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Gorges du Verdon
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The Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) in southeastern France is widely regarded as one of Europe's most spectacular river canyons. Over a distance of approximately 25 kilometers, the Verdon River has carved a deep channel through the limestone plateau of Provence, reaching depths of up to 700 meters. The gorge is famous for the striking turquoise-green color of its water, caused by dissolved minerals and micro-algae. The canyon ends in the Lac de Sainte-Croix, a man-made reservoir created in 1974 that is now a major hub for water sports. Panoramic roads along the north and south rims offer sweeping viewpoints, such as the Point Sublime. The area is a premier destination for outdoor activities, including rock climbing on sheer limestone cliffs, hiking the renowned Sentier Blanc-Martel trail, and kayaking. Ecologically, the gorge serves as a vital sanctuary for rare species, including the griffon vulture, which was successfully reintroduced to the area in the late 20th century.
- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Top sights: Château de La Palud-sur-Verdon · Belvédère de la Gorge de Guègues · Balcon de la Mescla
- Nearby: Aiguines (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 6 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 49 | 45 | 52 | 56 | 66 | 44 | 25 | 31 | 53 | 84 | 102 | 69 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The gorge extends over a total length of 25 kilometers.
- At its deepest point, the canyon measures approximately 700 meters.
- The Lac de Sainte-Croix was artificially flooded in 1974.
- There are over 1,500 established climbing routes on the cliff faces.
- The Sentier Blanc-Martel hiking trail is roughly 15 kilometers long.
- Griffon vultures were successfully reintroduced here starting in 1999.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Gorges du Verdon (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Verdon Gorge called the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'?
What are the most popular activities there?
Can you drive through the gorge?
When is the best time to visit?
Are there dangerous weather conditions?
Gorges du Verdon: where is it located?
Gorges du Verdon: what is there to see?
Gorges du Verdon: when is the best time to visit?
Gorges du Verdon: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
