Holiday in Gorges du Verdon

About Gorges du Verdon

The Gorges du Verdon in Provence are the largest canyon in Europe, with depths of up to 700 meters, and are often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of France.' Over millions of years, the emerald-green Verdon River has carved this spectacular gorge into the white limestone cliffs of Haute-Provence — the result is a natural landscape of breathtaking beauty. Two panoramic roads open up the gorge: the Route des Crêtes on the northern shore and the Corniche Sublime on the southern shore offer spectacular viewpoints, from which the view plunges hundreds of meters down to the turquoise ribbon of the river. The Point Sublime and the Balcons de la Mescla are among the most impressive viewpoints, while the Col d’Illoire offers a panorama over the entire gorge opening. The Lac de Sainte-Croix at the western end of the gorge invites swimming, kayaking, and pedal boating — entering the narrow gorge by canoe is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Provence. The Sentier Martel, a legendary hiking trail at the bottom of the gorge, stretches over 15 kilometers through tunnels, over ladders, and along the riverbank. Climbers will find over 1,500 routes of all difficulty levels on the vertical walls. The best time to visit is from May to October, with the high season in July and August being quite crowded.