The Verdon Gorges stretch 25 km between Castellane and Lac de Sainte-Croix, with walls up to 700m high. The river flows green-turquoise (the colour comes from a fluorescent algae), the cliffs are dotted with vultures (Griffon vulture reintroduction success), the air is mountain-fresh — a totally different universe from the coast, 1h30 drive from Saint-Tropez.
Three ways to explore: kayak/pedal boat on Sainte-Croix lake (entering the gorge from downstream, calm water, family-friendly), Route des Crêtes drive on the south rim (15 belvédères, 23 km of dizzying road), hiking on the Sentier de l'Imbut or the Sentier Blanc-Martel (long full-day routes, advanced level).
Day trip is possible but tight: allow 4h round trip + 4-5h on site. Better to plan an overnight in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie or Aups for a relaxed pace. October-May: the area is calmer. June-September: more crowded but full waterfalls and warm water.
Three ways to experience the gorges
Choose your style:
- Kayak / pedal boat on Sainte-Croix lake (1-2h): family-friendly, calm water, enter the gorge from downstream. €20-30/hour. Easy.
- Route des Crêtes by car (south rim, 23 km, 15 belvédères): drive at moderate pace, stop at each viewpoint. 1h30-2h30 total. Limited parking — start early.
- Sentier de l'Imbut (medium-hard hike, 4-5h, 7 km loop): one of France's most spectacular hikes. From Aiguines side. Vertigo guaranteed.
- Sentier Blanc-Martel (15 km, hard, full day): the most famous trail. Tunnels, exposed ledges, river crossings. Bring headlamp.
Mountaineering for adrenaline lovers: canyoning down the gorge with guide (€80-120 for half-day, 2 outings: Saint-Auban and Castellane).
Sainte-Croix Lake (downstream end)
The complementary side:
- Lake created in 1973 (dam). 2,200 hectares, fjord-shape. Water temperature 20-22°C in summer.
- Kayak / pedal boat / paddle rental at Pont du Galetas (the lake-gorge entry): €15-30/hour.
- Beach at Pont du Galetas: free, family-friendly, parking €5-10.
- Boat tour around the lake (1h-1h30 guided): €20-30 per person.
- Around the lake: villages of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (Provence pottery, perched), Aiguines (forestry village, gunite museum), Bauduen (lakeside, charming).
Where to eat and stay
Restaurant and accommodation options:
- La Bastide de Moustiers (Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, 1 Michelin star): refined Provençal cuisine. €130-200.
- Le Café de la Place (Moustiers): bistro, generous portions. €35-55.
- L'Auberge Provençale (Aups): family-style, truffles in season. €30-50.
- Hôtel-Restaurant Le Belvédère (Aiguines): lake view. €40-60.
- Camping near Sainte-Croix lake: many family campsites, June-September.
- Gîtes and B&Bs in surrounding villages: book 1-2 months ahead in summer.
Practical: when, what to bring, tips
For a successful trip:
- Best season: late spring (May-June) for full waterfalls and pleasant weather. October for golden colours.
- Hot summer: water in the lake is refreshing but cooler than the coast (15-18°C in spring, 20-22°C in August).
- Bring: sunhat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, hiking shoes if hiking, water bottle (1.5L+), camera.
- Cell phone: limited signal in the gorges. Don't rely on Maps offline.
- Driving the cliff road (Route des Crêtes): narrow, winding, vertigo. Drive slowly, give way to oncoming cars at viewpoints.
Frequently asked questions
Best season for the Verdon?
Late spring (May-June) for full waterfalls and pleasant weather. October-November: golden colours, calm. Avoid July-August if possible (busy).
Can we swim in the gorges?
Yes, in the Sainte-Croix lake (cooler, mountain water around 20°C). In the river itself: yes, with caution — currents and very cold water (12-15°C).
Hiking with kids?
Avoid the Sentier Martel (too long, exposed). Prefer the lake belvédères or short hikes around Moustiers. Easy paths around the lake.
Where to eat?
Hostellerie de l'Abbaye de la Celle (1 star), La Bastide de Moustiers, Le Bistrot du Bourg in Aups for truffle season, the Auberge Provençale. Book in season.
Day trip or overnight?
Overnight if possible — the gorges deserve more than a rushed day. One night in Moustiers or Aups makes the experience much richer.