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What to do

What to do in the Gorges du Verdon

The Verdon, often nicknamed Europe’s Grand Canyon, can be experienced in a thousand ways: on foot along its vertiginous trails, in its rapids, on its turquoise lakes, at the end of a rope or under a wing. Here’s everything you can do here — for an hour or for a week.

See the activities on the map

Also in the Verdon

Climbing

The Gorges du Verdon are “an internationally renowned climbing site”, according to Verdon Tourisme: more than 1,500 routes, the legendary Falaise de l’Escalès and rappel access. The complete guide.

 Horse riding

On horseback from the heart of the gorge to the lavender plateaus: riding centres on both sides of the canyon, multi-day treks, pony rides from age 3. The complete guide.

 Via cordata

Equipped routes between hiking and climbing, run by the local guide offices (there’s no classic via ferrata in the Verdon, but via cordata routes).

 Paragliding

From the legendary Chalvet site (Saint-André, a World Cup venue) to tandem introductory flights over the gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix. The complete guide.

 Cycling & mountain biking

The Route des Crêtes and the Col d’Allos (2,250 m) on road bike, 650 km of waymarked MTB trails, e-bikes and gravel riding around the lake: the complete guide to cycling in the Verdon.

 Trail running

Two ITRA races (the Var Verdon Trail Canyon in Aiguines in June, the Roc’n Trail in Castellane in September) and 300+ km of waymarked trails to run year-round. The complete guide.

 Sporting events

SwimRunMan, Raid des Étoiles du Verdon, Verdon Swim Experience, Triathlon Natureman Var: the Verdon’s major competitions other than trail running — verified 2026 dates, distances and registration details.

 Fishing

Brown trout in category-1 rivers and predator fish in Lake Sainte-Croix — pike, zander, catfish, no-kill black bass: permits, regulations, float tubes and the certified fishing stretch. The complete guide.

 Lake Sainte-Croix beaches

The beaches of the Verdon’s largest turquoise lake, one by one: Galetas, Margaridon, Bauduen, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Chabassole… shore, access, lifeguard supervision or not, dogs allowed. Map and individual listings.

 Canoeing at the Pont du Galetas

Passing under the Pont du Galetas by canoe, kayak or electric boat and paddling up the entrance of the Grand Canyon as far as the yellow buoys: distance, 2026 prices, rental operators and safety. The complete guide.

 Wellness & spa

After the effort, the comfort: massage, private spas and jacuzzis in the heart of the gorge (Castellane, La Palud) and thermal spa treatments in Gréoux-les-Bains. Where to unwind in the Verdon, verified addresses.

 Bungee jumping

The Pont de l’Artuby (182 m according to the operator, about 137 m from the deck to the river according to the IGN): height, prices, minimum age and weight limits, booking. The complete guide.

 Quad biking & dirt biking

The 600-hectare motocross/enduro/quad/trials school at Senez (Boade) and the guided quad and SSV (buggy) rides from the Valensole plateau to the Basses Gorges (Quad Escape). Prices and booking.

 Caving

The Grotte de Plérimond at Aups and, further away in Provence, the Castelette cave and the Aven de l’Olivier: four operators run guided outings into the underground world, from age 8. The complete guide.

 Skiing & winter sports

The La Foux d’Allos resort (Espace Lumière, about 1 h 15 min by road from Castellane) and the Colle-Saint-Michel and Ratery cross-country ski areas: what stays open in the Verdon in winter, and what does not.

 Culture & villages

Moustiers faience, the prehistory of Quinson (its museum describes itself as one of the largest prehistory museums in Europe), the hilltop villages: the Verdon is also explored on foot through its lanes.

 Lavender & local produce

The lavender fields of Valensole, Provençal markets, Aups truffles: the Provence of flavour and colour, set against the backdrop of the gorge.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in the Gorges du Verdon?

The must-dos: hiking (the Blanc-Martel trail at the bottom of the canyon), rafting or canyoning down the river from Castellane, swimming and paddling on Lake Sainte-Croix, passing under the Pont du Galetas by canoe or electric boat, and driving the Route des Crêtes and its viewpoints. The Verdon is also ideal for climbing (more than 1,500 routes according to Verdon Tourisme), paragliding, mountain-pass cycling, and exploring the villages (Moustiers, Quinson, Valensole).

What family activities are there in the Verdon?

Swimming in the lakes (Sainte-Croix, Castillon), pedal boats and licence-free electric boats, easy canoeing at the Pont du Galetas, introductory rafting sections (often from age 6), and short hikes to the viewpoints. Lifeguard-supervised beaches in summer and watersports bases make the lakes very accessible.

Can you do activities in the Verdon outside the summer season?

Yes. Hiking is possible from spring through autumn (and in winter at lower altitudes). Whitewater sports are at their best in spring. In winter, the Haut-Verdon switches to skiing (Val d’Allos), and Gréoux-les-Bains offers thermal spa treatments. See the “When to visit” page for the full calendar.

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