseiller de prendre votre temps et découvrir des villages comme Rougon ou La Palud-sur-Verdon. Le premier sera un régal de balades en tout genre et de panoramas incroyables, tandis que le deuxième sera une pause méritée dans cet endroit rappelant les vallées des basses alpes.
Que faire dans les Gorges du Verdon ?
En dehors des villages, vous prendrez également plaisir à découvrir le Point Sublime, qui offre une vue sensationnelle à ces visiteurs. Mais aussi d’autres moins connus comme le Couloir de Samson, point de départ et d’arrivée du sentier Martel. Enfin, pour ceux qui aimeraient découvrir la route des gorges sous un autre angle, vous pourrez louer un pédalo à l’embouchure du Verdon et du lac de Sainte-Croix. Ainsi, vous pourrez passer sous le pont du galetas et remonter de quelques centaines de mètres les Gorges du Verdon sur l’eau.
Vous trouverez également des tas d’autres activités à faire dans ce cadre idyllique: de la baignade farniente, à la randonnée, aux descentes en rafting et même de l’escalade ou du parapente pour les plus téméraires.
En bref, c’est un lieu ou tout est possible, et qui peut correspondre aux envies des plus petits comme des plus grands. Mais toujours avec, en toile de fond, un paysage inoubliable.
Séjour aventure dans les Gorges du Verdon
Si vous rêvez d’un séjour hors du temps, partez à la découverte de somptueux paysages avec nos séjours aventure. Randonnée avec le trek Bivouac & canyon (le plus sportif) ou rando et gastronomie avec le trek “découverte de Gorges du Verdon par les plus beaux sentiers”.
Si vous êtes plutôt aquatique, alors la descente aquatique du Verdon pendant 5 jours vous comblera. Enfin, vous venez sans voiture et voulez voir les plus beaux sites pendant 7 jours, choisissez notre séjour sans voiture.
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La période conseillée pour visiter le canyon est entre Mai et Septembre lors des beaux jours. Durant la période de Juillet-Aout les Gorges sont fréquentées par les vacanciers.
