This incredibly striking beauty is Verdon Gorge, one of the finest natural attractions in all of France and part of the hilly, or Alpine, portion of the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Beyond the perfect beaches and glamorous seaside towns of the Riviera and the lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards of Provence you will find a landscape that is a little wilder, more rugged, less pastoral but no less stunning. Head north of Nice or East from Avignon and you're going to quickly move from fields to hilly landscapes to the limestone massifs of the Alpine foothills, where rivers flowing down from the peaks of the Alps have carved deep and impressive valleys into the land over millions of years.
Cue the Verdon Gorge, created by the Verdon running from its source near the Italian border south to Castellane and then west to meet with the Durance, near Manosque. Between these two towns of Castellane and Manosque, we find the most exceptionally picturesque creation of the Verdon, a deep canyon that is considered the second largest in the world after America's iconic Grand Canyon and which attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to enjoy various leisure pursuits and to simply enjoy the view. If you have found a vacation rental in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and are a nature-lover enjoying the wonderful scenery of the region, be sure to pull yourself away from the softer, picture-perfect landscapes of lavender fields and beaches and come discover the more dramatic and breath-taking panoramas of this part of France.
Cue the Verdon Gorge, created by the Verdon running from its source near the Italian border south to Castellane and then west to meet with the Durance, near Manosque. Between these two towns of Castellane and Manosque, we find the most exceptionally picturesque creation of the Verdon, a deep canyon that is considered the second largest in the world after America's iconic Grand Canyon and which attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to enjoy various leisure pursuits and to simply enjoy the view. If you have found a vacation rental in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and are a nature-lover enjoying the wonderful scenery of the region, be sure to pull yourself away from the softer, picture-perfect landscapes of lavender fields and beaches and come discover the more dramatic and breath-taking panoramas of this part of France.
Driving and Cycling:
Many who come simply to enjoy the views just decide to drive around the roads that cut around and through the gorge (the circuit is about 90km in total), stopping at different vantage points to admire the panoramas more fully and at their leisure and to take photographs. The canyon and the stunning turquoise river that flows through it can readily be enjoyed along the route D952 from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, on the right bank from the north, and via routes D71, D90 and D955 from Aiguines to Castellane, on the left bank from the south. Along these routes, you can take in views over the Col d'Illoire, the summits of Plein Voir, le Pavillon, la cime de Barbin and le Mourre de Chanier, the Sainte-Croix reservoir, the Jabron River, the Couloir Samson (or, “Samson's Corridor,” which is the entrance to the fluvial landscape known as the gorge), and more. Specific projects have also been undertaken to make the most of the landscapes along these roads and to emphasise the great beauty of this area such as the the Tunnel du Fayet, which has large, window-like openings cut into its side to allow travellers continued access to the astounding scenery as they go about their journey through the tunnel. Other visitors decide to undertake these same roads and views by bike. This allows you to admire the extraordinary scenery of this part of the world and to get some exercise in while you are at it but, if this is the method that you've decided on, just be prepared for some serious pushes required to get up some rather steep sections of the route – it's not for the faint of heart!
Many who come simply to enjoy the views just decide to drive around the roads that cut around and through the gorge (the circuit is about 90km in total), stopping at different vantage points to admire the panoramas more fully and at their leisure and to take photographs. The canyon and the stunning turquoise river that flows through it can readily be enjoyed along the route D952 from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, on the right bank from the north, and via routes D71, D90 and D955 from Aiguines to Castellane, on the left bank from the south. Along these routes, you can take in views over the Col d'Illoire, the summits of Plein Voir, le Pavillon, la cime de Barbin and le Mourre de Chanier, the Sainte-Croix reservoir, the Jabron River, the Couloir Samson (or, “Samson's Corridor,” which is the entrance to the fluvial landscape known as the gorge), and more. Specific projects have also been undertaken to make the most of the landscapes along these roads and to emphasise the great beauty of this area such as the the Tunnel du Fayet, which has large, window-like openings cut into its side to allow travellers continued access to the astounding scenery as they go about their journey through the tunnel. Other visitors decide to undertake these same roads and views by bike. This allows you to admire the extraordinary scenery of this part of the world and to get some exercise in while you are at it but, if this is the method that you've decided on, just be prepared for some serious pushes required to get up some rather steep sections of the route – it's not for the faint of heart!
Hiking and Climbing:
In addition to the road options, there are also various hiking routes to explore in the area that vary from gentle leg-stretches to serious expeditions requiring skill and experience. At a lot of the parking spots dotted around the gorge you will find marked footpaths leading to trails. One of the most popular options for serious hikers is the Sentier de l'Imbut, which starts near the Hotel du Grand Canyon, follows the GR99 hiking trail from the lip of the gorge, down to the bottom, and back up again. It only takes 2½ hours but requires a significant level of fitness. However, as long as you have appropriate footwear it is pretty doable if you are relatively fit, even if you don't have that much experience. If you're looking for a route that is longer, more leisurely, and less intensive, the GR 99 from Aiguines to the Sentier de l'Imbut or the GR49 from Trigance to Rougon are both nice. However, the best view over the canyon can be found if you head along the GR49 from the car park at Trigance for five km and head left for the Balcon de Rancoumas, from which you can get a stunning panoramic vista over the scenery below. If you're looking for slightly more adventure, then it is worth noting that the same peaks that make for excellent hiking in the area also attract many rock climbers. In fact, Verdon Gorge is considered an outstanding destination for multi-pitch climbing and boasts a staggering 1,500 climbing routes to choose from that encompass cracks, pillars and seemingly endless walls. These range in distance from varies from 20 metres to over 400 metres and the climbing is generally of a technical nature. The most serious of thrill-seekers visiting the area might also be interested in trying out bungee jumping, which is available from Artuby bridge in the Var département.
In addition to the road options, there are also various hiking routes to explore in the area that vary from gentle leg-stretches to serious expeditions requiring skill and experience. At a lot of the parking spots dotted around the gorge you will find marked footpaths leading to trails. One of the most popular options for serious hikers is the Sentier de l'Imbut, which starts near the Hotel du Grand Canyon, follows the GR99 hiking trail from the lip of the gorge, down to the bottom, and back up again. It only takes 2½ hours but requires a significant level of fitness. However, as long as you have appropriate footwear it is pretty doable if you are relatively fit, even if you don't have that much experience. If you're looking for a route that is longer, more leisurely, and less intensive, the GR 99 from Aiguines to the Sentier de l'Imbut or the GR49 from Trigance to Rougon are both nice. However, the best view over the canyon can be found if you head along the GR49 from the car park at Trigance for five km and head left for the Balcon de Rancoumas, from which you can get a stunning panoramic vista over the scenery below. If you're looking for slightly more adventure, then it is worth noting that the same peaks that make for excellent hiking in the area also attract many rock climbers. In fact, Verdon Gorge is considered an outstanding destination for multi-pitch climbing and boasts a staggering 1,500 climbing routes to choose from that encompass cracks, pillars and seemingly endless walls. These range in distance from varies from 20 metres to over 400 metres and the climbing is generally of a technical nature. The most serious of thrill-seekers visiting the area might also be interested in trying out bungee jumping, which is available from Artuby bridge in the Var département.
Bird-watching and Water sports:
Animal-lovers and bird-watchers, in particular, also come to explore some of the hiking trails but with sighting some of the local fauna more at the forefront of their minds. Vultures were reintroduced into the Verdon Gorge in 1999 and now griffon vultures, black vultures, eagles, and other large birds of prey can all be spotted soaring majestically over the stunning landscapes of this part of France. And, of course, if you turn your eyes away from the skies overhead and head back down to the base of the gorge and to its waters, you will discover that there are also various aquatic leisure pursuits to be enjoyed, from canoeing to kayaking to hiring pedal boats. Kayaks and various other kinds of boats and different kinds of crafts can be hired at the boat-hire outlets near the bridge on the D957, at the top end of the Lac de Sainte Croix. For rafting, you need to head up the valley to the town of Castellane, where a few companies provide rafting trips along the river during the months of July and August. Those interested in a more peaceful aquatic sport will be pleased to note that Verdon Gorge is also an excellent and favoured spot for fishermen and especially popular for fly fishing.
No matter what kind of holiday you are interested in having, whether you want to be lazy or stay active, do lots of activities or just enjoy your surroundings, if you have found a vacation rental in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and are spending time in this stunning part of France, then you should definitely make a point to come and explore the Verdon Gorge. Enjoy the refreshing and breath-takingly beautiful scenery that is everywhere that you turn, take some wonderful commemorative photos of the views and with loved ones against this stunning backdrop, and choose the kind of activity that best suits you, whether that means going boating or rafting, hiking or climbing, cycling or driving around, bird-watching or fishing: it's all possible with a vacation rental in France and a visit to the exceptional natural gem that is Verdon Gorge!
Animal-lovers and bird-watchers, in particular, also come to explore some of the hiking trails but with sighting some of the local fauna more at the forefront of their minds. Vultures were reintroduced into the Verdon Gorge in 1999 and now griffon vultures, black vultures, eagles, and other large birds of prey can all be spotted soaring majestically over the stunning landscapes of this part of France. And, of course, if you turn your eyes away from the skies overhead and head back down to the base of the gorge and to its waters, you will discover that there are also various aquatic leisure pursuits to be enjoyed, from canoeing to kayaking to hiring pedal boats. Kayaks and various other kinds of boats and different kinds of crafts can be hired at the boat-hire outlets near the bridge on the D957, at the top end of the Lac de Sainte Croix. For rafting, you need to head up the valley to the town of Castellane, where a few companies provide rafting trips along the river during the months of July and August. Those interested in a more peaceful aquatic sport will be pleased to note that Verdon Gorge is also an excellent and favoured spot for fishermen and especially popular for fly fishing.
No matter what kind of holiday you are interested in having, whether you want to be lazy or stay active, do lots of activities or just enjoy your surroundings, if you have found a vacation rental in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and are spending time in this stunning part of France, then you should definitely make a point to come and explore the Verdon Gorge. Enjoy the refreshing and breath-takingly beautiful scenery that is everywhere that you turn, take some wonderful commemorative photos of the views and with loved ones against this stunning backdrop, and choose the kind of activity that best suits you, whether that means going boating or rafting, hiking or climbing, cycling or driving around, bird-watching or fishing: it's all possible with a vacation rental in France and a visit to the exceptional natural gem that is Verdon Gorge!