Just 1½ to 2 hours away by road, for a complete change of scenery, head to the Verdon Regional Nature Park. Located in the adjoining regions of Var and Alpes de Hautes Provence, its famous gorges along the river Verdon are the most striking feature of the park today, with their gigantic limestone cliffs.
The Gorges du Verdon
Magnificent landscapes
Verdon Regional Nature Park has many protected areas with abundant flora and fauna. The winding road between each end of the Canyon des Gorges offers dizzying panoramic views. In the South, the Quinson and Esparron lakes or the larger Sainte Croix and Castillon lakes in the north, with their still waters and turquoise reflections, are ideal for freshwater sports such as kayaking, pedalo boating, paddleboarding or even safe swimming.
Authentic villages
On each side of the banks of the Verdon, several pretty villages are worth a visit. Moustiers Sainte Marie, 5 km from the Sainte Croix lake, is built in the shape of an amphitheatre at the foot of two rocky outcrops, and boasts an astonishing architectural heritage. You can stop to admire it and discover its famous faience pottery.
The villages of Bauduen and Vinon sur Verdon, both have a magnificent view over the lakes where the road bends among the narrow streets of stone-built houses.
Perched high up on a hill, Trigance is home to an 11th century castle. You'll be enchanted by its winding streets and traditional houses. Glorious rays of light illuminate the Castle hill at sunset. Get your camera out!
Leaving the Gorges, the village of Castellane welcomes tourists from all over the world. The remains of the 14th century town wall can be admired from the Notre dame du Roc chapel. A very lively village, built around place Marcel Sauvaire, it's the starting point for several walks and is highly prized by nature lovers.
The villages of Bauduen and Vinon sur Verdon, both have a magnificent view over the lakes where the road bends among the narrow streets of stone-built houses.
Perched high up on a hill, Trigance is home to an 11th century castle. You'll be enchanted by its winding streets and traditional houses. Glorious rays of light illuminate the Castle hill at sunset. Get your camera out!
Leaving the Gorges, the village of Castellane welcomes tourists from all over the world. The remains of the 14th century town wall can be admired from the Notre dame du Roc chapel. A very lively village, built around place Marcel Sauvaire, it's the starting point for several walks and is highly prized by nature lovers.
For lovers of the great outdoors
If you're crazy about fresh water sports, rock-climbing or hiking, or even aerial sports, you're in the right place. Whether you like rafting, riverboarding, canyoning or kayaking, going down the Verdon canyon will be a real thrill for adrenalin junkies! There are also several good spots for paragliding, hang gliding, bungee jumping and rock-climbing. Many centres offer the chance to practice these activities safely, supported by qualified activity leaders.
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, you can also try horse-riding, mountain biking or hiking. The park extends over 178,000 hectares, and many paths are marked such as the well-known Grande Randonnée hiking trails GR4, GR49 and GR99. There are also walks that are suitable for the whole family. More than 70 routes are marked out in the Verdon Regional Nature Park.
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, you can also try horse-riding, mountain biking or hiking. The park extends over 178,000 hectares, and many paths are marked such as the well-known Grande Randonnée hiking trails GR4, GR49 and GR99. There are also walks that are suitable for the whole family. More than 70 routes are marked out in the Verdon Regional Nature Park.
