Gorges du Verdon aka: Grand Canyon du Verdon

my friends climbed the the verdon on a day that i had to work. we went two days later and it was raining. disappointed? no! i looked down into the gorge and it was so terrifying that i was dancing in the rain! i didn’t have to climb the verdon!!! i climbed 3 years in yosemite, climb 5.12b/7a+, but that place terrifies me.

Wonderful place to visit. Beautiful place to hike, would have liked to have done more but had a 14 month old in tow. Pictures of it simply do not do it justice. Beautiful stars at night, and charming small towns about too.

Pont de l’Artuby in the Gorges du Verdon

The Verdon lies in the Haut Var and border the Alpes de Haut Provence. It is an excellent area to visit.

Grand Canyon du Verdon

This is a spectacular rip in the surface of the earth and is a must-do drive on the higher (southern) road which is chiselled into the side of the chasm. You can hike them if you want.

Lac de Sainte Croix

This is an artificial resevoir, but provides some excellent swimming and a stunning view. You can also take a pedelo up the gorges but beware the tourists.

Plateu de Valensole

On the west side of the lake are endless fields of lavender and the almighty smell of its essence during the summer.

Moustiers Sainte Marie

A gorgeous little village perched on the side of a cliff, again very crowded during the summer.

Aups

Some way south of the lake, is this sedate market town. Don’t miss the saturday market (great local goats’ cheese)!