The complete guide
Gorges du Verdon: the complete guide
Everything to plan your stay in the Gorges du Verdon — and across the whole region. The grand canyon, the turquoise lakes, the perched villages, the lavender plateau: what to do, where to stay, when to visit, how to get there. The essentials, verified on the ground, with links to our detailed guides.
The Verdon at a glance
“The Verdon” is not just the canyon: it is a territory of 63 communes, from the bottom of the gorges to the lakes, from the villages of character to the Valensole plateau. Here are its four great areas.
The grand canyon
The deepest canyon in France (~700 m over ~25 km), between Rougon and Lake Sainte-Croix: viewpoints, two banks, the Blanc-Martel trail at the bottom of the gorge.
The Grand Canyon →The turquoise lakes
Sainte-Croix, Castillon, Esparron… Swimming, canoeing, electric boats and beaches: the emerald water of the Verdon, lake by lake.
Swimming & lakes →The villages
From Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and its faience, 63 communes perched or by the water — the backbone of the territory.
Discover the villages →Valensole & the terroir
The lavender fields of the Valensole plateau, the Provençal markets, the truffle of Aups: the Provence of colour and flavour, as a backdrop to the gorges.
The Verdon terroir →What to do in the Verdon
From the legendary Blanc-Martel trail to the viewpoints of the Route des Crêtes: the finest walks, with verified data and up-to-date opening status.
Whitewater sportsRafting, canyoning, canoeing: Castellane is France’s whitewater capital, at the heart of the canyon.
All the activitiesSwimming, world-class climbing, paragliding, cycling, fishing… everything you can do in the Verdon.
The viewpointsRoute des Crêtes and Corniche Sublime: every viewpoint over the canyon, where to stop and on which bank.
Culture & heritageMuseums, the prehistory of Quinson, the faience of Moustiers, Vauban forts: the Verdon is also explored on foot through its lanes.
The territory mapViewpoints, beaches, villages and services of the Verdon, all geolocated on an interactive map.
Plan your stay
Season by season: weather, crowds, swimming, lavender, and what’s open.
Where to stayWhich village to choose depending on what you want to see, from the two banks of the canyon to the lakes.
How longAllow at least two days for the canyon; our ready-made itineraries from one to three days.
How to get there & accessNearest airports, stations and buses, mountain passes, the Blanc-Martel shuttle — and how to visit without a car.
The state of the Verdon (today)EDF water releases, weather, roads and trails: the official real-time sources before you set off.
Our practical guidesWith family, without a car, by campervan, with a dog, on a rainy day, a plan B: the Verdon for your profile.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in the Gorges du Verdon?
Hiking, rafting or canyoning down the river, swimming and paddling on Lake Sainte-Croix, driving the Route des Crêtes, or world-class climbing and paragliding: the Verdon suits every outdoor activity. See our full Activities page for the complete list.
How long do you need to visit the Gorges du Verdon?
Allow at least two days to go around the grand canyon (the two banks only meet at the ends). Three to four days let you add the lakes, a village such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the Valensole plateau. See our ready-made itineraries for a day, a weekend or three days.
Where to stay to visit the Verdon?
The choice of base depends on what you want to see: La Palud-sur-Verdon and Castellane for the canyon and whitewater (right bank), Aiguines for the Corniche Sublime and Lake Sainte-Croix (left bank), Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for the villages and the faience. Our “where to stay” guide details each area.
When to go to the Gorges du Verdon?
May-June and September offer the best compromise: fine weather, sites open, moderate crowds. July-August are ideal for swimming in the lakes but very busy (car parks full from 10 a.m.). The lavender of Valensole blooms from mid-June to mid-July. In winter, the Haut-Verdon switches over to skiing.
Are the Gorges du Verdon only the canyon?
No. “The Verdon” refers to a whole territory: the grand canyon is its spectacular heart, but the region stretches from the turquoise lakes (Sainte-Croix, Castillon) to the perched villages, from the Valensole lavender plateau to the alpine Haut-Verdon (Allos). It is this diversity that LiveVerdon covers — the canyon and everything around it.