Gorges du Verdon, france
Attractions Guide
Introduction
The Gorges Du Verdon area is an extremely scenic river gorge in Southern France, which is sometimes even referred to as France's Grand Canyon. The vibrant light blue waters of the Verdon River flow through this deep canyon gorge, until reaching the majestic Lake of Sainte-Croix.
Route of the Crests & Point Sublime
The streets along both sides of the canyon offer many viewpoints overlooking the picturesque canyon, with the most notable being Point Sublime. Reaching this viewpoint requires a short walk of about 0.5 mile (0.8 km) round-trip.
From Point Sublime you can continue along the northern side of the canyon along the Road D23 Route of the Crests (or Route des Cretes), an extremely scenic and windy drive along the edge of the canyon, which features many amazing viewpoints.
Sentier Blanc Martel Trail & Hiking Options
About halfway along the Route of the Crests (Route des Cretes) Road D23 is the Gorges du Verdon's most popular hiking trail, the Sentier Blanc Martel Trail. This hike usually begins near the Chalet de la Maline lodge (or the Starting Point Du Sentier Blanc-Martel on Google Maps) and ends at Point Sublime.
This trail is approximately 7.7 miles (12.4 km) one way and ventures through a gorgeous part of the canyon. In July and August, a shuttle service runs between Point Sublime (Rougon Point Sublime Bus Station) and the Chalet de la Maline so that you don't need to hike all the way back to your starting point. The bus also runs on weekends from mid-April through mid-September.
Be sure to bring a flashlight for when you pass under the dark Tunnel de Baou near the end of the route. Note that it's also possible to do this hike in reverse starting from Point Sublime if you like.
Near the beginning of the hike you can add on a short 0.7 mile (1.1 km) round-trip detour to see the Passerelle de l'Estellier bridge, an impressive bridge which spans over the river at the bottom of the gorge. Alternatively for a shorter hiking option, you can start from the Chalet de la Maline and hike down to the bridge, before turning around and ascending back to the chalet. This option is approximately 2.7 miles (4.3 km) round-trip.
Lake of Sainte-Croix & Kayaking the Canyon
Along the road on the northern side of the canyon are many smaller viewpoints you might like to stop at as you make your way down towards Lake Sainte-Croix. Just before reaching the end of the river along the canyon is the stunning Gorges Du Verdon Viewpoint overlooking a deep section of the canyon where the Verdon River becomes the lake. Spanning this section of the river is the Pont du Galetas bridge.
Adjacent to both side of the Pont du Galetas bridge are beaches, from which you can rent a kayak or paddle boat to explore the the canyon. This is the most popular activity at Gorges du Verdon, and is an excellent way to see one of the most scenic parts of this picturesque canyon gorge and its vivid blue waters.
Southside Canyon Viewpoints (Corniche Sublime)
You might like to also take a scenic drive along the southern side of the Gorges du Verdon canyon, which is known as the Corniche Sublime Route and features many more great viewpoints. Not far up Road D71 from the lake is the View Point > Verdon Gorge located near Cirque de Vaumale, which offers an amazing view over the vibrant light blue river flowing through the canyon.
Much further up Road D71 is the Le Relais des Balcons de la Mescla, a restaurant hosting fantastic views high above the canyon. The restaurant overlooks a massive and deep river bend in the canyon.
Moustiers, France
Be sure to visit the picturesque village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie, which is located just north of the Pont du Galetas bridge and the lake. This rustic hillside village is surrounded by fantastic scenery and is a very popular tourist attraction. Be sure to admire the town's pretty Notre Dame de l'Assomption church as well.
You can hike up into the rocky hills above Moustiers to the beautiful 14th century Notre Dame de Beauvoir church. Along the hike up you can enjoy magnificent views overlooking the village. You can also spot this church from town set amongst the cliffs which tower above the village.
Valensole, France Lavender Fields
To the west of Moustiers is another charming rustic village, Valensole. This village is famous for the vast lavender fields which surround the town. Just be aware that these vibrant lavender fields only bloom between mid-June and mid-July each summer.
Google Maps Attraction Lists
Save Gorges du Verdon Attraction Lists to your Google Maps Account:
1. Click Link above while logged into Google account on your device.2. Click Follow, and the attraction pins will be saved in your Google Maps.
