

Verdon Gorge

From Wikitravel
Jump to: navigation, search

The Verdon Gorge (French: Les Gorges du Verdon) is an awe-inspiring canyon in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France. The canyon varies from between 6 and 100m at the bottom, and 200 to 1500m at its rim.


Gorges du Verdon at the end of teh Lac de Sainte-Croix
Les Gorges du Verdon


The canyon was formed in the Quaternary Era - see Wikipedia if you're interested, as a result of earth movements while the Alpes were moving upwards, and also from erosion of Jurassic era limestone by the Verdon river.




Les Gorges du Verdon is cheifly made up of extremely rugged terrain.

Flora and fauna[edit]


Get in[edit]


Get around[edit]

The best way to see this spectacular region in France is by car. The twisting, turning switchbacks would be no fun in a bus anyway. Beware, however, that gas stations are few and far between. Fill up well before approaching the gorge as the towns close to it do not have supplies. Also, while very enjoyable, this is a slow journey on winding roads, both going through the gorge and to reach it. So allow plenty of time.

Gorges du Verdon

See[edit][add listing]

The lookout at Sublime Point.

Do[edit][add listing]

Take a drive along the north rim of the gorge (D952) and check out the numerous vantage points in the gorges along the way. Hiking - La Grande Randonnee passess nearby the northern rim of the gorge and can be used to link up with a few smaller local tracks down into the gorges.

Rafting is also a possiblity, but unless you are an expert, should only be attempted in an organised group.

Buy[edit][add listing]

Eat[edit][add listing]

Drink[edit][add listing]

Sleep[edit][add listing]




Stay safe[edit]

Although the area is rich in natural beauty, do take care when leaning over guard rails to take photographs. The terrain is steep and the loose rocks can be dangerous if you are not careful. There would be quite a lengthy wait for a rescue, particularly out of season.

Get out[edit]

Grasse on the eastern edges of the gorges and Aix_en_Provence to the west, are the two cities nearby offering most services.

Create category
