Aerial view of the entrance to Gorges du Verdon — one of France's most visited natural sites
Numbers in Constant Growth
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The appeal of Gorges du Verdon has grown continuously over the past two decades. If in the 2000s, the territory represented about 26% of the department's tourism, the numbers have only increased since.
- 600K visitors/year — Early 2000s, when the Verdon was still relatively unknown.
- 1M visitors/year — International fame explodes in the 2010s.
- 1.5M visitors/year — Post-Covid effect propels numbers to record levels from 2021–2022.
- 4.6M visitors/year — Global 2025 figure for Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon.
A Peak Season… Among Four Exceptional Seasons
Seasonality is a major characteristic of Gorges du Verdon tourism. Nearly 50% of visitor traffic concentrates in July and August, averaging 4,641 vehicles per day during peak season. Yet this reality is also an opportunity: the Verdon off-season is a well-kept secret. Discover our ideal route to visit the Gorges du Verdon.
The Verdon in All Its Forms: A Four-Season Destination
Each season reveals a different face of this remarkable site:
- Spring — Rock climbing, canoeing through empty gorges, wildflowers carpet the plateaus.
- Summer — Swimming in Lake Sainte-Croix, pedal boat rides, sunrise hiking on Route des Crêtes.
- Autumn — Golden light on cliffs, mountain biking, villages reclaimed in authentic atmosphere.
- Winter — Snow-capped ridges, winter wildlife, an intimate and silent atmosphere.
Visitor Profile
Gorges du Verdon's clientele consists mainly of French visitors (80%), with 30% from the PACA region. Foreign visitors represent 20% of traffic, primarily from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. Also discover the hidden secrets of the Gorges du Verdon.
Drivers of This Growth
- Post-Covid Effect: the pandemic strengthened the appeal of open natural spaces. Visitor numbers to protected areas in France surged 8% in 2024.
- International Recognition: Gorges du Verdon regularly ranks among Europe's most beautiful canyons.
- Infrastructure Improvements: development of water sports bases, marked trails, and quality accommodations at the Pont de Galetas and on the Route des Crêtes.
- Grand Site de France Label: the initiative started in 2002 has structured tourism offerings and sustainably promoted natural heritage.
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.
