Where to stay
The right place to stay is, first of all, the right area. Whether you are coming for hiking, white water, swimming or peace and quiet, the ideal base changes. Here is how to choose — then find every place to stay in our directory.
See the 471 places to stayThe base for canyon lovers: the starting point of the Route des Crêtes and the Blanc-Martel trail, a stone’s throw from Point Sublime. Ideal for hikers and anyone who wants the plunging view on waking. A more limited choice of accommodation — book early.
The gateway town to the gorge and the capital of white water: this is where you find the most shops, restaurants and places to stay, and where rafting and canyoning trips set off. The most practical base for a first trip.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Bauduen: on the shore of Lake Sainte-Croix, this is the base camp for a swimming and family holiday, with the Pont du Galetas a paddle away.
The perched village facing the lake, on the south bank: the base for those who want the Corniche Sublime, the Balcons de la Mescla and a quieter Verdon, away from the crowds of the right bank.
Further from the gorge but peaceful, the spa town of Gréoux and the villages of the Valensole plateau suit a gentle stay, mixing wellness, lavender and day trips into the canyon.
Three main bases cover the essentials: La Palud-sur-Verdon in the heart of the canyon (right bank, for hikers), Castellane to the east (services, shops and white water), and the lakes area to the west (Moustiers, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Les Salles, for swimming and families). Aiguines is a good base on the left bank, and Gréoux-les-Bains for a quiet, spa-focused stay.
Castellane for services, restaurants, white water and a wide choice of accommodation — the most comfortable base, at the eastern entrance to the gorge. La Palud-sur-Verdon to be closest to the belvederes and the great hikes (Route des Crêtes, Blanc-Martel), with a smaller choice to be booked early.
Around the lake: Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Les Salles-sur-Verdon and Bauduen right by the water, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie just above. This is the ideal area for swimming, canoeing at the Pont du Galetas and a family holiday.
Not necessarily: one or two bases are enough for three days. As the two banks of the canyon only meet at either end, some prefer one night on the right bank (the canyon) and one night by the lakes to cut down on driving — but staying in Castellane or by the lake works very well.