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Sports and Recreational Activities to Do in the Verdon

The Verdon region is one of the most diverse in the Southern Alps when it comes to outdoor sports and recreation. Hiking in the Gorges du Verdon, trail running in the Haut-Verdon, mountain biking, rock climbing on the cliffs of La Palud-sur-Verdon, rafting and canyoning on the Verdon River, paragliding over Lake Castillon, swimming in Lake Sainte-Croix, and fly fishing.
Each season offers a variety of sports and recreational activities for all interests and skill levels across the 39 municipalities of the Alpes Provence Verdon region.

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Hiking

From the Blanc-Martel trail to Lake Allos, more than 1,500 km of waymarked trails criss-cross the area. Day hikes, multi-day treks on the GR®4 and GR®406, family loops: the Verdon has routes for every level. Cards - Trail dans le Verdon

Trail running

The Teillon ridges, Haut-Verdon trails, loops around the Gorge: the Verdon is an ideal playground for trail running. Find waymarked routes, trail-running events and advice from local professionals. Cards - Trail dans le Verdon

Mountain biking

Enduro in the Gorge, cross-country in the Haut-Verdon, downhill tracks and Grande Traversée routes: the area has an extensive FFC mountain-bike network. Mountain bike and e-bike rentals and qualified guides await you in the Verdon. Cards - Baignade et nautisme dans le Verdon

Cycling and cycle touring

The Gorge road, the Route Napoléon, the Route des Crêtes, the tour of Lake Castillon... The Verdon offers some of the finest cycling routes in the Southern Alps, for road and gravel bikes alike. Cards - Parapente dans le Verdon

Paragliding

Take-offs from the Chalvet above Lake Castillon: the Verdon is a renowned paragliding spot, with ideal thermals and panoramic flights over the gorges. Tandem first flights and courses available all season. Cards - Escalade dans le Verdon

Climbing

The Verdon Gorge is one of Europe’s largest climbing sites, with more than 1,500 bolted routes on spectacular limestone cliffs. Annot and its sandstones also offer superb bouldering for climbers of all levels. Cards - Via Ferrata dans le Verdon

Via ferrata, via cordata and via souterrata

The Point Sublime via ferrata, the Rocher de Neuf Heures in Castellane, the Entrevaux souterrata: the area offers several dizzying routes to experience the Verdon landscapes differently, with the family or for thrill-seekers. Cards - Accrobranche dans le Verdon

Tree-top adventure

Tree-top adventure courses, giant zip lines over the Verdon, rope games and children’s courses: find all the area’s tree-top and adventure parks for a day of fun in the great outdoors. Cards - Activité d'eau vives dans le Verdon

White water

Rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed, kayaking: the upper Verdon Gorge is the white-water hotspot of the Southern Alps. Local providers run guided outings from May to September for all levels. Cards - Baignade et nautisme dans le Verdon

Swimming and water sports

Pedal boats and paddleboards on Lake Sainte-Croix, supervised swimming on the beaches of Lake Castillon, sailing and catamarans: the Verdon’s two large lakes are the favourite summer playgrounds of water-sports lovers. Cards - Pêche dans le Verdon

Fishing

Brown trout in the Verdon, pike and zander in lakes Sainte-Croix and Castillon: the area offers a wide variety of river and lake fishing spots. Fishing permits, professional guides and catch-and-release stretches available. Cards - Accrobranche dans le Verdon

Other leisure activities

Horse riding, archery, golf, mini golf, bowling, unusual swimming spots. Discover our selection of fun and leisure activities in the Verdon to round off your stay and delight young and old alike.

The Verdon: A Playground for the Whole Family and All Sports Enthusiasts

The Verdon region, spanning 39 municipalities, offers a rare variety of outdoor activities. The Gorges du Verdon—Europe’s largest canyon—attract thousands of climbers, kayakers, and hikers every year who come to test their skills on its limestone cliffs and in its turquoise waters. Lake Castillon offers an ideal setting for swimming, sailing, and water sports.

In the fall and spring, the oak, larch, and chestnut forests of the Haut-Verdon offer hiking trails and mountain bike routes for all skill levels. In winter, the peaks rising to over 2,000 meters are home to the Colle-Saint-Michel and Ratery 1700 Nordic ski areas, perfect for skiing and snowshoeing.

With professional instruction, high-quality trail markings, and equipment rentals, the Verdon offers a solid professional infrastructure to support all participants, from beginners to experts.