🗺️ A Selection of Villa OVerdon's Favorite Spots Over 80 must-see places rated from ★ to ★★★.
From Lake Sainte-Croix to the towering cliffs of the Gorges, through hilltop villages and lavender fields — explore our complete directory of Verdon country. Filter by category, click a marker to read our detailed guides, and plan your itinerary at a glance.
All places to discover
84 places
Adventure Park at the Verdon
Treetop adventure course near Lake Sainte-Croix. Zip-lines, monkey bridges, kids and adult courses.
Rock Climbing in the Gorges
The Yosemite of Europe. 1,500 routes, from grade 3c to 9a. Mythical big walls and multi-pitch cliffs.
Paragliding over the Verdon
Tandem flight over Lake Sainte-Croix and the Gorges. Takeoff from Aiguines, from age 6, April to October.
Rafting in the Verdon
Thrilling rafting descent from Castellane. Class II to IV rapids depending on season.
Hike: Baisse de Courchon (920m)
Loop from Moustiers via the Ravin de Notre-Dame. Chapel, cave and Roman road.
Hike: Rougon Vulture Loop
Circuit from Rougon to observe griffon vultures. Panoramic views over Point Sublime.
Hike: Baudinard Gorges
Secret canyon, turquoise lake and Sainte-Croix dam. Off the beaten path.
Hike: Le Grand Margès (1,560m)
3rd peak in the Var department. Natural viewpoint over the gorges, partly on the GR99 trail.
Hike: Pont de Tusset
Family-friendly hike to a medieval bridge and secret swimming pool in the Verdon.
Hike: Blanc-Martel Trail
14 km at the bottom of the canyon. Tunnels, ladders, plunging views — one of France's most beautiful trails.
Hike: Imbut Trail
Challenging hike at the bottom of the canyon. Cabled passages, handrails and descent towards the Styx. Note: Trail currently closed by decree due to rock falls.
Hike: Plein Voir Viewpoints
Challenging loop with views over Pont du Galetas and the lake. Accompanied by griffon vultures.
Bungee Jump (Pont de l'Artuby)
France's highest bungee jump: 182-metre freefall over the Artuby canyon.
Trail Running in the Verdon
Trail routes on limestone plateaus, forest paths and gorge balconies. Exceptional terrain.
Mountain Biking — Verdon Area
250 km of FFC-marked trails around the lake and gorges. Cross-country, enduro, e-bikes. All levels.
Atelier du Barda — Woodturner
Workshop of Olivier Houset, woodturner, Place Barda in Aiguines. Centuries-old craft, creations in local wood. Shop + visitable workshop. Open year-round, free entry.
L'Antidote — Takeaway Pizzas
Excellent takeaway pizzas in Aiguines. A convenient and tasty address for summer evenings in the village.
L'Épice Rit Aiguines
Small grocery open year-round in the heart of Aiguines, Place de la Fontaine. Essentials plus bread delivery and parcel relay. An indispensable village convenience store.
Le Perroquet Vert
A climber's Aladdin's cave! You'll find everything for rock climbing and especially for multi-pitch routes. In a village, a shop packed full worthy of major mountain towns.
Le Petit Chaudron de Pamparigouste
An excellent address for nougat lovers in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Artisanal production, authentic flavours. A gourmet detour not to be missed.
Le Vieux Château
Bar-restaurant ideal for a relaxing time with friends or family in the heart of Aiguines, with a lovely shaded terrace on Place de la Fontaine.
MYC Plage — Pedal Boat Rentals
We recommend MYC Plage, 15 minutes from Villa OVerdon, a local family business offering pedal boat rentals for 43 years on Pont de Galetas beach, May to October. Onsite or online booking.
Aiguines Tourist Office
Super practical and 5 minutes walk from Villa OVerdon. All the information to discover Aiguines, Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorges.
Rock'n Wild — Climbing Guide
Based in the heart of the Verdon Gorges, Rock'n Wild guides offer climbing outings for all levels — introductory, single-pitch and multi-pitch routes. Authentic approach, small groups, strong environmental commitment. The ideal partner for your first experience on the Verdon's mythical walls.
Villa OVerdon
3-star house with panoramic views over Lake Sainte-Croix. 3 bedrooms, garden, 15 minutes from Pont du Galetas. Direct rental.
Autour de la Table Fine Grocer
Fine grocer shop run by Sylvie and Patrick in the heart of Aiguines. Artisanal products, Provençal flavours, oils, vinegars, homemade preserves without additives. Open Easter to All Saints' Day.
Balcon de la Mescla
250 metres above the meander where the Artuby meets the Verdon. Sublime Corniche.
Balcons de la Mescla (north bank)
Vertiginous views from the Route des Crêtes, above the Verdon-Artuby confluence.
Mayreste Viewpoint
Unspoiled viewpoint over the gorges, right bank. Close to Saint-Maurin and its waterfalls.
Rancoumas Viewpoint
Spectacular panorama over the gorges from the left bank. Access via trail from the D71.
Escalès Viewpoint
300-metre cliffs. Vertiginous panorama from the Route des Crêtes.
Imbut Viewpoint
Panoramic viewpoint, close to the Armanet and Maugué viewpoints.
La Carelle Viewpoint
3rd observation point on the Route des Crêtes, overlooking the Verdon canyon.
Col d'Illoire Viewpoint
First viewpoint on the left bank from Aiguines. Panoramic views over the lake and entrance to the gorges.
Plein Voir Viewpoints
Panorama over Pont du Galetas and the lake. Griffon vultures in free flight.
Brèche Imbert
Starting point for the Blanc-Martel trail from the south. Panorama at 790m altitude.
Clue de Carejuan
Spectacular narrowing of the canyon. Historic passage between the two banks of the Verdon.
Escalès Cliffs (lower)
Views from the canyon floor of 300-metre vertical walls. Legendary rock climbing spot.
Point Sublime
One of the most beautiful viewpoints over the canyon entrance. Family-friendly.
Route des Crêtes (D23)
23 km corniche road with vertiginous viewpoints over the canyon. The most beautiful scenic drive of the Verdon.
Atelier du Barda
Woodturner's workshop-boutique in Aiguines. Demonstrations and wood creations.
Baume aux Pigeons
Prehistoric cave in the gorge cliffs. Neanderthal occupation remains.
Couloir Samson
Narrow passage between 300-metre cliffs. Starting point of the Martel trail from Point Sublime.
Moustiers Pottery Workshops
Pottery tradition since the 17th century. Workshops, shops and pottery museum to visit.
Le Chat Bleu Gallery
Art gallery in the heart of Aiguines. Contemporary art inspired by Verdon landscapes.
Verdon Gorges from the Sky
Drone footage of the gorges entrance, Pont du Galetas and the first cliff faces.
Lake Esparron
Small wild lake downstream from the lower Gorges. Freshwater creeks, kayaking and quiet swimming.
Lake Castillon
Turquoise lake upstream from Castellane. Swimming, sailing and alpine scenery.
The Styx of the Verdon
Secret inner canyon, gorge within the gorge. Accessible only via the Imbut trail.
Aiguines Market
Small summer market in the village square. Local artisans and Upper Var produce.
Moustiers Market
Provençal market Friday morning. Local produce, cheeses, lavender honey, olives.
Terra Rossa Museum (Salernes)
Ceramics and earthenware museum of Salernes. Contemporary architecture, exhibitions and workshops.
Museum of Woodturners
Traditional art of Aiguines. Studded boules, bowls and olive wood objects.
Notre-Dame de Beauvoir
12th-century chapel perched above Moustiers. 262 steps between the cliffs. Suspended golden star.
Valensole Plateau
Endless lavender fields, blooming in early July. Distilleries, honey and olive oil. Point of interest only during lavender bloom season.
Pont de l'Artuby
182-metre viaduct, Europe's highest bungee jumping bridge. Vertiginous views over the canyon.
Sillans-la-Cascade
44-metre waterfall in a verdant setting. Swimming forbidden but scenic trail to view the falls. One of the most beautiful natural sites in Upper Provence.
Costebelle Island
Small wild island in the middle of Lake Sainte-Croix. Accessible by canoe or pedal boat.
Les Salles Water Sports Base
Full water sports base: sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats. Supervised beach in summer.
Canoeing in the Gorges
Canoe-kayak journey from Pont du Galetas into the gorges. Unforgettable sunset views.
Lake Sainte-Croix
France's 3rd largest lake. Turquoise waters, 22 km long. Swimming, pedal boats, canoes, sailing.
Bauduen Beach
Large equipped beach on the Var side of Lake Sainte-Croix. Marina and boat rentals.
Chabassole Beach
Pedal boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Deck chairs facing the lake.
Galetas Beach
Equipped beach with supervised swimming (July-August). Canoes, pedal boats, electric boats.
Sainte-Croix Village Beach
Beach at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon village, at the western end of the lake. Turquoise waters, peaceful setting, ideal for a relaxing day.
Pont du Galetas
Iconic photo spot: gorges on one side, turquoise lake on the other. Starting point for water hikes.
Pedal Boat at Gorges Entrance
Pedal boat rentals to explore the entrance of the Verdon gorges. Accessible to all, even with children.
Sunset Spots
7 spots from Aiguines to admire the sunset over Lake Sainte-Croix.
Aiguines
Hilltop village overlooking Lake Sainte-Croix. Renaissance château, flower-lined streets, woodturners and gateway to the gorges.
Bargème
Highest village in the Var (1,097m). Ruined château, Romanesque chapels and panorama over Upper Var.
Bauduen
Medieval village on the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix, on the Var side. Marina, beach and Provençal streets.
Castellane
Sub-prefecture of the Gorges, dominated by the Roc crowned with Notre-Dame du Roc. Base for rafting and canyoning.
Aiguines Château
Renaissance château (17th century) with varnished tile roofs. Views over Lake Sainte-Croix. Private property, visible from the village.
Esparron-de-Verdon
Medieval village overlooking Lake Esparron. 13th-century château, paved streets and freshwater creeks.
Gréoux-les-Bains
Thermal spa renowned since Roman times. Templar château, baths and markets.
Les Salles-sur-Verdon
Village rebuilt when the lake was filled. Water sports base, equipped beach and water activities.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Most Beautiful Village of France, nestled between two cliffs linked by a golden star. Pottery, waterfall and Notre-Dame chapel.
Quinson
Village at the entrance to the lower Gorges. Renowned Prehistory Museum, lake and kayaking.
Riez
Roman city with its 4 Corinthian columns, Merovingian baptistery and lively Provençal market.
Rougon
Hilltop village at the entrance to the Gorges, renowned for observing reintroduced griffon vultures.
Saint-Martin-de-Brômes
Small Provençal village with its Templar tower and Gallo-Roman museum. Close to Lake Esparron.
Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
Small Provençal village on the south bank of Lake Sainte-Croix. Beach accessible on foot, views over the lake and gorges.
Trigance
Village dominated by a medieval château from the 9th century, now a hotel-restaurant. Southern gateway to the Gorges.
Valensole
Provençal village in the heart of the lavender plateau. Shaded square, fountains and local crafts.
Your ideal base to explore the Verdon
Villa OVerdon in Aiguines offers direct views of Sainte-Croix lake, 5 minutes from Pont du Galetas. 3-star home, 3 bedrooms, garden with views — direct from owner, no commission.
What to See in the Gorges du Verdon?
The Gorges du Verdon form Europe's largest canyon — 25 km of cliffs reaching 700 m in height and intensely turquoise waters. From Aiguines to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, via Rougon and Castellane, the region is a concentration of hilltop villages, viewpoints and preserved natural sites. The Route des Crêtes offers the most stunning panoramas from the north bank. Our complete guide to the Gorges du Verdon covers every site. For an overview of activities, see things to do in the Gorges du Verdon.
The Best Hikes Around the Verdon
The Verdon ranks among the finest hiking spots in southern France. The Blanc-Martel trail (14 km along the canyon floor, tunnels and footbridges) is the undisputed classic. The Imbut trail leads to the Styx, a secret gorge within the gorge. For panoramic lake views, the Plein Voir viewpoints loop is ideal. The Baudinard gorges reveal a hidden canyon. From Moustiers, the Courchon pass combines a Roman road with a chapel. The Rougon loop offers griffon vulture watching. Discover our top hikes.
Beaches, Lake Sainte-Croix and Water Activities
Lake Sainte-Croix, France's 3rd largest lake, offers turquoise waters and open swimming all summer. The Aiguines beaches (Galetas and Chabassole) are the closest to the gorges — rent pedal boats and canoes to paddle into the canyon entrance. On the Var side, Bauduen and Les Salles-sur-Verdon beaches offer sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Pont du Galetas is the iconic photo spot. Costebelle Island, accessible by canoe, is a well-kept secret. For lesser-known spots: our 10 best swimming spots. The water reaches 24°C in summer — our complete lake guide helps you plan.
Planning Your Stay in the Gorges du Verdon
The best period runs from May to October, peaking in July-August. Our when to visit the Verdon guide helps you choose. To plan your days: our ideal itinerary (2, 3 days or 1 week) and the scenic driving tour on both banks. Coming from afar? How to get to the Gorges du Verdon. In the off-season, the Verdon is calm and luminous. For a romantic getaway, we have a 4-day programme.