By road, you reach the top of the highest cliffs with breathtaking, exceptional views. Two routes are available, one on the left bank, the other on the right. Both give access to a number of must-see spots: Point Sublime, Route des Crêtes, Corniche Sublime, Balcons de la Mescla… It takes around 1h30 to cover the gorges from east to west.
If you want to venture deep into Europe’s largest canyon, you’ll need your hiking boots to discover the many trails that line the gorges, often right next to the river. Sentier Blanc-Martel, sentier de l’Imbut and many others will enable all hiking enthusiasts to enter the intimacy of this exceptional site.
It’s possible to conquer the canyon with your little adventurers. A number of discovery trails, starting from Point Sublime, require less than 2 hours’ walking and are not very steep.
The vulture is emblematic of the destination. Of the 4 species present in France, 3 nest in the Gorges du Verdon.
Every year, over a million people from all over the world visit the Gorges du Verdon. This reputation contrasts strikingly with the wilderness of the area and the slow pace of pastoral life.
If you’re expecting to enter an urbanized territory, you’ll be all the more surprised by the presence of small villages that seem to protect the intimacy of their panoramas.
Located in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, the canyon is home to a rare wealth of flora and fauna. To guarantee its long-term protection and management, the vigilance of visitors is essential. We’re counting on you to help us preserve this exceptional natural environment, soon to be awarded the Grand Site de France label!
A limestone plateau carved out over thousands of years by the Verdon river, the Gorges du Verdon form a mineral border between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var departments.
It wasn’t until 1905, with Isidore Blanc and Édouard-Alfred Martel’s highly publicized descent of the Verdon, that the whole of France discovered this mythical place.
In the 1930s, the Blanc-Martel and Imbut trails and the Route des Crêtes opened up the site to tourism. Between 1948 and 1975, the construction of five dams on the Verdon (Castillon, Chaudanne, Sainte-Croix, Quinson, Esparron), creating 5 artificial lakes with the same names, marked a new boom in tourism.
in the spotlight
Contemplating the landscape, the flight of vultures and climbers, breathing and taking time to refocus.
Raw and invigorating, a place of varied contrasts created by Mother Nature.
A place dedicated to extreme sports, climbing, high line, hydrospeed, but also to gentle activities: discovery hikes, electric-assist bicycles, aqua hiking…
Access
Access to the Gorges du Verdon is never closed and is free of charge.
Depending on weather conditions (snow, wind, etc.), certain roads or activities may be restricted; please check with the local tourist offices.
Parking
Parking at Point Sublime and in the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon.
To reduce your environmental footprint, we encourage you to use alternative modes of transportation instead of a car when traveling in the Gorges du Verdon.
Regulations
Swimming in the river is prohibited because it is dangerous. You are responsible for your own safety. Opt for whitewater activities led by certified guides.
Wild camping is strictly prohibited in the canyon and around Lake Sainte-Croix.
Located at the gateway to the majestic Gorges du Verdon, the charming villages of La Palud-sur-Verdon, Rougon, Castellane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Aiguines, and Trigance are must-see stops to enrich your stay in Provence. These regional gems offer everything you could possibly need for a complete and unforgettable experience.
Don’t wait any longer—make these villages your next destinations and enjoy a multifaceted getaway just a stone’s throw from the Gorges du Verdon:
All the landscapes of this “French Grand Canyon” vary in character and splendor.
However, if one were to highlight a particularly spectacular stretch, three places often come up: the Couloir Samson, the Route des Crêtes, and Lake Sainte-Croix.
This narrow passage marks the beginning of the gorges. It offers breathtaking views and a dramatic atmosphere, heightened by the vertiginous cliffs that flank the Verdon River. Accessible via the Blanc-Martel Trail, this section is often the starting point for hikes and kayaking or canoeing excursions.
The lookout points along the Route des Crêtes offer 360-degree panoramic views, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
For water activities in an idyllic setting, Lake Sainte-Croix is an exceptional destination where you can enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for raw excitement, tranquility, athletic challenges, or a contemplative getaway, the Gorges du Verdon have something for everyone.
Three sites come up most often: the Point Sublime and the Couloir Samson, which mark the entrance to the gorges; the Route des Crêtes and its observation decks perched high above the abyss; and the panoramic views of Lake Sainte-Croix. Each section offers a different atmosphere, from dizzying cliffs to turquoise waters.
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There are four ways to explore the canyon: by car along the Route des Crêtes and the Corniche Sublime, which pass by a series of lookout points; on foot along the Blanc-Martel or Imbut trails; on the water by canoe, kayak, or guided rafting; and from the air by paragliding. Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive through the gorges from east to west.
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The main parking lots are located at Point Sublime and in the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon, the departure point for the Blanc-Martel Trail shuttle. Access to the gorges is open to the public and free of charge. During peak season, it’s best to set out early in the morning and use the shuttles to help reduce traffic.
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Other questions
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Swimming in the river inside the canyon is prohibited because it is dangerous (strong currents, cold water, water releases). To enjoy the water safely, opt for activities led by certified professionals, or supervised swimming at Lake Sainte-Croix and Lake Castillon.
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In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, La Palud-sur-Verdon and Rougon are the villages closest to the heart of the canyon and its trails. They offer lodging, dining, and direct access to scenic overlooks, all within the unspoiled setting of the Verdon Regional Nature Park.
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