Visiting the Gorges du Verdon: Where to Start?
The Gorges du Verdon form Europe's largest canyon: 25 km of cliffs plunging down to 700 metres. At their foot stretches Lake Sainte-Croix, 2,200 hectares of turquoise water. Between the two: Aiguines, a Provençal village perched at 821 m, the perfect base to explore the entire region.
This guide gives you the essential information to plan your visit. Villa OVerdon, in Aiguines just 15 minutes from the lake, offers the perfect base to explore this exceptional natural area.
THE GORGES DU VERDON
LAKE SAINTE-CROIX
THE VILLAGE OF AIGUINES
VERDON NATURAL PARK
Lake Sainte-Croix
Created in 1974, Lake Sainte-Croix covers 2,200 hectares. The third largest artificial lake in France, its turquoise colour makes it one of the most photographed bodies of water in Provence. The water reaches 22–24°C in summer.
Activities on the lake
Kayaking, pedal boats, stand-up paddle and dinghy sailing are available from several water sports centres. The most popular spot: the Pont de Galetas, where you can rent a boat and paddle up into the gorges (1 to 2.5 hours). In July–August, arrive before 9 am to avoid queues.
Practical tip: the Mistral wind regularly picks up late morning.
Beaches
- Aiguines Beach: accessible by car from the village in 15 min. Quiet and uncrowded.
- Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon Beach: larger, lifeguard-supervised in July–August.
- Les Salles-sur-Verdon: pleasant municipal beach.
Read more: Complete guide to Lake Sainte-Croix — Sunset over the lake — Pedal boat ride.
🌊 The lake in numbers
Lake surface area
Water in summer
Crystal-clear water
The Gorges du Verdon
The canyon stretches over 25 kilometres between Rougon and Lake Sainte-Croix. The cliffs reach 700 metres in height. It is Europe's largest canyon.
The two banks
- North bank — Route des Crêtes (D23): the most spectacular viewpoints. Not to be missed: the Plein Voir viewpoint (simultaneous view of the canyon and the lake), Escalès, Trescaïre.
- South bank — Corniche Sublime (D71): wilder, less crowded, with plunging views over the cliffs. Tunnels carved into the rock.
On the canyon floor
The Blanc-Martel trail (14 km, GR4) follows the river through the entire canyon. Tunnels, footbridges, descents into darkness. Duration: 5 to 6 hours, intermediate level. A shuttle is required between Rougon and La Palud — book in advance in summer.
Read more: All the Gorges viewpoints — The Gorges in numbers — Driving itinerary.
🏔 The gorges in numbers
Canyon length
Cliff height
Blanc-Martel trail
Crossing duration
Aiguines, the Village by the Lake
Aiguines (821 m, around 300 inhabitants) is perched on a rocky spur at the southern end of Lake Sainte-Croix. Views of the lake on one side, the ridges and gorges on the other. The most strategic base for exploring the region.
What to see and do
- Château des Pontèves (17th c.): trompe-l’œil façade with colourful roof tiles.
- Now a wood-turning museum: a unique craft tradition in France.
- Castle esplanade: the best viewpoint over the lake at golden hour.
Find out more: Aiguines, a paradise for outdoor activities
🏠 Aiguines, your ideal base
- 📍 821 m altitude — panoramic views over the lake and ridges
- 🌊 15 min from Aiguines Beach and the Pont de Galetas
- 🏛 17th-century château + Wood-turning museum (free entry)
L'histoire d'Aiguines est liée à une tradition de tournage sur bois.
Aiguines était autrefois réputé pour le tournage des boules cloutées.
Aujourdhui cette tradition est perpétuée grâce :
- A l'école Escoulen dédiée à la formation des métiers du tournage du bois. Le village s'est enrichi ainsi de nouveaux tourneurs professionnels,
- Le Musée des Tourneurs sur Bois, ouvert depuis 2014, vous propose de découvrir son histoire à travers ses collections labellisées « Musée de France » qui représentent un Patrimoine rare, témoignage d'un savoir-faire unique, sur lequel s'appuient, chaque jour, les tourneurs actuels.
Découvrir l'école des tourneurs sur bois en vidéo
Site de l'école de tourneurs sur bois, lien
Localiser "Musée tourneur sur bois" sur notre carte interactive
Le chateau d'Aiguines
Surplombant le Lac de Sainte Croix, le Château d'Aiguines jouit d'un panorama privilégié. Héritage du règne d'Henri IV, il représente aujourd'hui un fond patrimonial exceptionnel.
Château élevé par Balthazar de Gauthier dans les premières années du XVIIe siècle. Importantes transformations vers le milieu du XVIIIe siècle : création du jardin, notamment (fontaine datée de 1770).
The Verdon Regional Natural Park
Created in 1997, the Verdon Regional Natural Park covers 188,000 hectares across two departments (Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) and includes 46 municipalities.
Exceptional wildlife
The park is home to iconic species: griffon vultures reintroduced in 1999 (around a hundred pairs today), golden eagles, deer, and otters. The best vulture-watching spots: late morning from the Escalès or Plein Voir viewpoints.
Rules to follow
- Motorised activities are strictly regulated.
- Foraging and fires are prohibited outside designated areas.
- Swimming is allowed but lifeguard supervision is only available at designated beaches.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead on marked trails.
Official website: www.parcduverdon.fr — The Gorges du Verdon in the wild.
The Valensole Plateau and Lavender
The Valensole Plateau begins 30 km from Aiguines. It is one of the largest lavandin-growing areas in France. Flowering generally starts in late June and lasts until mid-July. For photography, the soft early-morning light (before 9 am) is ideal.
The D8 road between Riez and Valensole crosses the densest fields. Local producers sell directly: essential oil, dried lavender, soaps, lavender honey.
Day trip from the villa: morning at Lake Sainte-Croix, lunch in Valensole, afternoon in the lavender fields, return to Aiguines for sunset. Less than 60 km in total.
Read more: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of France's most beautiful villages — Practical tips for the Verdon.
Planning Your Visit: Seasons, Access and Accommodation
When to come?
May–June: the best period. Mild temperatures (20–25°C), swimmable water from mid-June, few crowds. Ideal for hiking.
July–August: hot (up to 38°C). The lake is at its best for water activities. Arrive early.
September–October: golden light, water still warm (22–24°C), visitor numbers divided by three. Hikers’ favourite season.
📅 Which season to choose?
| Period | Weather | Ideal for | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| May – June | 20–25°C ☀ | Hiking, villages | ⭐ Low |
| July – August | 30–38°C 🔆 | Water sports, swimming | ⭐⭐⭐ High |
| Sept – Oct | 22–27°C 🍂 | Hiking + water sports | ⭐ Low |
How to get there?
- By car: from Marseille (1h30), Nice (2h), Lyon (3h30), Paris (6h). GPS: Aiguines, 83630 Var.
- Without a car: train to Marseille or Toulon, then seasonal Zou! shuttle to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Where to stay as a base?
Villa OVerdon is located in Aiguines, 15 minutes from the lake and the Pont de Galetas. A villa with a pool, ideal for families and groups. Check availability.
Read more: Practical tips for the Verdon — 15 must-do activities in the Gorges.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gorges du Verdon
What is the best time to visit the Gorges du Verdon?
May–June and September–October offer the best balance: pleasant weather, comfortable water temperature and few crowds. July–August is ideal for water activities, provided you arrive before 9 am at the lake car parks.
How many days should you plan to see the highlights?
At least 4 days to see the lake, hike to the viewpoints and visit a village. 6–7 days to hike, kayak and explore the surroundings (Moustiers, Valensole).
Can you visit with children?
Yes. Lake Sainte-Croix is perfect from age 5 (calm waters, shallow shores, equipped beaches). The viewpoints are accessible by car. The Blanc-Martel trail is not recommended for children under 10–12.
What is the difference between the Route des Crêtes and the Corniche Sublime?
The Route des Crêtes (D23, north bank) runs along the most spectacular viewpoints. The Corniche Sublime (D71, south bank) is wilder, with views over the cliffs and the river. Ideally, do both as a loop over two days.
Can you swim in the Gorges du Verdon?
Lake Sainte-Croix offers far more comfortable conditions: supervised beaches, calm waters, and a gentle slope into the water.
What are the best hikes?
The Blanc-Martel trail (14 km, intermediate level) is the signature hike. The Plein Voir viewpoint loop (3 h, all levels) offers a simultaneous view of the lake and the gorges.