Explore the Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon, carved out by water for thousands of years, are now Europe’s largest canyon. Our
Rising above the lake at Saint-André les Alpes, the Verdon then flows towards Castellane, which it crosses, then heads towards Esparron-de-Verdon, and thus passes through the 5 Verdon lakes: Castillon, Ste Croix, St Laurent, Quinson and Esparron-de-Verdon.
These lakes are off-limits to motorboats, except Lac de Castillon where the army has a base. This is the first of the lakes (but the last to appear). Next, the Verdon crosses the Hautes Gorges du Verdon, where the Grand Canyon is located.
This part lies between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and offers breathtaking panoramas, wonderful canyoning spots and (fairly experienced) hiking trails . This is where you’ll find the mythical Sentier Blanc-Martel, named after Edouard-Alfred Martel and Isodore Blanc, explorers who were the first to explore all the Gorges du Verdon.
Grand Canyon
Visit the Gorges du Verdon from the campsite
The Hautes Gorges emerge into Lac de Ste-Croix, the largest of the Verdon lakes and the most densely populated. Then there’s the small but beautiful and wild Gorges de Baudinard, followed by Lac de St-Laurent and Lac de Quinson.
Finally, there’s the Esparron-de-Verdon Gorges, the magnificent and unspoilt Basses Gorges du Verdon between Quinson and Esparron. There are no rapids here, the Gorges are gentle, and you can paddle them in a canoe or other craft without risk. At the end of the Gorges is Lac d’Esparron, where we are located.
Lac d’Esparron is on the outskirts of the village, stretching from the Gorges to the dam, covering some 328 hectares. The village features a harbor with boat rentals, 3 restaurants, a grocery store, a bakery and a tobacco, hardware and souvenir store.
The campsite is located opposite the dam, and boasts two reserved naturist coves.
Lower
Verdon Gorge
Must-see sites in the Gorges du Verdon
For tours of the Basses Gorges du Verdon, we invite you to visit the lake and Gorges d’Esparron-de-Verdon on foot or by boat. You can also
For visits to Europe’s largest canyon, we absolutely recommend the village of Moustiers-ste-Marie, at the gateway to the Gorges du Verdon. Then take the Gorges road to Castellane. The must-do if you’re doing the Gorges du Verdon route is the Route des Crêtes, a small 30-minute one-way road that leaves from and returns to La Pallue sur Verdon, and takes you to admire incredible panoramas of the Gorges du Verdon. Even more incredible are the griffon vultures, which occupy the territory and nest not far away, flying above you unafraid. Next, you can stop at the sublime point at the end of the great Sentier Martel. Then you can cross the Pont de l’Artuby, which spans the Verdon and takes you to the other side of the Gorges du Verdon, and back via the inescapable Corniche Sublime, towards Aiguines and its extraordinary panorama over Lac de Sainte-Croix.
Sports activities not to be missed
For hiking, we recommend the Sentier Botanique hike at Esparron-de-Verdon, and the GR4 at Saint-Julien-Plage, which offers beautiful panoramic views over Lac d’Esparron.
Then there’s the Canal Trail hike from Quinson, which takes you through the Basses Gorges to the top of the Gorges at Chapelle Sainte-Maxime.
Finally, further on, in the Gorges du Verdon, the sentier Martel, sentier du Pêcheur, col de Beau-voir and sentier le Imbus, all of which offer incredible views of the Gorges du Verdon.
When it comes to water sports in the Basses Gorges, canoeing and paddling are a must if you want to make the most of the landscape.
In the Grand Canyon du Verdon, Europe’s largest canyon, you can enjoyclimbing, canyoning, hiking and rafting.
There’s no shortage of service providers in La Pallue, just ask at the tourist office.
Our tips for visiting the Gorges du Verdon
The best way to visit the Gorges du Verdon is out of season, in spring or early or late summer! Even July is preferable to August. But don’t worry, even if you come in August, there’s still plenty to see, but you need to plan ahead! You can even plan a moment of pure relaxation with a spa treatment in Gréoux-les-Bains. Book your activities in advance, and get up a little earlier so you can park easily where you’re going. Another advantage of August is the lake’s ideal temperature! Around 26 degrees!
Another little tip: choose the Basses Gorges du Verdon over the Hautes Gorges, because they’re less crowded, less well-known and more beautiful (Chauvine, me?).
See you soon in the Verdon!
Discover
the various tourist attractions
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Gréoux-les-Bains Spa
Read more: Thermal treatments in Gréoux-les Bains -
Esparron-de-Verdon
Read more: Esparron-de-Verdon -
Provence
Read more: Provence
