RoadAtlas
Gorges du Verdon — France — Scenic
Europe

Gorges du Verdon

France

In short: Gorges du Verdon is a 87 km scenic road trip in France, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in April – October. Highlights: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Lac de Sainte-Croix, La Palud-sur-Verdon.

Distance
87 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
April – October
IconicModerateScenicEV-friendly

France's answer to the Grand Canyon, a 25 km gash through the limestone hills of Provence where the Verdon River has carved sheer cliffs nearly a kilometre high. The usual route begins in the hilltop town of Moustiers-Ste-Marie, creeps around the gorge rim with roadside viewpoints galore, loops the 23 km Rte des Crêtes with 14 lookouts (keep eyes peeled for eagles and vultures), and ends at Castellane.

Practical notes
The corniche roads hugging the canyon rim are narrow, with blind bends and sheer drops of up to 700 m. Pass through sections carefully and use designated pullouts to appreciate the views safely. The route can be congested in July and August, so an early morning start is strongly advised.
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Stops along the route

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — Departure — Gorges du Verdon — France
Departure
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
One of France's most beautiful villages, wedged in a cliff cleft. A 13th-century chapel, a star on a 227 m chain, and a faience pottery tradition since 1679.
Hotels
La Palud-sur-Verdon — City — Gorges du Verdon — France
City
La Palud-sur-Verdon
The gorge hub at 930 m, departure point for the Route des Crêtes circuit. The canyon 700 m below is invisible from the village; it appears at the first hairpin.
Hotels
Castellane — Arrival — Gorges du Verdon — France
Arrival
Castellane
Provençal market town dominated by a 180 m limestone monolith topped by Notre-Dame du Roc chapel. Wednesday and Saturday markets under the plane trees.
Hotels

Things to Do

Lac de Sainte-Croix — Nature — Gorges du Verdon — France
Nature
Lac de Sainte-Croix
Electric-blue reservoir at the gorge mouth, its colour from glacial minerals. Kayaks dot the water; the D957 bridge gives the definitive Verdon view.
Route des Crêtes — Nature — Gorges du Verdon — France
Nature
Route des Crêtes
A 23 km rim loop with 14 numbered viewpoints. The Belvédère de l'Escalès looks 300 m straight down to the turquoise Verdon threading the gorge floor.
Point Sublime — Landmark — Gorges du Verdon — France
Landmark
Point Sublime
The gorge's finest overlook, a 700 m overhang above the Couloir Samson narrows. A 2 km trail descends to the river; the cliffs look completely vertical from below.
Saint-Maurin Nature Reserve — Nature Reserve — Gorges du Verdon — France
Nature Reserve
Saint-Maurin Nature Reserve
Explore travertine formations, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna in this 26-hectare reserve.
Maison des Gorges du Verdon — Museum — Gorges du Verdon — France
Museum
Maison des Gorges du Verdon
Discover the rich environment and history of the Verdon canyon in this eco-museum housed in an 18th-century château.
Aventures et Nature — Outdoor Activity Provider — Gorges du Verdon — France
Outdoor Activity Provider
Aventures et Nature
Engage in canyoning, aqua rando, via cordata, and climbing adventures tailored for all skill levels.

Where to Eat

Le Rive Gauche — French, Mediterranean — Gorges du Verdon — France
French, Mediterranean
Le Rive Gauche
Enjoy succulent pork chops and fresh small plates with a view of the Verdon river valley.
Brasserie du Petit Lac — Pizza, Grill — Gorges du Verdon — France
Pizza, Grill
Brasserie du Petit Lac
Delight in a variety of pizzas and grilled dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere near Lac de Sainte-Croix.
L'Antidote — French, European — Gorges du Verdon — France
French, European
L'Antidote
Experience original French and European cuisine in a charming setting, a highlight of the region.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Gorges du Verdon drive?

The Gorges du Verdon covers 87 km from start to finish.

How long does the Gorges du Verdon take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Gorges du Verdon, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Gorges du Verdon?

The recommended season for the Gorges du Verdon is April – October.

Where does the Gorges du Verdon start and end?

The Gorges du Verdon runs from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Castellane.

What are the main stops on the Gorges du Verdon?

The Gorges du Verdon passes through Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Lac de Sainte-Croix, La Palud-sur-Verdon.

Can I drive the Gorges du Verdon in a regular car?

Yes — the Gorges du Verdon is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Gorges du Verdon EV friendly?

Yes — the Gorges du Verdon has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Gorges du Verdon safe to drive?

The corniche roads hugging the canyon rim are narrow, with blind bends and sheer drops of up to 700 m. Pass through sections carefully and use designated pullouts to appreciate the views safely. The route can be congested in July and August, so an early morning start is strongly advised.

What scenic tier is the Gorges du Verdon?

The Gorges du Verdon is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.