Tourism in the Verdon Gorges

The Verdon Gorges are known as the most beautiful canyon in Europe! The cliffs climb 700 m up and you are surrounded by breathtaking scenery during your holiday at Terra Verdon campsite… There are trails to follow along the edge of the gorges. From Castellane, a road follows the canyon with many breathtaking views. Walk the Martel trail or dive right in with a canoe or kayak trip and fully immerse yourself in nature.

Visit the Verdon Gorges

By car:
If you come by car, you can also explore the most beautiful spots in the region driving. Why drive? At the wheel of your vehicle, you can stop wherever you want to enjoy the scenery, take a break or take a picture. Take the Route des Crêtes. Along the right bank there are no less than 14 lookouts where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Verdon Gorges. The essential lookouts include Dent d’Aire and Escalès.
By canoe:
In the Verdon Gorges, everyone travels by canoe! Yes, you can also explore the Verdon from the water. You can see the gorges from an entirely different perspective. The limestone cliffs soaring above your canoe are all the more spectacular! You can rent canoes, pedal boats and electric boats at Galetas Bridge and go for rides on the water. Then, take a boat ride through the biggest canyon in Europe, the Verdon Gorges! You will be transported out of time at each stroke of your paddle in the turquoise water!
By foot:
What could be better than hiking to explore the Verdon at a slower pace, leaving you free to admire the scenery? You can admire the gorgeous landscapes of the Verdon along many hikes and trails, away from the touristy areas! Bring hiking boots and a good backpack so you can hike the most beautiful trails in the Verdon with your family. Hikes not to be missed: the Imbut and Blanc Martel trails for experienced hikers and the Lézard and Pêcheurs trails for easier hikes.

The most beautiful villages in the Verdon

During your stay at our campsite in the Verdon Gorges, don’t miss your chance to visit the little Provencal villages. Charming and picturesque, they are typical of the region. Between water sports in the gorges and hiking through beautiful nature, you will also love strolling down the cobblestone streets of these small villages.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is known for ceramics, and is without a doubt THE village to visit during your stay in the region. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is also known for the hanging star, which you can see if you look up at the village chapel. A pretty little stream runs through the village.

Aiguines overlooks Lake Sainte-Croix with a Renaissance castle and 360° view of the lake. Also worth a stop!

Entrevaux, Rougon and La-Palud-sur-Verdon also have very pretty lookouts, including the famous Point Sublime, if you would like to enjoy beautiful views.

If you have time to visit other villages in the Verdon Natural Park during your stay at our campsite in the Verdon, don’t miss Quinson and the Prehistoric Museum, great for children. If you are a little sore after walking through the Verdon, head to Gréoux-les-Bains to test the benefits of the thermal spas.

The most beautiful places to swim in the Verdon

The Verdon is known for turquoise waters that invite you to jump right! Be careful, though. You can’t swim everywhere in the Gorges, particularly in the fast-running water of the canyon. Stick to the many lakes in the region for swimming. The lakes are quickly taken over by tourists in the summer. No wonder, because the whole family can enjoy the lakes. Between swimming and water sports, there’s something for everyone! The Verdon Gorges are also the biggest canyon in Europe, making them a great holiday destination!

THE VERDON GORGES CANYON

The canyon stretches from Castellane to the Lake of Sainte-Croix for about 40 kilometers. The Verdon River traces its way between steep limestone cliffs. This emerald green ribbon, sometimes quiet, sometimes very tumultuous, is accessible at many locations for your viewing pleasure, swimming and athletic activities.
LAKE OF CASTILLON: A MUST-SEE IN THE VERDON GORGES

The closest lake to Terra Verdon is the Lake of Castillon, about 5 km away, accessible by bike or car. It is also the wildest and extends over 8 km. Its emerald green waters are well over 22° in the summer, perfect for all ages. Small sheltered beaches are great for swimming. A large water sports center offers many activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats, water skiing and tubing.
LAKE OF CHAUDANNE

Only a 10 minutes’ drive from the campsite, the Lake of Chaudanne is easily accessible by car or bike. Although swimming and water sports are prohibited, you can enjoy this beautiful and quiet lake for a walk or a picnic followed by an afternoon of lazing by the water.
LAKE OF SAINTE-CROIX, THE MOST FAMOUS LAKE IN THE VERDON GORGES

This 22 km² lake is the largest in Verdon and is known as the most beautiful lake in Provence. About an hour's drive from our Terra Verdon campsite, the Lake of Sainte-Croix is home to the highest cliffs in the canyon. You can access the gorges by canoe, pedal boat or electric boat over 2 km. Many beaches invite you to relax and if you move away from the villages, you can spend a day with your family in peace and quiet. In summer, the water temperature can reach 27°. Catamarans and windsurfing are very popular.
LAKE OF ESPARRON

The Lake of Esparron, also very popular for water sports, is just as wonderful as the very famous Lake of Sainte-Croix. The water is just as turquoise and beautiful! Enjoy true relaxation in this peaceful setting. During an electric boat ride, you can stop at the pretty little beaches on the Esparron de Verdon peninsula called Le Quartier or L'île du Barbu.
LAKE OF QUINSON

The Lake of Quinson is the smallest lake in the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Less busy than its very famous neighboring lakes, this is a great place to escape the crowds in the touristy areas. Although swimming is prohibited in this lake, you can enjoy water sports such as pedal boating, canoeing, paddleboarding, electric boating, etc.