Where is the Verdon Gorge?
The Verdon Regional Natural Park, spanning 188,000 hectares, straddles the departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var. This park is shaped by the Verdon River, which has carved out an impressive canyon that separates the Prealps of Castellane from the Prealps of Digne.
While the Verdon Gorge is generally referred to as a whole, it is actually composed of four distinct areas:
- The pre-gorges stretch from the village of Castellane to Point Sublime.
- Next, from Point Sublime to Lake Sainte-Croix, lies the Grand Canyon of the Verdon with its towering cliffs.
- Downstream from the Sainte-Croix Dam, you’ll find the lush Gorges of Baudinard. Finally, from Lake Quinson to Lake Esparron, the wild Lower Gorges mark the end.
- Each of these areas is filled with unique treasures, offering diverse experiences for visitors.
You can explore breathtaking landscapes, exciting outdoor activities, and preserved natural sites throughout your journey in the Verdon Gorge.
An article to learn about the History, Geography, and Origin of the Verdon Gorge:
How to Get to the Verdon Gorge?
The Verdon Gorge is filled with activities and breathtaking sights. While its wild and natural character has been preserved, it has also been developed to offer visitors an excellent experience. Whether you prefer to explore these treasures of French heritage on your own or with a guide, you will find the best mode of transport to fully enjoy this wonderful destination.
The Verdon Gorge by Car
The two largest nearby cities to start your vacation in the Verdon Gorge are Marseille and Nice. The Verdon Gorge is full of hidden natural gems and breathtaking viewpoints around every turn. To fully enjoy your visit and stop freely to admire the panoramas, there is no better option than traveling by car.
- From Marseille, it takes about one hour to reach Gréoux-les-Bains, the gateway to the Verdon. From Nice, the closest access point is Castellane, which is about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive.
- Once in the gorge, it’s easy to navigate: two roads run along the banks, giving you access to the charming villages and stunning viewpoints!
- On the right bank, the D952 will take you from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. On the left bank, the road from Aiguines to Castellane follows the D71, D90, and D955.
The Verdon Gorge Without a Car
The nearest train stations to the Verdon Gorge are Digne-les-Bains and Manosque.
However, you can reach Gréoux-les-Bains via the LER 27 bus directly from Saint-Charles station in Marseille. With the same line, you can then continue to Castellane.
- If you’re arriving by plane, the LER 26 line connects Marseille Provence Airport to Digne-les-Bains.
- From Nice Airport or the Nice bus station, the LER 31 bus line will take you to Castellane.
However, keep in mind that once you arrive in the gorge, public transport is not very convenient. It serves only a limited number of locations and is not very frequent.
For this reason, it can be challenging to plan a holiday in the Verdon Gorge filled with activities without having a car.
What is the Best Season to Visit the Verdon Gorge?
The Verdon Gorge offers a captivating experience year-round, with each season giving this vast canyon a unique beauty. In autumn and winter, nature lovers seeking tranquility will be delighted. While water activities are not possible during this period, you can still enjoy peaceful walks and breathtaking panoramas in total serenity.
If you enjoy the intense summer heat and the buzz of tourism, it is recommended to book your activities well in advance. July and August bring many visitors to the Verdon, and activities tend to be in high demand. To find a balance, plan to wake up early. The calm and serenity of nature are accessible to those who start their day early in the morning!
However, if you also want to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Verdon, avoid the summer crowds! From May to September, the temperatures in the Verdon allow for swimming. From spring to autumn, a wide range of water activities, rock climbing on the cliffs, and even aerial adventures are available.
Discover the Verdon in the off-season in our article: Verdon dans sa collection Automne / Hiver
