What to do
What to do in the Gorges du Verdon
The Verdon, often nicknamed Europe’s Grand Canyon, can be experienced in a thousand ways: on foot along its vertiginous trails, in its rapids, on its turquoise lakes, at the end of a rope or under a wing. Here’s everything you can do here — for an hour or for a week.
- The signature activity
Hiking
From the legendary Blanc-Martel trail at the bottom of the canyon to the viewpoints along the Route des Crêtes: the finest walks in the Verdon, with verified data and up-to-date trail status.
Discover → - Thrills
Whitewater sports
Rafting, canyoning, aqua-hiking, hydrospeed: Castellane is France’s whitewater capital. The runs, the levels, the operators — and safety around EDF water releases.
Discover → - Family-friendly
Swimming & lakes
The five turquoise lakes: where to swim, rent an electric boat or a canoe, paddleboard, sail or water-ski. Navigation rules lake by lake.
Discover →
Also in the Verdon
The Verdon is a world-class climbing destination: 1,500+ routes, the legendary Falaise de l’Escalès and rappel access. The complete guide.
Horse ridingOn horseback from the heart of the gorge to the lavender plateaus: riding centres on both sides of the canyon, multi-day treks, pony rides from age 3. The complete guide.
Via cordataEquipped routes between hiking and climbing, run by the local guide offices (there’s no classic via ferrata in the Verdon, but via cordata routes).
ParaglidingFrom the legendary Chalvet site (Saint-André, a World Cup venue) to tandem introductory flights over the gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix. The complete guide.
Cycling & mountain bikingThe Route des Crêtes and the Col d’Allos (2,250 m) on road bike, 650 km of waymarked MTB trails, e-bikes and gravel riding around the lake: the complete guide to cycling in the Verdon.
Trail runningTwo ITRA races (the Var Verdon Trail Canyon in Aiguines in June, the Roc’n Trail in Castellane in September) and 300+ km of waymarked trails to run year-round. The complete guide.
FishingBrown trout in category-1 rivers and predator fish in Lake Sainte-Croix — pike, zander, catfish, no-kill black bass: permits, regulations, float tubes and the certified fishing stretch. The complete guide.
Lake Sainte-Croix beachesThe beaches of the Verdon’s largest turquoise lake, one by one: Galetas, Margaridon, Bauduen, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Chabassole… shore, access, lifeguard supervision or not, dogs allowed. Map and individual listings.
Canoeing at the Pont du GaletasPassing under the Pont du Galetas by canoe, kayak or electric boat and paddling up the entrance of the Grand Canyon as far as the yellow buoys: distance, 2026 prices, rental operators and safety. The complete guide.
Wellness & spaAfter the effort, the comfort: massage, private spas and jacuzzis in the heart of the gorge (Castellane, La Palud) and thermal spa treatments in Gréoux-les-Bains. Where to unwind in the Verdon, verified addresses.
Culture & villagesMoustiers faience, the prehistory of Quinson (the largest museum in Europe), the perched villages: the Verdon is also explored on foot through its lanes.
Lavender & local produceThe lavender fields of Valensole, Provençal markets, Aups truffles: the Provence of flavour and colour, set against the backdrop of the gorge.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in the Gorges du Verdon?
The must-dos: hiking (the Blanc-Martel trail at the bottom of the canyon), rafting or canyoning down the river from Castellane, swimming and paddling on Lake Sainte-Croix, passing under the Pont du Galetas by canoe or electric boat, and driving the Route des Crêtes and its viewpoints. The Verdon is also ideal for climbing (world-class), paragliding, mountain-pass cycling, and exploring the villages (Moustiers, Quinson, Valensole).
What family activities are there in the Verdon?
Swimming in the lakes (Sainte-Croix, Castillon), pedal boats and licence-free electric boats, easy canoeing at the Pont du Galetas, introductory rafting sections (often from age 6), and short hikes to the viewpoints. Lifeguard-supervised beaches in summer and watersports bases make the lakes very accessible.
Can you do activities in the Verdon outside the summer season?
Yes. Hiking is possible from spring through autumn (and in winter at lower altitudes). Whitewater sports are at their best in spring. In winter, the Haut-Verdon switches to skiing (Val d’Allos), and Gréoux-les-Bains offers thermal spa treatments. See the “When to visit” page for the full calendar.
Check for yourself
The external sources this page relies on, one click away.We would rather you be able to contradict us than ask you to take our word for it.
- Verdon Tourisme — tous les circuits et itinérairesverdontourisme.com
Base des circuits et itinéraires de randonnée du territoire tenue par l'office de tourisme intercommunal, avec fiches et tracés.
- FFRandonnée — topoguides officielsboutique.ffrandonnee.fr
Fédération française de randonnée pédestre, éditrice des topoguides de référence (dont le GR4 traversant le Verdon) et gestionnaire du balisage des GR.
- Parc naturel régional du Verdonparcduverdon.fr
L'autorité de gestion du territoire : réglementation par milieu, navigation et sécurité sur les lacs et les gorges, conseils des écogardes.
- Office de Tourisme Intercommunal Lacs et Gorges du Verdon (Aups)lacs-gorges-verdon.fr
Office de tourisme couvrant 16 villages de la rive gauche et des lacs, dont Aiguines, Bauduen et Trigance : activités de pleine nature, plages et prestataires du secteur.
4 of these 4 links responded during our last automated check, on 2026-08-22. A broken link is removed, never left in place.