The Grand Canyon of Verdon, ideal for canyoning, rafting, canoeing or kayaking in the Var, is a unique site in France. Here, nature reigns supreme, surprising and wild, offering fantastic scenery and a host of activities for your holiday in the Verdon Gorges.
Welcome to the Verdon Regional Nature Park.
The Verdon gorges, located in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, offer an impressive landscape created by the erosion of the Verdon river on the limestone plateaux of Provence. With a depth of up to 700 metres, the gorges boast exceptional biodiversity thanks to the meeting of Alpine and Mediterranean climates. Popular activities for exploring Europe's largest canyon include canoeing, pedal-boating, rafting and hiking. Magnificent views, such as the Cavaliers cliff and the Balcons de la Mescla, can also be enjoyed along the picturesque Corniche sublime road .
Beyond the Gorges du Verdon lies the Artuby region, a surprising pre-alpine area in the Var, crossed by the Artuby river, which flows into the Verdon at the Pont de l'Artuby. The exit from the grand canyon leads to the magnificent Lac de Sainte-Croix, recognisable by its turquoise water, offering water sports activities, beaches and boat hire. Downstream from the lake, the lower gorges of the Verdon offer magnificent scenery, with lakes such as Quinson, Esparron and Artignosc. So the Verdon is much more than just a majestic canyon, it's a vast territory rich in natural discoveries.
Going further... Beyond the borders of the Var, discover the Verdon as a whole, discover Intense Verdon. A multi-faceted destination steeped in purity, ideal for revitalising yourself in the great outdoors and indulging in some unusual activities. From its source at Allos to its confluence at Vinon-sur-Verdon, the Verdon is an unspoilt natural jewel to explore. Beyond its famous Gorges, this territory is a reminder of the importance of simple things and the pleasures of life. Come and enjoy an intense, healthy and revitalising experience in an environment where you can recharge your batteries.
In addition to the listed site of the Gorges du Verdon, the Verdon is an area with a remarkable heritage: natural sites, built heritage, human know-how... So many treasures to be preserved, but also to be showcased and discovered by visitors.
The Gorges du Verdon is a fantastic playground, with its wild territories and grandiose landscapes. Whether you're looking for a gentle way to relax or a thrilling activity, there's something to satisfy every nature-lover's desire to get moving.
The Verdon is a 3D experience:
With its fish-filled waters and limestone caves, the banks of the Verdon have been inhabited by man since prehistoric times. Over the centuries and millennia, man has settled here, cultivated the land, built villages and castles and shaped the landscape.
Today, the villages that stand sentinel are the guardians of this marvellous site.
Places to visit Aiguines and its castle, Aups and Bargème on our tour of the "Villages de Caractère du Var", the Templar chapel at Comps-sur-Artuby, Trigance castle, the windmills of Régusse, the Artuby bridge, and the history of Salles-sur-Verdon, a sunken village.
In Quinson, the Musée de Préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon will delight the curious.
See all the heritage in the Var
The Haut Var Verdon region is home to the delicious black truffle. There are many truffle growers here, and Aups, regarded as the truffle capital, proudly displays its Maison de la Truffe, as well as the truffle market during the harvest season.
All you need to know about truffles in the Var
A Regional Nature Park, the Verdon is a land whose rich biodiversity produces tasty, high-quality honeys. Agriculture in general and livestock farming play a very important role here.
As elsewhere, the people of the Verdon have developed a range of skills based on the resources available to them: wood and stonework, basketry, livestock products, etc. Discover the woodturners' museum in Aiguines, arts and crafts (ceramics, pottery, sculpture, wickerwork, etc.), producers of goat's cheese, saffron, olive oil, etc.
