Verdon Gorge is often called one of the most beautiful places in France. But is it actually worth visiting?
In this video, we take you with us to show you exactly what to expect and whether it deserves a spot on your itinerary.
What you’ll see in this guide…
- How to rent your own self-driven boat on the gorge
- Real costs so you can budget properly
- The best hikes for all levels
- What we wish we knew before visiting
- Best places to eat around the Verdon Gorge
We’re also stopping in one of the prettiest villages in the area you shouldn’t miss: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Verdon Gorge Provence
The Verdon Gorge is a river canyon and one of the most beautiful spots in Provence. It is about 25 km (15.5 mi) long and up to 700 metres (0.4 mi) deep. It was formed by the Verdon River over several million years ago, known for its turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. There are two ways to experience it: from the water or on a hiking trail, and we’re going to talk about both.
Rent a self-driven boat
We experienced it by renting a self-driven electric boat, which ended up being our favourite activity of our entire Provence road trip. We rented our boat with Nautic Verdon and highly recommend using them. There’s free parking nearby, the team is very kind and professional, their prices are fair, and the equipment looks neat and well maintained.
Prices vary depending on the season and how many hours you want, but we found the cost very fair and totally worth it. Just keep in mind they only run from April to mid-November. We paid 90€ for three hours during high season.
They explain how to drive the boat before you head out and it’s super easy. It goes quite slow, but not too slow, still very enjoyable. We all took turns driving and it was so much fun.
From there, we drove the boat all the way to Lac d’Esparron, where you’ll spot the impressive Château d’Esparron overlooking the water. The Verdon Gorge is also connected to Lac de Sainte-Croix, but you can’t access it by boat because of the barrage.
Along the way, the scenery is spectacular. Cliffs on either side, calm turquoise water, and people passing by on kayaks or boats. In early September, it felt lively without being crowded. This is an experience we can’t recommend enough.
Pro tip: bring snacks and drinks. This is the one thing we wish we had done differently. We didn’t think we’d stay on the boat that long, but we loved it so much we kept extending our time — and really wished we had something to eat and drink with us.
Experience the water on a budget
If you’re on a budget or just prefer something different, you can also rent other types of boats with Nautic Verdon. They offer kayaks for the whole day from 35€ to 55€, depending on how many spaces you need. Alternatively, you can rent a paddle boat with a slide, which is around half the price of the electric boat. They also have paddle boards available to rent for the whole day for 35€.
Verdon Gorge Hiking Trails
There are many hiking trails you can do depending on what you want to see, how many hours you have, and your fitness level. But if you only have time for one, here are the best ones we suggest — from most to least intense.
Most iconic: Blanc‑Martel Trail
This is the most iconic hike in the Verdon Gorge and it’s a full-day commitment. The Blanc-Martel Trail is about 14–16 km one way and takes 5 to 7 hours depending on your pace and stops. It runs from Chalet de la Maline to Point Sublime (or the reverse), and because it’s not a loop you’ll need to organise a shuttle or two cars.
You descend deep into the canyon, walk along the river, climb ladders with around 250 steps, and go through long dark tunnels where you’ll need a phone torch or headlamp. There are exposed sections and constant ups and downs, so good fitness and at least 2–3 litres of water per person in summer are essential. However, the views are unmatched.
Most beautiful (but intense): Imbut Trail
Many hikers say this is actually the most beautiful trail in Verdon because it takes you deep inside the canyon with huge cliffs and stunning emerald water views the whole way. It’s around 8–10 km and takes about 5–6 hours. There are metal handrails, narrow paths carved into rock, and sections where you need to scramble slightly. It’s not suitable if you’re scared of heights or not confident on uneven terrain. In summer it’s extremely hot inside the canyon and there’s limited exit points, so once you start you’re committed.
Best overall for most people: Little Blanc‑Martel Trail
The full trail is a point-to-point endurance hike, but the “Little” version is an out-and-back route that’s much easier. It allows families and casual hikers to experience the canyon floor without the difficulty or needing to organise a shuttle bus. It typically takes around 3 hours and starts at Auberge des Cavaliers and reaches the famous Estellié footbridge where you can get right down to the water.
You’ll see the bright turquoise river from above and at river level, which is what most people come to Verdon for. Go early because there is very little shade and it gets extremely hot in summer. Wear proper trainers or hiking shoes since parts are slippery and dusty.
Relaxed scenic option: Lézard Trail
If you want something short and easy but still beautiful, do this. It starts at Point Sublime and you can walk as little or as far as you want, from 30 minutes up to about 2 hours total. The path is well marked and relatively flat compared to the others. You’ll pass viewpoints over the canyon and cross the Tusset bridge. It’s the best option if you’re short on time or just want a relaxed walk with beautiful views without turning it into a full hike. Trainers are fine and you don’t need special gear.
Pro tip: the best time to hike the Verdon Gorge is in Spring or Autumn as in Summer it can get extremely hot. Just make sure you go on a clear day to fully enjoy the colour of the water.
Moustiers Sainte Marie Provence France
After visiting the Verdon Gorge we highly recommend visiting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (or Moustiers).
Moustiers was one of our favourite towns we visited on our Provence road trip. It’s a small village in Provence, and only about a 35 min drive from the boat rental company.
It’s known for its location right at the foot of dramatic rocky cliffs, with a small waterfall from the Ravine de Notre-Dame running through the centre of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and passing beneath the Archos Bridge St. Mary. One of the main sights here is the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel, which you reach by climbing a long stone stairway up from the village.
Above the rooftops, you’ll spot a star suspended between two cliffs. According to local legend, a Crusader knight placed it there as a thank-you to the Virgin Mary after returning home safely.
If you want to sit and have a drink, Café L’Olivier is a good option. It’s slightly touristy but worth it for its location right in the centre surrounded by beautiful old buildings.
Directly opposite is a small ice cream shop called La Solanée, where we tried some great regional flavours. The white cheese with chestnut spread and the lavender flavour stood out and were delicious.
For a meal with a view, Café Gourmandises is a favourite, especially if you can get a balcony table overlooking the water. Another lovely option is Restaurant Côté Jardin, where you can eat on a terrace surrounded by greenery and beautiful scenery.
Best Places to Eat in Verdon Gorge
- For amazing views over the Gorge and goof food, try De L’Aigle.
- Try Chez Steph for incredible views of the cliffs and delicious food.
- Enjoy delicious cheese boards and desserts in a vault at Restaurant Les Tables Du Cloitre.
- For views of the Sainte-Croix lake , try Restaurant Le Côté Lac.
Speaking of restaurants, here are the top spots we recommend near Verdon Gorge.
Related reads you’ll love…
Find out what are the 7 villages in Provence you HAVE to visit (which you cam easily visit from Tourtour!).
If you need to plan a Provence itinerary, start here, we’ve already planned it for you! Plus we share all the tips we wish we knew before we went.
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