Verdon Canyon.
A magnificent canyon.
The Gorges du Verdon in southern France’s Provence region are often referred to as Europe’s most beautiful canyon. This spectacular natural site has been formed over thousands of years by the action of erosion and water, sculpting a unique and majestic landscape that requires a little suffering to make it your own.
The Verdon Canyon was formed from limestone deposits dating from the Jurassic era, around 200 million years ago. These rock formations, initially submerged beneath a tropical sea, consolidated in successive layers before being progressively uplifted by tectonic movements. The erosion caused by the Verdon River then carved out the canyon, reaching depths of over 700 metres in places. The phenomenon of karstification, characteristic of limestone soils, has also contributed to the formation of spectacular caves and cavities that can be discovered from the road, but are even better appreciated when hiked. In fact, as I’ve experienced several times, it’s best to do them in the off-season, bearing in mind that in summer it can be extremely hot, and it’s not uncommon for ill-informed tourists to suffer from severe sunstroke and dehydration.
A site in the heart of Provence.
The Gorges du Verdon stretch for some 25 kilometers between Castellane and Lac de Sainte-Croix, straddling the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence départements. This location in the heart of Provence has made them a major part of the region’s history. The Mediterranean climate favours a varied flora and fauna, with emblematic species such as the golden eagle and the griffon vulture, which was reintroduced in 1999 with 91 individuals (Gyps fulvus) released at Rougon, followed in 2005 by the black vulture (Aegypius monachus). These birds of prey, which have a very long range, don’t just hover over the Gorges; I’ve seen them as far away as the Montagne de Lure, which is almost 50 km as the crow flies from their nests, which are often invisible and located right in the middle of the cliff faces of the Gorges.
Agricultural and hydraulic activities linked to the canyon.
Historically, the banks of the Verdon have been used for agriculture, notably sheep farming, olive growing and lavender. The region’s wealth of water allowed crops to be irrigated and orchards to be developed in the surrounding valleys.
In the 20th century, the construction of hydroelectric dams profoundly changed the way the river was used. The Castillon, Chaudanne and Sainte-Croix dams regulated the Verdon’s flow while providing renewable energy to the surrounding villages. The Sainte-Croix lake, the result of this hydraulic development, is now a must-see tourist attraction.
A multi-faceted natural structure.
Further downstream, the lower part of the canyon gradually opens up towards the Lac de Sainte-Croix, where the river slows down and offers a setting ideal for water sports.
Today, the Gorges du Verdon attract thousands of visitors every year to admire its breathtaking panoramas and enjoy the many outdoor activities on offer. The canyon is a paradise for hikers, climbers and white-water sports enthusiasts such as rafting and kayaking. Scenic routes, such as the Route des Crêtes, provide access to lookouts offering breathtaking views of the canyon, but it’s on foot that nature’s handiwork is best appreciated. Whether you’re in the upper or lower reaches, the color of the water and the blue sky generally offer an idyllic setting that makes you forget the gloom of big-city traffic jams, and brings us back to our rightful place in the now fragile balance we’ve created with nature.
Historic and cultural beauty.
The local economy benefits greatly from this influx of tourists, with numerous infrastructures dedicated to welcoming visitors, from typical accommodations to restaurants showcasing Provencal gastronomy. The surrounding villages of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Castellane, Aiguines and La Palud sur Verdon also contribute to the region’s cultural and heritage appeal. But let’s not forget that the region also boasts numerous geological sites where clay is found. It was for this very reason that Louis XIV ordered that gold and silver tableware be melted down to replenish the royal treasury, and Moustiers earthenware acquired a first-rate reputation in the courts of Europe.
The Gorges du Verdon and the surrounding region are a natural and historical treasure, shaped by time and water, and today recognized as a mecca for tourism in Provence. Combining geological heritage, ecological wealth and economic dynamism, this canyon continues to amaze and seduce those who come to explore it.
Manosque (France) – March 2025
