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Verdon Gorge: Explore Europe's Grand Canyon on Foot

Benh LIEU SONG, Verdon Trescaire, CC BY 2.5
Photo: Benh LIEU SONG, Verdon Trescaire, CC BY 2.5
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Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Thorsten. I'm a software engineer living in Germany and I love to travel. So I created a site for anyone starting to plan a trip.
What this site is about

✔ Are you planning a self-organized trip to Verdon Gorge? Then you've come to the right place. Here you will find information to help you plan your perfect stay in Verdon Gorge.

✔ The most important start information for a trip to South France, can be found on the overview page.

✔ And when it comes to the actual planning, you will find the perfect planner for your trip to South France here.
Attraction
Park / Garden

Culture and history, explore and discover

Verdon Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder that combines stunning landscapes with a rich tapestry of history and culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, experiencing everything from ancient traditions to modern artistic expressions. The area is known for its picturesque villages, each offering a glimpse into the local way of life and the historical influences that have shaped the region over centuries.

All sights sorted by distance from center
1. Rougon Village: ⭐ ⭐ Nestled on the edge of the Verdon Gorge, this picturesque village provides stunning views of the canyon and serves as a gateway to numerous hiking trails and outdoor adventures. Distance in km: 4.62
2. Gorges du Verdon Regional Natural Park: ⭐ This expansive natural park encompasses the Verdon Gorge and its surrounding landscapes, offering diverse flora and fauna, scenic viewpoints, and numerous outdoor activities. Distance in km: 9.58
3. Lake Sainte-Croix: ⭐ The serene turquoise waters of this man-made lake provide a perfect setting for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Distance in km: 15.24
4. Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir: ⭐ ⭐ This historic chapel perched on a hilltop offers panoramic views of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the Verdon Gorge, along with a sense of tranquility and spiritual significance. Distance in km: 15.74
5. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: ⭐ ⭐ This charming old town nestled in the foothills of the Verdon Gorge is famous for its picturesque streets, traditional pottery, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Distance in km: 15.75
6. Valensole Plateau: Best known for its vast fields of lavender, the Valensole Plateau is a sight to behold in summer, offering iconic Provencal scenery. Distance in km: 32.88
7. Grasse: The world's perfume capital, offering tours of perfume factories, the International Perfume Museum, and fields of fragrant flowers. Distance in km: 45.15

Parks, Gardens & Green Areas in the city, relax and enjoy

Verdon Gorge is a stunning natural wonder known for its breathtaking landscapes and serene environment. Visitors can expect to find a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and kayaking to simply enjoying the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. The area is characterized by its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, offering a perfect escape for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.

1. Gorges du Verdon: The Gorges du Verdon is a stunning river canyon that offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe', the Gorges du Verdon is a spectacular river canyon in southeastern France. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing, or simply take in the breathtaking views from various lookout points. The turquoise waters of the Verdon River provide a picturesque backdrop for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Type: green_area | Fee: free
2. Lac de Sainte-Croix: A beautiful artificial lake offering various water activities and scenic views.

Lac de Sainte-Croix is a large artificial lake created by the damming of the Verdon River. It offers a peaceful environment for swimming, sailing, and kayaking. The lake is surrounded by picturesque villages and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's a perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing day by the water.

Type: green_area | Fee: free
3. Sentier Blanc-Martel: A famous hiking trail offering spectacular views of the Verdon Gorge.

The Sentier Blanc-Martel is a renowned hiking trail that stretches approximately 15 kilometers through the Verdon Gorge. It offers hikers the opportunity to experience the dramatic cliffs and stunning vistas of the canyon. The trail is moderately challenging and takes about 6-7 hours to complete. Hikers should be prepared with proper footwear and supplies for a day-long trek.

Type: green_area | Fee: free
4. Jardins de Salagon: A botanical garden showcasing the flora of Provence.

Located near the village of Mane, the Jardins de Salagon are part of the Salagon Museum and Gardens. These botanical gardens are dedicated to the preservation and display of the traditional plants of Provence. Visitors can explore themed gardens that highlight medicinal, aromatic, and culinary plants, as well as a medieval garden. The gardens offer a peaceful environment for relaxation and learning about the region's natural heritage.

Type: garden | Fee: 8 EUR
5. Plateau de Valensole: A vast plateau known for its stunning lavender fields.

The Plateau de Valensole is famous for its endless fields of lavender, which bloom spectacularly from late June to early August. This area is a photographer's dream, offering vibrant purple landscapes and the sweet scent of lavender in the air. Visitors can also explore the charming village of Valensole and purchase local lavender products.

Type: green_area | Fee: free

Tourist Information Offices

Here you can find the main tourist information offices where you can get maps, brochures, and assistance with planning your visit.

1. Tourist Office of Aiguines

Tourist information center

Address: 1 Place de la Mairie, 83630 Aiguines, France
2. Verdon Tourisme - Accueil touristique de La Palud-sur-Verdon

Tourist information center

Address: Le Château, 04120 La Palud-sur-Verdon, France
3. Tourist Office of Salles sur Verdon

Tourist information center

Address: Place Font Freye, 83630 Les Salles-sur-Verdon, France
4. Office du Tourisme de Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Tourist information center

Address: Maison Lucie, 6 Place de l'Eglise, 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France
5. Bureau d'information touristique de Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon

Tourist information center

Address: Le Village, 04500 Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, France
6. Lacs et Gorges du Verdon Tourisme

Tourist information center

Address: 242 Av. Albert 1er, 83630 Aups, France
7. Point d'Information Touristique de Trigance

Tourist information center

Address: 1480 Rte de la Cornuelle, 83840 Trigance, France
8. Tourist Information Center

Tourist information center

Address: 2 Bd Saint-Michel, 04120 Castellane, France
9. Verdon Tourism - Tourist Home De Colmars-Les-Alpes

Tourist information center

Address: Ancienne Auberge Fleurie, 04370 Colmars, France
10. Office de tourisme de Bauduen

Tourist information center

Address: 60 Rue Grande, 83630 Bauduen, France
11. Verdon Tourisme - Accueil touristique d'Annot

Tourist information center

Address: 40 Pl. du Germe, 04240 Annot, France
12. Office de Tourisme de Régusse

Tourist information center

Address: 46 bis Cr Alexandre Gariel, 83630 Régusse, France

What's the best way to get around as a tourist in Verdon Gorge?

Verdon Gorge offers a variety of mobility options for visitors looking to explore its stunning natural landscapes. Walking is a popular choice, allowing for an immersive experience in the heart of the gorge. While public transportation is limited, the area is accessible by car, and cycling provides an eco-friendly way to navigate the scenic routes.

In the Verdon Gorge area, walking trails are well-marked, with options ranging from short hikes to longer treks, such as the Blanc-Martel trail. Local buses connect nearby towns like Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, though they may not run frequently. Ride-sharing services are not widely available, so planning ahead is essential. For cyclists, bike rentals can be found in nearby towns, offering both standard and electric bikes to tackle the hilly terrain. Practical tips include checking the bus schedules in advance, wearing appropriate hiking gear, and ensuring you have a map or GPS device for longer hikes.