The best of the Gorges du Verdon in a day

1. By electric boat: a 3-hour tour of the Verdon Gorges

Hiring a boat is one of the best ways to explore the Verdon Gorges in a day, without rushing or feeling stressed!

A tour of the Verdon Gorges by electric boat takes half a day. The Galetas Bridge marks the entrance to the Verdon Canyon. The boat trip takes 3 hours there and back.

An electric boat is the perfect option if you’re short on time to explore the Gorges and are travelling with your family. Babies and their pushchairs are welcome on board, and the electric boat is particularly quiet. What’s more, children can even steer the boat under adult supervision, as these boats don’t require a licence!

You can hire an electric boat from one of the beaches on Lake Sainte-Croix. Many boat hire companies offer their services from the villages situated on the shores of the lake, such as Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and Bauduen.

2. On foot: the iconic Sentier Blanc Martel hike

For keen hikers, there are several trails to explore the Verdon Regional Nature Park.

The hike you absolutely mustn’t miss is the Sentier Blanc Martel! It’s one of the must-do hikes in the Verdon Gorges, as it’s the only one that runs alongside the riverbed of the Verdon. It follows the GR 4 and allows you to explore Europe’s largest canyon! It’s ideal for fit walkers whoonly havea single day to explore the Verdon Gorges. Allow around 5½ hours for the walk, with an elevation gain of 500 m.

The trail starts at the Chalet de la Maline, near the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon. It’s a 16 km one-way walk that takes you along the canyon floor, allowing you to get up close to the Verdon’s turquoise waters and its magnificent scenery. At the end of the route, you’ll arrive at the Point Sublime. A shuttle bus service allows you to return to your starting point quickly and effortlessly!

3. By car or bike: the Crêtes panoramic road

If you’d prefer to get a bit of a bird’s-eye view, the Route des Crêtes du Verdon awaits you! This spectacular 24 km route offers magnificent views of the Verdon Gorges and the canyon below.

You can explore it by car or by bike. Around 15 viewing points provide opportunities for frequent stops and are a real invitation to contemplate nature.

If you’re passing through the region and don’t have time to organise a boat or canoe trip, driving along the Route des Crêtes is the best option!

For cyclists, bear in mind that there is still a 500-metre climb to the Pas de la Maou viewpoint, followed by another 200-metre climb at the end of the route. This cycle route is best suited to the fittest cyclists or those on electric bikes!

In practical terms, the route starts 800 m from La Palud-sur-Verdon, heading towards Castellane. The road is only open during the summer months, from late March to late November.

Good to know: traffic is one-way on certain sections! You must follow the loop in a clockwise direction.

4. By canoe: a water sport to explore the Verdon Gorges in a day

Fancy a trip on the water, but prefer something a bit more active than a boat? Hop into a canoe and explore the Verdon Gorges in a day!

From Lake Sainte-Croix, you can hire a canoe to explore the Verdon Gorges. This water activity lasts all day and requires a minimum level of fitness to complete the round trip. Don’t forget to pack a picnic for your lunch break!

Good to know: the Surf Center water sports centre in Les Salles-sur-Verdon offers canoe hire and packed lunches to take with you on your trip. A handy way to save time!

5. Canyoning: a 2-hour beginners’ route through the Samson Gorge

A unique way to explore the Verdon Gorges with your feet in the water and your head in the clouds!

More accessible than most canyoning routes, the Samson Gorge is more like a water hike as it doesn’t present any particular difficulties.

You’ll have the chance to explore the Grand Canyon du Verdon on a 2-hour descent that alternates between navigating rapids, swimming and jumping. Suitable for beginners, this route is a great activity to enjoy as a family with children aged 12 and over.

Visiting the Verdon Gorges in a single day will certainly make you want to return to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence! A real playground for fans ofoutdoor activities, the Verdon also has some wonderful cultural discoveries in store for you. Sport, nature, relaxation, history and fine dining are the ingredients for an unforgettable holiday.