📍 France

VERDON GORGE: ALPINE DRAMA AND PERCHED VILLAGES

Q: What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere. Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season. Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value. Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

Turquoise waters carving limestone gorges, villages perched above the void, alpine passes commanding respect. The Verdon demands time.

≈ 11

Days

Stops

📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore the Verdon gorges between cliffs and turquoise waters. Walk the rocky trails, pass through Entrevaux and its ramparts, paddle beneath Aiguines, wander through Castellane and sleep in stone villages clinging to the walls.

Verdon Gorge: turquoise canyon depth
Entrevaux: rampart-wrapped stronghold
Castellane: gateway alpine drama
Aiguines: cliff village kayak base
Sainte-Croix: lake village silence

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Thorenc

pre-alpine meadows wildflower silence

4 photos

Day 1

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Discover

Discovery of the biological reserve of the Monts d'Azur and wildlife observation.

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Activities

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Safari on foot or by carriage to approach bison, horses and deer in semi-freedom.

Day

Entrevaux

rampart fortress mountain stronghold

5 photos

Day 2

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Discover

Entrevaux — medieval city fortified by Vauban: gates, ramparts and drawbridge over the Var.

Old town — narrow streets, small squares and Provençal fountains.

Citadel (exteriors and panoramic ascent via the zigzag path).

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Activities

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Arrival by the Pignes Train (tourist section) and stroll along the platforms.

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Photo tour of the enclosures and viewpoints above the Var valley.

Day

Annot

river canyon sandstone village

6 photos

Day 3

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Discover

Annot — medieval town that has remained authentic, tall houses, narrow streets and vaulted passages.

Sandstone quarter — chaos of blocks and woodland paths.

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Activities

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Climbing and bouldering on the sandstone (equipped sites) or hiking the sandstone circuit.

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Round trip on the steam Pignes Train (according to schedule).

Day

Castellane

mountain gateway alpine sentinel

5 photos

Day 4

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Discover

Castellane — lively Provençal town, remains of fortifications, posterns and towers.

Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Roc.

Old town.

Notre-Dame du Roc (ext.) — promontory overlooking the Verdon.

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Activities

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Starting point for the Verdon gorges.

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Canyoning.

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Whitewater sports on the Verdon (rafting/canoeing depending on conditions).

+1 Optional activities

Day

La Palud Sur Verdon

gorge rim hiking point base

5 photos

Day 5

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Discover

Verdon Gorges.

Route des Crêtes.

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Activities

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Sentier Martel hiking trail.

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Kayak.

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Rock climbing.

Day

Aiguines

cliff village turquoise gorge below

5 photos

Day 6

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Discover

Visit to the waterfall of Sillans and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Ascent to the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir for the view over the lake.

Aiguines — perched village overlooking Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorges.

Renaissance château (private) with glazed tiles, panorama over the Valensole plateau and the Préalpes.

+1 Places visited

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Activities

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Swimming at the edge of Lake Sainte-Croix and relaxation in Bauduen.

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Visit to the wood turning museum and local craft workshops.

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Hiking on the D71 road (Verdon balconies) and viewpoints over the canyon.

+1 Optional activities

Day

Les Salles Sur Verdon

lakeside village water reflections

5 photos

Day 7

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Discover

Les Salles-sur-Verdon — village rebuilt after the old site was submerged under the dam waters in 1973.

Discovery of the bell tower, fountain, old washhouses and war memorial, remnants of the vanished village.

Stroll through the new village with its flower-lined streets and revisited Provençal architecture.

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Activities

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Walking tour to the lakeside and panorama of Costebelle Island.

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Provençal market on Thursday morning and local products on the main square.

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Water activities: paddleboard, pedal boat or windsurfing from the lake base.

Day

Moustiers Sainte Marie

ceramic tradition emerald gorge

4 photos

Day 8

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Discover

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — village classified among the most beautiful in France, famous for its earthenware and its star suspended between two rocky peaks.

Faience workshops.

Climb to Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel on the cliff face

Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church and earthenware museum (centuries-old craftsmanship).

+6 Places visited

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Activities

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Hike to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel for a view over the lake and the Verdon Gorges.

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Crafts.

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Walk around the Rion waterfall or towards the Sainte-Madeleine cave.

+5 Optional activities

Day

Sainte Croix Du Verdon

lake village ancient silence

5 photos

Day 9

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Discover

Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon — village built on a rocky promontory at the exit of the Gorges du Verdon.

Picturesque old houses, flowered squares and 16th-century parish church.

Village belvedere — 180° panorama over the lake and surrounding mountains.

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Activities

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Water sports center — windsurfing, kayak, pedal boat or sailing on the turquoise waters.

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Hiking towards the hills overlooking the lake or sunset stroll on the pier.

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Tuesday morning market and local products on the church square.

Day

Riez

roman heritage lavender plains

6 photos

Day 10

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Discover

Roman columns.

Riez-la-Romaine — ancient remains (temple columns), old baptistery and medieval heart.

Museum.

Gypsum plasterwork route (molded plaster decorations) on remarkable facades and interiors.

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Activities

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Valensole Plateau (lavender in summer).

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Provençal market.

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Heritage loop between private mansions, staircases and sculpted porches.

+1 Optional activities

Day

Bauduen

lake shore golden sunset

8 photos

Day 11

🔍

Discover

Bauduen — crescent-shaped village by the lake, typically Provençal with its narrow streets and stone houses.

Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church and Saracen tower of the village.

Ruins of the medieval castle overlooking Bauduen bay.

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Activities

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'Circuit de Bauduen' hike — panoramic loop around the lake (map available at the tourist office).

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Swimming, sailing, canoeing or pedal boating on the village beaches.

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Sunday market on the village square.

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

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