The Verdon Gorge must be on your bucket list! If you find yourself in Provence, you should definitely stop by this beautiful place in the Luberon. Look at these impressive rock formations and the turquoise water. IT for sure looks like lagoons we have seen in Thailand! I was dreaming to visit this place for years and I was not disappointed at all. The color of the water is even more beautiful in person.
If you are planning a road trip to Provence soon, you will find all the useful information in this travel guide to the Verdon Gorge! Let’s start 😉
You can also read our Provence travel guide to find all the places to visit and plan your trip!
Useful information about the Verdon Gorge
Before starting, just a few useful pieces of information about this place. The name of the lake is Ste Croix and the name of the bridge is the Galetas. It is usually where the trip begins but you can also start by another place, you will also find boat rentals. Moreover, you need to know that several activities are available there. You can either rent a boat or a kayak and cross the Gorge, or hike to have beautiful points of view. The most famous hike is around 3h.
When is the best time to visit the Verdon Gorge?
The best time to visit this place is between June and September. Especially if you are planning to have a swim! Also, during this time you will be able to rent a boat and cross the beautiful Gorge. Be careful during the high season, the months of July and August there are many tourists. Make sure to come before 10 am to have a boat and enjoy the experience fully!
How to come there?
The best way to explore Provence and the Verdon Gorge is to come by car. Especially if you want to visit several spots. If you are coming from close countries like Belgium, Italy, or Switzerland, you can come with your own car. If you are coming from elsewhere, you can still book a flight to Aix en Provence, Marseille or Nice and then rent a car. You will pay between 500 and 700€ per week. It’s quite expensive here in Provence. Just for 48 hours, you will pay 200€ for a small car.
If you are coming from Marseille/Cassis, it is around 1h50 driving. If you are coming from Aix-en-Provence it is around 1h20.
What to rent? A boat or a kayak?
First of all, you should reach the Galetas bridge and park there. It’s the one you can see in the photo below. There is huge free parking. Then there are several rental shops. You have the choice between a small boat, a pedalo boat, or a kayak. Personally we have rented a pedalo boat because we didn’t have a waterproof bag so we couldn’t take a kayak and we find it really fun!
I really advise you to rent a boat for 2 hours. Especially if you want to go until the end of the Gorge and take photos along! The prices for the different options are below:
A kayak: 12€ for 1 hour and 20€ for 2 hours.
A pedalo boat: 40€ for 2 hours.
A classic boat (for 4 to 6 persons): 30€ per hour and 50€ for two hours.
Is it allowed to swim?
Yes even if the area is protected, you can totally swim! You just need to know that te water is a bit cold unless you come during summer.
Where to eat?
You can either bring a picnic and eat it near the lake or you can go to local restaurants near this place. We have tried the Italian restaurant located just before the Galetas bridge and we loved it. There is a terrasse outside where you can have a lunch. They serve salads, pizza and pasta. And oh, they have gelatos! 😉
What other places visit near the Verdon Gorge?
You can also visit the beautiful village of Moustier Ste Marie that is very close. If you have more time you can of course visit Cassis, the Calanques, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Gordes, or Valensole.
You are planning to visit the Verdon Gorge soon?
I hope this travel guide will be helpful for you! If you have more questions feel free to ask me in the comments 😉
And don’t forget to follow our next adventures in Provence on Instagram @chiarabarrasso @jelafaille
