Discover the canyon by car
The Gorges du Verdon by Car
The Grand Canyon can be followed by car along two panoramic roads, one per bank: the Route des Crêtes on the north side and the Corniche Sublime on the south side. They only meet at the extremities of the canyon — these are two separate excursions, not a single loop. Here’s how to drive them, today’s road conditions, where to park and whether your vehicle will fit.
- Right bank
- Route des Crêtes (D23) — ~23 km, 14 viewpoints, one-way
- Left bank
- Corniche Sublime (D71) — Aiguines → Comps-sur-Artuby
- Both banks
- Only meet at the extremities — two excursions, not one loop
- Duration
- Allow at least two days to tour the whole canyon
- Motorhome
- Tunnels limited to 3.60 m on the sides — see our dedicated guide
Right bank: the Route des Crêtes
From La Palud-sur-Verdon, the Route des Crêtes (D23) strings together 14 viewpoints over about 23 km, up to the Dent d’Aire. The central section is one-way only, driven clockwise, signposted from La Palud. The tunnels limit the width to 3.60 m on the sides (4.30 m in the centre). It also serves the village of Rougon and Point Sublime.
All the viewpoints of the Route des Crêtes → The Route des Crêtes on foot (hike) →
Left bank: the Corniche Sublime
Wilder and more secluded, the Corniche Sublime (D71) links Aiguines to Comps-sur-Artuby via the Col d’Illoire, the Falaise des Cavaliers, the Balcons de la Mescla — the Verdon’s most vertiginous view, at the confluence of the Verdon and the Artuby — and the Pont de l’Artuby, one of Europe’s highest bridges for bungee jumping.
All the viewpoints of the Corniche Sublime →
Today’s road conditions
The full state of the Verdon today (weather, trails, river) →
Parking
A small free car park sits by every Route des Crêtes viewpoint — they fill up fast around midday in summer, so it’s best to arrive early. Point Sublime and the Couloir Samson have their own paid car parks in season. Full details, fares included, are on our dedicated page.
All the Verdon’s car parks, fares included →
By motorhome or van
Both roads can be driven by motorhome with caution: a recommended height of 4.30 m, with tunnels limited to 3.60 m on the Route des Crêtes. Wild camping is banned in the regional nature park (€135 fine) — service areas and campsites in the area are detailed in our dedicated guide.
The Verdon by motorhome: sizes, service areas, roads →
Frequently asked questions
Can you do a full loop of the Gorges du Verdon by car in a single day?
It’s possible to cover just one bank in a day, but not both at once in good conditions: the Route des Crêtes and the Corniche Sublime sit on opposite banks that only meet at the extremities of the canyon. To see both banks without rushing, allow at least two days.
Can you drive directly between the Route des Crêtes and the Corniche Sublime?
No — no bridge or road crosses the floor of the canyon at this point. To get from one bank to the other, you have to go around via the ends of the canyon: via Castellane to the east, or via Lake Sainte-Croix and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to the west.
Can you do this route in a motorhome or a large vehicle?
With caution: the tunnels on the Route des Crêtes narrow to 3.60 m wide on the sides, and the Corniche Sublime is narrow and winding. Our dedicated motorhome guide to the Verdon covers vehicle sizes, the trickier roads and where you can legally spend the night.
Are both roads open all year round?
No. The middle section of the Route des Crêtes closes every winter, and both roads can close temporarily for roadworks or cliff clearance. Check today’s road conditions before you set off — they can change from one season to the next.