The Verdon canyon

 

The Gorges du Verdon is one of the mythical places in the south of France for all lovers of nature, heights and cliffs.

The gorges of the Verdon allow many activities: climbing, base-jump, kayaking, hiking…

The canyon was dug by the river Verdon (165 km), which begins in the southern Alps near the Allos pass at an altitude of more than 2800 meters. The Verdon ends in the Durance, then the Rhone.

The month of May is the month where the flow is the most important.

The Verdon marks the boundary between the departments of the Var and the Alpes de Haute Provence.

It is of a beautiful blue color and green turquoise typical, due to the presence of fluors, microalgae, and clay bottoms.

 

 

 

 

 

There are 5 dams, which form from north to south (or from east to west):

*lake of Castillon (1948)

*lake of Sainte Croix (1975)

*lake of Quinson (1975)

*lake of Esparron (1967).

The lake of Sainte Croix is the second biggest artificial lake of France.

The site has been classified as a Verdon Regional Natural Park and passes through Provence Verte.

 

The big Verdon Canyon 

 

This is the most touristic part of the Verdon canyon.

It lies between Castellane (Lake Castillon) and Lake Sainte Croix.

The gorges are deep (up to 700 meters), and narrow which give magnificent views and characteristic photos.

 

Among the essential steps:

*Le Styx du Verdon

*L’Imbut

 

 

 

You can drive along the right side (or north)  between Castellane and Moustiers-sainte-Marie (45 km, approximately 1h00).

You can drive along the left side (or south) between Castellane and Aiguines (54 km , 1h15 )

Enjoy this drive through the Gorges du Verdon to visit the beautiful village of Moustiers, and its faience museum.

For athletes, canyoning, hiking, paragliding, kayaking, base jump, climbing …

 

You can also rent electric bikes in La Palud sur Verdon, at Verdon-E-Bike for riding on hills ( 24 km).

Very nice horse riding at Artignosc : les chevaux du Verdon

Every year : le Var Verdon Canyon Challenge  for runners, end of june.

The site is recognized worldwide for climbing. It has been highlighted thanks to some films like “Opéra vertical” with Patrick Edlinger and “Overdon” with Patrick Berhault.

This large canyon of the Verdon is more than 30 km long. It is the largest in Europe.

Do not hesitate to take a little detour to visit the famous plateau of Valensole, and its fields of lavender as far as the eye can see (before mid – July).

 

Some school and clubs to practise  your sports :

*Les verdoniens (canyon) : +336 86 08 03 16

*rocnvol (parapente) : +336 89 30 75 74

*guides pour l’aventure (canyon) : +336 85 94 46 61

*aquattitude (circuit vtt) : +336 79 21 03 77

*yeti rafting (rafting, canyoning) : +336 13 07 46 02

 

 

 

The low Gorges of the Verdon

 

They are much less touristic but very beautiful.

They are located between the Quinson lake and Esparron Lake.

The village of Quinson is one hour’s drive from our guest rooms, “La Bastide de la Provence Verte”.

In Quinson you ll find : le musée de la Préhistoire.

 

 

The cliffs are lower than in the High Verdon Canyon, but are also easier to reach.

Along the sides of Verdon you will find hiking trails but also the possibility of renting electric boats or Kayak.

 

*evasion verdon (location  kayak) : +334 92 77 50 59

Here is a link to visorando for a nice  hiking trail : the low gorges of Verdon canyon

 

 

 

 

 

It exists a beautiful movie: “Verdon secret“.  You can see it  on a big screen at Gréoux les Bains in 3D ,  every days.

The film is around 1 hour and tells the story of one of the canyon pioneers, Edouard-Alfred Martel.

Ecociné du Verdon, avenue Pierre Brossolette à Gréoux. +334 92 71 01 33. (outside screen in summer)

Price from 7.50€.

 

 

 

 

La Bastide de la Provence Verte

Charming guesthouse

bed and breakfast provence

771 chemin des Baumes

83136 La Roquebrussanne – France

labastide@yahoo.com

+336 70 31 18 01 / +339 54 40 6789