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The Gorge du Verdon, which is sometimes called the Grand Canyon du Verdon, is an immense and spectacular canyon that stretches from Castellane to Lac St. Croix. Forming the border between the Alpes-de-Haut-Provence and the Var, the 21-km-long canyon plunges 700 metres in places and varies from 200 metres to 1500 metres rim to rim. Therefore, whilst smaller than Arizona’s Grand Canyon, you are able to fully comprehend the depth, the magnificence and beauty of the Gorges du Verdon.

La Mescala Balcony
From here there is a breathtaking view of the meeting of the waters of the Artuby and the Verdon

Point Sublime
This is the entrance to the Grand canyon with the gorge of the Samson Corridor. Down below, the road ends at the Samson Corridor Viewpoint and car park

From Castellane the road follows the banks of the river where there are delightful areas to stop and admire the scenery. As you head towards Rougons the road takes a dramatic rise and climbs to Point Sublime. The car park here is often very busy in high summer but the short walk from the car park to the viewpoint is rewarded with an unparalleled view of grandeur and wild, natural beauty. At this point, almost 700 metres below, the river forces itself between the narrow and immense cliff walls of the canyon.

The Artuby Bridge
From the bridge one has a breathtaking view of the narrow Artuby Canyon, which is made up of a series of sink holes. The artuby Canyon is, at places, only 50cm wide.

The Fayet Tunnel
From the Fayet Tunnel lookout, one’s view plunges more than 400 metres to the bottom.

It is well worth visiting the base of the canyon at this point to experience the full power and splendour of the canyon. Following the path at the riverside into the canyon you will come across steps that lead to tunnels that have been blasted out of the rock walls. This is a popular walking path that stretches almost the whole 21km of the canyon. The tunnels make for an interesting and very different walk and stretch for approximately 1 kilometre. But please be sure to take a torch, as there are no lights in the tunnels!

Galetas Viewpoint
The Valensole Plateau and the Sainte-Croix Lake at dusk. The Saint-Croix Lake is a beautiful sight and a haven for watersports. It is easy to forget that when the dam was built the village of Salles with its ancient houses was dromwned forever.

Galetas Viewpoint
Panoramic view looking up the canyon. The river is considerably enlarged at this point by the lake waters. The Sainte-Croix Lake has a surface area of 2500 hectares and contains 767 million m³ of water.

The canyon culminates spectacularly at Lac St. Croix and this is a charming spot to enjoy water sports and simply take in the beautiful views.

White Water Sports and Water Activities

The Verdon river offers a wide variety of sports and activities that are suitable for the adventurous and those just wishing to relax. Rafting is one of the most popular water sports in Le Verdon, and it can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Five barrages have been erected in the river so the fluctuations in the water level can be better controlled, although care must always be taken as the water level can change rapidly depending on how much is retained or released by the barrages.

MONTAGNE ET RIVIERE

19 Rue du Mitan
04120 Castellane

Tel/Fax: +33 (0) 492 83 67 24

AQUA VERDON

9 Rue Nationale
04120

Tel: +33 (0) 492 83 69 89

Fax: +33 (0) 492 83 75 81

ABOARD RAFTING

8 Place de l’Eglise
04120 Castellane

Tel/Fax: +33 (0) 492 83 76 11

VERDON RAFT

11 Rue Nationale
04120 Castellane

Tel/Fax: +33(0) 492 83 69 89

Lake Sainte-Croix

Water activities at the lake:

There are lifeguards on duty and only electric motors permitted on the lake.