Attention all nature lovers! If you ever find yourself in France’s beautiful Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region known as the French Riviera, know that there’s a breathtakingly beautiful natural treasure you absolutely have to see. Have you ever heard of the “Grand Canyon of Europe”?
Here’s a destination to discover if you’re visiting the south of France, a country where Flytrippers often spots cheap flight deals in the $500s and $600s roundtrip from many Canadian cities.
Overview of the Verdon Gorge in France
Located in Provence, between Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var, the Verdon Gorge is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural sites on the European continent.
The impressive gorge forms a narrow 25-kilometer-long valley, reaching heights of up to 700 meters.
Millions of years ago, this area was completely submerged. The movements of tectonic plates and melting glaciers have gradually shaped this gorge, which is now among the largest in Europe!
Visitors from all over the world come to admire these incredible vertiginous cliffs, with their turquoise-blue water and breathtaking panorama.
If you’re into hiking, climbing, paddling, kayaking, or simply looking for a breathtaking landscape, this is the place to add to your itinerary. There are really many activities to discover in the Verdon Gorge.
You’ll also find several small beaches to swim and relax. Indeed, you’re likely to see many thrill-seekers climbing the limestone walls or jumping off the cliffs into the azure blue water!
Above all, don’t forget to stop at the Galetas Bridge (Pont du Galetas), which crosses the Verdon at its mouth into the Lake of Sainte-Croix. The views are spectacular! This is also where you can rent a kayak or small motorboat and start your journey out on the water.
How to get to the Verdon Gorge
The Gorge is located close to the Côte d’Azur, so it’s an excellent destination for a day trip from the coast.
If you’re in Toulon, Nice, Marseille, or Aix-en-Provence, you can be there in just a 2-hour drive if you have a rental car.
Alternatively, you can take public transport, either by train to the nearest station (Manosque or Les Arcs – Draguignan), then by bus to the Gorge.
Where to stay near the Verdon Gorge
For well-rated hotels, there’s the Panoramic Hotel at $167 per night ($84 per person per night with a companion). There are several options available in the nearby villages of the Gorges, such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Castellane, La Palud-sur-Verdon, Aiguines, and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.
For a more comfortable stay, you can choose the superb Couvent des Minimes hotel in Mane or the Hôtel et Spa des Gorges du Verdon. The Auberge du Lac is also ideal if you want to make the most of the Lake of Sainte-Croix.
In the same locations, you can easily find several vacation homes and guest houses on Airbnbs and Vrbos.
There are also hostels like Auberge Cozy & Family at $87 per night.
Campsites and RV parks are also very popular in the region for those wishing to sleep under the stars in this incredible location.
Camping de la Baume or Camping Le Clos de Barbey are 2 good options close to many points of interest.
If you want to stay on the coast and daytrip to the gorge, the Moxy La Ciotat hotel is one of the Marriott hotels that costs the fewest points in all of France and looks wonderful. It is within walking distance of the beach. The increased deal just ended, but the normal welcome bonus is great too.
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Summary
This incredible place in France, a true jewel of nature, will surely astonish you. Nicknamed “the Grand Canyon of Europe”, the Verdon Gorge is striking with its turquoise-blue waters and towering cliffs. If you’re in the south of France, a visit is a must.
What would you like to know about the Verdon Gorge? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Rougon, France (photo credit: Julien Chatelain)
