The Gorges du Verdon’s Essential Sports Events: Immersion in an Outstanding Setting
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The Gorges du Verdon, located between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, are a true European natural marvel. Impressive cliffs, turquoise Sainte-Croix Lake waters, preserved vegetation—this site provides a privileged playground for internationally renowned sports events.
Discover the major sports competitions that enliven this unique natural setting.
SwimRunMan Gorges du Verdon
SwimRunMan is a legendary event for extreme challenge enthusiasts. This hybrid format blends running and open-water swimming, all chained without transition. Verdon's edition takes place in a dramatic environment, departing from Salles-sur-Verdon village, on Sainte-Croix Lake shores.
Three formats are offered: Sprint (13.5 km), Classic (25 km) and Half (47 km), with swimming portions up to 7.5 km in turquoise waters and technical trail sections sometimes totaling over 1,500 m elevation gain.
The event attracts approximately 300 athletes yearly, often in pairs, from across Europe. The level is high, but the organization remains accessible and friendly.
- Date 2025: May 11
- Information and Registration
Verdon Swim Experience
Organized yearly at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Verdon Swim Experience is an event dedicated to open-water swimming in a sumptuous setting. Events occur in Sainte-Croix Lake's calm, translucent waters, with marked courses ranging from 500 m to 6 km.
The event also offers a swim & run race type, plus a 12 km paddle race format (scheduled from 2026). Starts occur at sunrise and sunset, offering a unique atmosphere to swimmers.
In 2024, the event gathered over 600 participants, amateurs and confirmed, in a sporting yet family atmosphere.
- Dates 2025: June 21-22
- Dates 2026: June 26-28
- Information and Registration
Verdon Stars Raid
The Verdon Stars Raid is a unique all-female multisport raid, combining adventure, self-surpassing and solidarity. Organized yearly at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, it gathers 3-woman teams around events like trail, mountain biking, swimming, paddling, canoeing, archery and orientation challenges.
Lasting 72 hours, the event is designed as an immersive nature adventure. The raid is also a solidarity action, with €200 per team donated to the Petits Princes Association.
- Dates 2025: June 22-26
- Dates 2026: June 21-25
- Information and Registration
Var Verdon Trail Canyon
Created in 1993, Var Verdon Trail Canyon is one of France's oldest trails, organized by the AÉRIA association. It occurs around Aiguines, Salles-sur-Verdon and Sainte-Croix Lake.
Offered formats range from 8 km to 85 km (ultra-trail), with up to 3,896 m positive elevation. The event attracts nearly 1,000 runners yearly, with strong international representation. It is classified in UTMB® World Series circuits.
- Dates 2025: June 14
- Information and Registration
Natureman Var Triathlon
Natureman Var Triathlon is a reference event in long-distance nature triathlon. Created in 2012, it occurs around Sainte-Croix Lake, departing and finishing at Salles-sur-Verdon.
The standard format includes 2 km swimming, 90 km cycling (about 1,500 m elevation gain), and 20 km trail around the lake. Yearly, the event gathers approximately 700 participants.
- Dates 2025: September 26-28
- Information and Registration
2025-2026 Sports Calendar
| Month | Event | 2025 | 2026 | Discipline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | SwimRunMan | May 11 | TBC | Swimrun |
| June | Verdon Swim Experience | June 21-22 | June 26-28 | Open Water |
| June | Verdon Stars Raid | June 22-26 | June 21-25 | Female Multisport |
| June | Var Verdon Trail Canyon | June 14 | TBC | Trail |
| Sept | Natureman Var Triathlon | Sept 26-28 | TBC | Triathlon |
An Outstanding Natural Setting for Sport
The Gorges du Verdon offer far more than simple postcard scenery. They embody a living, preserved territory where nature invites surpassing. Each sports event transforms in Verdon into an immersive experience where effort combines with raw landscape beauty.
Beyond major competitions, the region is also a formidable exploration ground for nature sports enthusiasts. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, paragliding, kayaking or paddling: possibilities are endless.
Plan Your Verdon Sports Adventure
Whether you're a competitive athlete or nature enthusiast, the Gorges du Verdon hosts world-class sports events throughout the year. From swimrun challenges to mountain trail races, each event offers an unforgettable experience in one of Europe's most remarkable natural settings.
Charming house (6 pers., 3 bedrooms, ground floor, 110m² with spacious living area) with panoramic view of Lake Sainte-Croix. Quiet, 2 min walk from the village centre. Preserved nature & ideal base for outdoor activities and tourism.
