The Gorges du Verdon is without doubt one of the most incredible spots in the South of France that I’ve ever visited. I’ve been living on the French Riviera, in Nice to be precise, for eleven years now, and I never tire of going there every year, even for the day. Nice is only 2 hours from Le Verdon by car. I went back this summer 2024, and it was undoubtedly the best ever, as I discovered some incredible new spots all around Lac Sainte-Croix. In any case, if it’s your first time there, I’d recommend booking a long weekend in the Gorges du Verdon to have time to visit the region’s best spots.
Between a paddleboard session, a visit to one of France’s most beautiful villages, a photo session in the fields, a day of hiking and climbing, a paragliding flight… Suffice to say, there’s never a dull moment! The region abounds in activities of all kinds, and every year I discover new spots and activities to do, which I share with you below.
1. Paddle in the Gorges du Verdon
It’s impossible to go to the Gorges du Verdon without bringing along my superb Aquatone paddle board. Although there are some superb paddle spots on the French Riviera, I have to admit that the Gorges du Verdon is certainly the most incredible spot to practice this activity. The turquoise water, the rocks with their incredibly well-defined erosion patterns, the calm, the beauty of the landscape and so on, make this an exceptional spot for all paddle and kayak enthusiasts. I especially recommend avoiding summer and paddling off-season in June and September.
2. Swimming on Lac Sainte-Croix
Although Lac de Sainte-Croix is an artificial lake created in 1973 by EDF, it offers absolutely sublime bathing spots: flat water, turquoise color, calm and serenity guaranteed. Every time I went to Lac de Sainte-Croix, I always stopped at the same spot, at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon. This summer, I was able to wander all around the lake and discover it from new angles. What a blast! It’s even more beautiful than I thought. I was able to discover some dreamy new spots, especially to the south-west of the lake…
3. Visit to the Village of Moustier Sainte-Marie
Without doubt, one of the most beautiful villages I’ve visited in the south of France. Although there are some incredible villages on the French Riviera, such as Gourdon, Moustier Sainte-Marie has several assets that leave no one indifferent: its location at the foot of towering cliffs, a small waterfall right in the middle of the village, a chapel perched high up, a church in the middle of the village, restaurants with panoramic views. Moustier Sainte-Marie has been voted one of France’s most beautiful villages and is just 12 minutes from the Verdon Gorge. It’s a must-see if you’re visiting the Verdon.
4. Visit the Lavender Fields between June and July
The lavender season lasts just one month, from mid-June to mid-July. Lavender fields can be found all over the Verdon, but the best-known spot is the Valensole plateau. Located around 30km from the village of Moustier Sainte-Marie, it’s a popular spot for Instagram photos. As well as lavender fields, there are also beautiful fields of poppies and sunflowers!
5. Hiking on the Blanc-Martel trail and the Imbut trail
Not far from the Gorges du Verdon, you’ll find some superb hikes along the river. The best-known are the sentier Blanc Martel and the sentier de l’Imbut. The latter is my personal favorite! There are incredible natural spots like the Styx, a steep, narrow branch of the Gorges du Verdon. Without doubt one of the best views of the hike.
6. Restaurant with a view at Taverne du Lac
I discovered this place by chance when I was terribly thirsty in the middle of summer. We spotted it on google maps and what a surprise! The view over Lac Sainte-Croix literally made me forget my absolute desire to drink, it was so grandiose. In addition to the view, we drank our best spritz at Taverne du Lac and the welcome was TOP. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
7. Driving on the route de la Crète in La Palud sur Verdon
The Route de la Crète offers exceptional panoramic views of the Gorges du Verdon and the surrounding countryside. It’s a panoramic route perched at heights of up to 700m and stretching over 24km. There are 14 belvederes offering breathtaking views.
