France is an amazing country: the birthplace of the most famous perfume fragrances, the trendsetter of world fashion and a favorite vacation spot for millions of tourists from all over the world. It is multifaceted, full of charm and unique attractions, both man-made and natural. And the combination of man-made and natural beauty embodied the Verdon Gorge.
Limestone white mountains, a river swiftly carrying its waters - all this is Verdon, a place where many tourists radically change their view of Europe.
Location
Verdon Gorge (France) is located in Haute Provence. This place harmoniously combines picturesque landscapes rich in bright and fresh greenery and crystal clear water, with sheer cliffs. This is the main attraction, which is the pride of Haute Provence. It is not only the most picturesque place in the area, but also the deepest canyon in Europe.
The Verdon Gorge stretches for nineteen kilometers, its depth is seven hundred and one meters, and its width ranges from almost two hundred to one and a half thousand meters. Possibly experiencedclimbers will not be surprised by such values, but in France the gorge has the status of the deepest and longest in the country. And the beauty of its slopes, which are covered with dense fresh greenery, can compete with many of the most interesting places on Earth.
Nature worked hard to create the Verdon Gorge. The river, the waters of which are painted in some amazing emerald blue color, amazing views of the gorge, almost sheer limestone cliffs, attract travelers from all over the world to these places. This place is located near the French Riviera, so both romantics and extreme tourists come here.
History
Scientists believe that the Verdon Gorge appeared from two hundred to two hundred and fifty million years ago. In those days, the territory that today is called Provence was located at the bottom of the sea, which was inhabited by millions of marine organisms. Over time, the sea dried up, and its invertebrate inhabitants, or rather, their shells, formed huge layers of limestone.
The process of forming the relief of this area was completed by water. For several centuries, the river washed out the local limestone. Its fast azure waters have created a picturesque gorge with numerous caves of the most bizarre shapes.
River Verdon
Verdon Gorge is located in the upper reaches of the river of the same name. She slowly carries her waters from the Alps, from a height of two thousand meters. Then she speeds up her run and heads towards the Mediterranean Sea, merging along the way with another river - Durance. And finallyturning to the west, it enters the gorge, which is famous for its high steep banks. They have long been chosen by climbers from different countries.
The source of the Verdon River is located in the southwestern Alps, at an altitude of more than two thousand one hundred and seventy-six kilometers. The river flows southwest towards Colmars, Allos. km. At one hundred and seventy-fifth kilometer, it merges with Durance at the settlement of Vinon sur Verdon. Several lakes were created between 1929 and 1975 after the river was flooded with dams.
City of Castellane
All tourists heading to the Verdon Gorge must make a stop in this picturesque town. Here you can see an old stone bridge across the Verdon, next to a sheer high rock, on which there is a picturesque church. There are many different shops here: honey, perfume and food. Five minutes from the center of the town there is a lake - Castillon, with rocky shores and crystal clear turquoise water.
The lake is beautiful, but not equipped for beaches. But here you can have a good rest admiring the picturesque views and go fishing (2 categories) on a boat. Not far from the town of Sain-Julien-du-Verdon, which is located along the lake, there is a boat station where you can rent a boat and a catamaran, and in the town you can purchase a permit and the necessary fishing equipment if you do not have one. As the locals say, almost all the fish of the Verdon Gorge are found here: trout, carp and even more.six other varieties.
Lake Saint-Croix
This is another famous attraction of the gorge. The lake was formed artificially, after the construction of a dam located further downstream of the river. Here you can take not only bright and expressive photos that demonstrate the height and grandeur of the limestone mountains, but also swim in the emerald water.
The Verdon Gorge is a unique place in France, where centuries-old natural reliefs are combined with caring human attitude towards them. Here, at a height of several tens of meters, you can hear your own voice, which seems to be repelled by white rocks.
Small and large waterfalls, carrying their waters from the coastal cliffs - this is a magnificent play of water splashes and light. Such pictures give those positive emotions that are difficult to describe, but must be felt.
Rocks
In some places of the gorge, the rocks have an unusual cut, as if a fairy-tale giant cut them with a sharp knife. For this reason, fossil experts come here. Often in these places you can find collapsed limestone, which stores the remains of ancient mollusks. Here everyone can feel like a pioneer archaeologist and touch the centuries-old history.
Sometimes the slopes of the gorge are almost sheer, to the joy of climbers. But, we assure you that it will be interesting here not only for climbers. Numerous walking paths meander along the slopes of the canyon.varying in degree of complexity. They offer stunning views of the gorge. Those who wish can rent a bicycle and ride around the area.
Verdon Gorge is famous not only for its fast river and rocks. On the opposite side of the canyon, there are lavender fields that create a special atmosphere of peace and beauty.
Verdon Gorge: choose the route yourself
There are hiking trails along the canyon that allow you to enjoy the beauty of the gorge. Route des Gorges is a route along the north side of the gorge, along the D952 road from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and route des Crtes (D23), also called the Crete Road.
Its length is about one hundred kilometers, most of the route passes at an altitude of more than nine hundred and fifty meters. The highest point is Col du Grand Ballon (1343 m). You can climb the Cretan road from two sides: from the side of the North or South Rome. A suitable path should be chosen taking into account the lighting and time of day. It is better to leave in the morning as the journey can take the whole day.
In the summer, at the beginning of the journey, you will have the opportunity to admire the flowering fields of lavender. Then you will meet picturesque mountain settlements, and even higher you will see observation platforms from which stunning views of the gorge open. The Verdon Gorge in winter is certainly very beautiful. However, it is far from always possible to drive along the Cretan road at this time, so it is better to go to conquer the peaks in spring or summer. Nearest major city to this route– Cannes, so it’s more expedient to set out on the road from it.
Route de la Corniche Sublime
Southern route that runs from Aiguines to Castellane, following roads D995, D71, D90 to Pont de Soleils. The roads are two-lane, with reliable wooden fences. This is the route most often followed by tourist buses.
Travel by car
Especially the Verdon Gorge (reviews confirm this) is remembered by motorists. Such a trip is guaranteed to bring bright and unforgettable impressions. And all because the roads here are arranged in such a way that often such views of the canyon rocks open before the eyes of motorists, it is simply breathtaking.
Sometimes, blocks of limestone grow right above the road, and it seems that you are moving under a giant stone canopy. For this reason, not all tourists choose to travel by car. But in just a few minutes, amazing views of the rocks covered with greenery, as well as their reflection in the sparkling river, will completely replace even traces of fear.
Active Leisure
Every year the Verdon Gorge wins more and more admirers. Lovers of active and extreme recreation come here. No wonder here, in addition to the main ones, there are dozens of hiking trails. They stretch along the banks of the river, enter the caves and rush to the tops of the gorge. To pass such a route, you should be patient, since such a walk takes at least six hours. But during this time you canfeel how beautiful and harmonious nature can be.
For those who like to conquer mountain peaks, several rocks were equipped here. It is possible to rent kayaks, water bikes, kayaks to get to the very center of the gorge and make your own path along the azure river.
When is the best time to go to the gorge?
We are sure that many were interested in the Verdon Gorge. How to get here, and for what time it is better to plan a trip, will certainly be of interest to future travelers. To fully appreciate the beauty of the Verdon Gorge, it is better to come here in the summer. Despite the fact that the climate in France is quite mild, in autumn and spring in these places it is foggy and it rains quite often. Although many find something inexplicable and bewitching in the foggy canyon.
Verdon Gorge: how to get there?
The most convenient way is to use a rented car, and armed with a map of Provence. But this option is only suitable for experienced drivers who are not afraid of winding mountain roads.
You can use public transport from Aix-en-Provence, Nice and Marseille. Bus number 21 of the LER company follows from Nice via Grasse along the route "Nice - Gap" with a stop at Castellane. This option is inconvenient because the bus leaves only once a day in one direction and the other. Travel time 2 hours 10 minutes.
From Marseille you can take bus number 27 via Aix-en-Provence and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. He also makes one flight a day, and is on the road for 3 hours. From Castellane along the gorge there is a bus number19. Its regimen depends on the season - up to three times a day in spring and summer, one in autumn.
Reviews of tourists
Verdon Gorge is a unique place. According to tourists, to visit here is to make yourself a great gift. From the memories of the time spent here, the heart stops. The gorge allows you to completely break away from reality and immerse yourself in some fabulous atmosphere of a completely different world: unusually blue water, fantastic landscapes, picturesque surroundings, painted in soft pink color due to flowering almonds and lavender fields intoxicating with their aroma.
Here everyone can find a rest to their liking - wander through the picturesque surroundings or swim along a fast river in a kayak, conquer a mountain peak or soak up the gentle sun on the lake. In any case, you will bring a lot of vivid impressions, positive emotions and amazing photos from this trip.
