The Verdon Gorges: a day in the great outdoors
The Verdon Gorges are a great excursion from Jasmins Studio.
Comptez 2 hours 04 minutes drive for 114 km.
The journey is longer than for coastal destinations, but the change of scenery is well worth it.
Here, the French Riviera has completely disappeared.
You are at the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park, between the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
The Grand Canyon of the Verdon
Over time, the Verdon has carved a spectacular canyon into the limestone plateaus.
The cliffs reach in places more than 700 meters deep.
The river, with its translucent waters, meanders at the bottom of the canyon.
It is an exceptional area for outdoor activities: hiking, climbing, canoeing, rafting, canyoning and mountain biking.
Lake Sainte-Croix
At the foot of the gorges lies the Lake of Sainte-Croix, put into service in 1975.
Its turquoise waters and mountainous surroundings make it one of the iconic landscapes of the Verdon.
This is also the area to choose if you want to enjoy the water peacefully rather than engage in a sporting activity.
The Crest Road
To admire the canyon without necessarily walking for hours, an excellent solution is to take the Route des Crêtes.
It represents approximately 24 km and account 15 landscaped viewpoints.
The viewpoints allow you to appreciate the depth of the canyon and its immense cliffs.
The Verdon by electric bike
For cycling enthusiasts, I suggest another way to discover the Grand Canyon.
Starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon, the Plein Voir Pass offers in particular a spectacular panorama of the Sainte-Croix lake and the Valensole plateau.
Electric mountain biking makes this type of route much more accessible.
Whitewater sports
The Verdon is obviously a fantastic playground for thrill-seekers.
Canyoning
Water hiking provides a first approach to canyoning.
Near La Palud-sur-Verdon, La Baudan Baou presents itself as a classic site for discovering this activity.
On the agenda:
- walk in the canyon,
- reminders,
- swimming,
- natural water slides,
- jumping into the pools.
The route must obviously be adapted to the river flow and supervised by professionals.
Rafting in Castellane
For rafting, your guide recommends joining Castellane.
The descent is adapted according to the natural flow of the Verdon, particularly linked to snowmelt.
This activity can be done with children from a very young age. 6 years, subject to the conditions and framework offered.
For climbing enthusiasts
La Palud-sur-Verdon is also a top climbing destination.
Beginners can, in particular, discover the via cordata of the Fox's Hole.
The course combines easy climbing, rappelling, zip-lining and other aerial sections, with a remarkable view of the Grand Canyon.
Your file indicates one possibility starting from 10 years, with accompaniment.
Fly over the Grand Canyon
For those seeking a truly exceptional experience, it is also possible to fly over the Grand Canyon in tandem.
The departure is from the Aiguines area, with a panorama of the cliffs, the Verdon and the Sainte-Croix lake.
Photography enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the emerald colours of the lake and the Verdon.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: the other great reason to come
An excursion to the Verdon should not be limited to the canyon.
I also recommend that you plan a stop at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, class among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
The village boasts a remarkable heritage, including:
- the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption,
- the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel,
- the small pedestrian streets,
- the earthenware artisans.
The earthenware is also deeply linked to the identity of the village.
Moustiers: at the gateway to the Verdon and the Valensole plateau
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is particularly well situated to complement an excursion.
Your listing indicates that the village is only 10 minutes from the entrance to the Verdon Gorges and about 10 minutes from Valensole plateau.
Depending on the season, you can therefore extend your day by visiting the lavender fields.
A day in the Verdon since Jasmins Studio
Given the 2 hours 04 minutes journey, I advise against leaving too late.
Morning
Early departure from Jasmins Studio.
Direction Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Take the time to explore the village.
Late morning
Heading towards the sector of Lake of Sainte-Croix then the Gorges.
Afternoon
Depending on your preferences:
Easy option : Route des Crêtes and viewpoints.
Sports option hiking, mountain biking or water sports.
Back
Back to Jasmins Studio at the end of the day.
What if you have two days?
Then the Verdon becomes much more interesting.
You can dedicate:
Day 1: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie + Lake of Sainte-Croix
Day 2: Grand Canyon + Crest Road + Sporting Activity
This means you don't have to spend the whole day in the car.
My advice to my guests
The Verdon is one of the most remote destinations I've recommended since Jasmins Studio.
But that's precisely what makes it a grand excursion : we leave the French Riviera completely behind to discover a spectacular Provençal and Alpine landscape.
And if you like contrasts, compare: the red of theEstérel → the red of the Cians and Daluis gorges → the emerald green of the Verdon.
Three very different landscapes, but all accessible from Jasmins Studio.
Also worth discovering:
→ Gorges of Cians and Daluis
→ Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
→ Valensole Plateau
→ Var et Provence intérieure
→ Mimosa Road
→ The hilltop villages of the French Riviera
→ The Grasse region: flowers, perfumes and gardens