Whether you’re looking for a family outing in nature, a sporty getaway with friends or a romantic trip to enjoy the flavours of Provence, the Gorges du Verdon are a perfect location for a two week holiday.
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
In a week in the Gorges du Verdon, you can visit some of France’s most beautiful villages, hike on scenic trails, and try out canyoning in the Gorges du Verdon!
I’ll tell you about some of my favourite places in the sunny Verdon, which is particularly nice to visit in the spring or autumn.
Our tips for enjoying a week in the Gorges du Verdon:
The hike in the gorges that’s not to be missed: the Sentier Martel
This 15 km hike, which is part of the GR4, follows the Verdon from the Point Sublime (which has a stunning panoramic view) to the Chalet de la Maline. The hike is traditionally done from La Maline to the Point Sublime.
If you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest doing it in the opposite direction. Leave your car at Point Sublime and head out on the trail. You will start by walking down to the Verdon to reach some caves, where you will need a flashlight to navigate safely.
I stopped at the sunny “beach” of La Mescla, located about halfway along the route, for a dip in the river.
Don’t forget to make a detour to the Passerelle de L’Estellié (30 min round trip). You will get a thrilling view overlooking the tumultuous water of the Verdon. The water flows very quickly here, and the rapids are impressive!
My advice: don’t forget a flashlight, around 3 litres of water per person if you are hiking in the summer, a hat and some sun cream.
Get an adrenaline rush with canoeing and kayaking
Canyoning is one of the main draws to the Gorges du Verdon! The best conditions are in the spring, when the river is high. After a quick walk, you can enjoy a series of slides, jumps and rappels. If you are travelling with friends, canyoning and kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon is the perfect activity.
If you’re looking for a more low-key visit of the Gorges du Verdon, you and your family can canoe down the river. A paradise for rock climbers, the Gorges also offer an exceptional setting for fans of this sport. Beginners can test themselves on small 20 m cliff faces, while braver souls can scale cliffs of up to 300 m!
Where to eat and drink in the Gorges
The town of Castellane has numerous restaurants with terraces on the main square. I especially love the delicious pizzas at the restaurant/bar La Taverne (Place Marcel Sauvaire, 04120 Castellane). For a romantic dinner, head to La Voûte (3 Rue du Mitan, 04120 Castellane), at the end of the little pedestrian-only road that starts at the square. The restaurant offers a friendly welcome and very reasonable prices. You are free to choose between the little terrace or the intimate indoor dining room.
Looking for a restaurant with a view? In Sainte-Croix du Verdon, there is a friendly terrace that’s always filled with people: Le Comptoir (Le Village, 04500 Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon). We love this vast, sunny terrace with a magical view of the Lac de Sainte-Croix. It’s impossible to miss, located right at the entrance to the village.
For something a little more refined, book a table at L’Actuel (Le cours, 04500 Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon). You can’t see the terrace from the street, but it’s there, overlooking the scenery. You will have an incredible view of the lakeshore!
The can’t-miss villages
Don’t forget to visit Castellane, one of my favourite villages. Far more than just a simple tourist trap, it has preserved its authentic feel. Castellane, a village at the entrance to the gorges, is a lively place that is a perfect home base for visiting the region, especially if you want to enjoy exciting activities such as canoeing, canyoning and climbing.
The village of Riez has a very Provençal feel to it, with its market and terraces that are always full of people. Check out the market, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8:00 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon. It’s a perfect place to buy your fill of sausage, honey, rosé wine from Provence, goat cheese, cantaloupe, artisanal soaps, herbes de Provence, olives and more.
If you are looking for the typical postcard village, head to Moustiers Sainte-Marie, the village of earthenware. It is full of cobblestone streets, charming squares, facades covered in ivy, little bridges and more.
On the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix, Sainte-Croix du Verdon is a tiny village bursting with charm. I especially liked its restaurants and direct access to the lake. It’s an excellent jumping off point for visiting the lower part of the Gorges.
Walking around Lac de Sainte-Croix
When you see Lac de Sainte-Croix in the distance, you could easily mistake it for the Mediterranean. Its turquoise waters will make you think of Corsica! And unlike the water of the mountain lakes, the water in Sainte-Croix is a mild temperature from spring until autumn. You can find numerous creeks where you can enjoy a dip — don’t hesitate to ask the locals about their favourite spots!
In Sainte-Croix du Verdon, you have direct access to a beach with a water sports centre. There you can hire a pedalo, or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try out a catamaran! If the wind is right, you can even go sailing on the lake.