The Verdon Gorge is famous for its deep canyon and the turquoise color of the Verdon River. One way to admire the stunning views of the Verdon Canyon is on a road trip that snakes along the river. However, for those looking for adventures in the great outdoors, there are plenty of Gorges du Verdon activities. So get ready for exciting moments!

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Lake of Sainte Croix and Verdon River

Discover the Gorges du Verdon Region

There are basically four different sections for the Verdon activities:

• The Verdon River: Split into two parts,
  • One by the Lake of Sainte Croix that can be accessed independently.
  • The other from Castellane requires a permit and is more challenging due to its rapids
• Lake of Saint Croix: where the Verdon River falls in, and a great place for most water sports and activities
• Trails around the Verdon Gorge. Known as the Grand Canyon of the Verdon, plateaux and hills stand on both sides of the river and offer plenty of hiking opportunities.

Gorges du Verdon Activities

Verdon Gorge Kayaking

By far the most popular activity on the Verdon river, kayaking is a must-do and is accessible to most people.

The section starting from the Lake of Saint Croix stops at buoys about one kilometer down. That section can be accessed independently by the public access and follows a relatively easy flat part without any rapids. Most kayaks are 2-person seat-in boats. It takes about one hour to explore the accessible section of the river.

Verdon River Kayaking

Another section that goes over rapids usually starts from Castellane and goes down the river. There, tours can take you on inflatable canoe kayaks.

Note that swimming is not allowed on the Verdon River itself.

Verdon Gorge by Pedal Boat or SUP

Rent a Stand Up Paddle or a pedalo and head along the kayaks on the Verdon River. Pedalos let families enjoy the river as they are most stable and can pack more people. SUPs are for individuals confident in their fitness and balance as paddles require more skills and can be challenging.

Canyoning Gorges du Verdon

If you want to get closer to the action, try canyoning down the Verdon river. Be ready to climb and scramble the rocks along the water, and jump and walk in the river! The most popular canyons are the Saint Auban Canyon, Rayaup Canyon, and the Riolan Canyon. The activity lasts from a couple of hours to a full day, with different levels of difficulties.

Book your Verdon Canyoning Tour Now

Whitewater Rafting Gorges du Verdon

Classified as an I to III (out of a VI international scale), The Verdon river is not a difficult ride, but is still a great way to enjoy some exciting moments! The entry point is around Castellane, from where over 20 kilometers can be rafted. Depending on how long you want to go whitewater rafting, half-day to full-day tours can take you from easy to more challenging sections.

Verdon Gorge Climbing and Via Ferrata

If you are not afraid of the height, climbing some of the steeps cliffs of the Verdon Canyon or a via Ferrata can be an exciting thing to do! The Gorge du Verdon Via Ferrata is on the Route des Crêtes between Castellane and Moustiers Sainte Marie. Different climbing routes exist, also of different levels.

Hiking the Imbut Trail along the Verdon River

Verdon Gorge Hiking

With so many trails around, there is a hike for everyone. Two of the most popular hikes are the Imbut Trail and the Martel Trail – Sentier Blanc Martel – (between la Palud sur Verdon and Rougon). The Imbut Trail is not long but is considered challenging due to the elevation drop from the ridge to the bottom of the river. The steep cliffs provide handrails in some areas.

Lake Sainte Croix Swimming

Swimming is only authorized in lake Sainte Croix, which highly enjoyable if you have been hiking or climbing.

Lake of Sainte Croix

Verdon Tours

You can organize your own Verdon tours easily, but if you don’t want to drive, or prefer the pace of a guided tour, consider one of the options below:

Have you been to Provence? What was your experience there? Did you explore the area around Gorges du Verdon? Share your adventures with us and make sure to leave a comment!

If you are looking for more Provence trip ideas, hiking in the Alps, check out our France travel blog posts on:

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