Verdon Gorges: 7 Family Activities for the Summer

1. Become a Boat Captain in the Verdon Gorges: the #1 activity for the whole family!

Ahoy, sailor! Take the helm of a boat and take your parents on a tour of the Verdon Grand Canyon —it’s possible! Kids love playing captain for a day thanks to boat rentals that don’t require a boating license.

From Lake Sainte-Croix, you can rent an electric boat to explore the Verdon Gorges. Quiet, comfortable, and best of all, no boating license required—it’s the perfect way to discover the canyon’s wonders at your own pace.

For new parents, you can even bring your baby’s stroller on board, and a canopy keeps you sheltered from the sun. You can also go on a day trip and bring your own picnic lunch.

2. Have a blast on a water slide pedal boat on Lake Sainte-Croix

Who says water slides are only for water parks? On Lake Sainte-Croix, hop aboard a water slide pedal boat for some thrilling slides and lots of fun! Up to 5 people can ride, and even the little ones can enjoy it.

Your kids can pretend to be Robinson Crusoe as they explore the little island of Costebelle. This islet has remained natural and untamed, and is a big hit with budding little adventurers.

The water slide pedal boat is undoubtedly a star among children’s activities on Lake Sainte-Croix… The little ones love it, and so do the parents. Ready to make some splashes?

3. Tree Climbing at the Adventure Forest Tree-Top Adventure Park in Castellane

What we really love about the adventure park in Castellane is that you can take young children there. The park offers tree-climbing activities for kids as young as 4, with courses accessible to those 1 m tall and up.

For children ages 6 and up, a junior course is available for those at least 1 m 20 tall. Your kids will be able to climb, jump, swing from tree to tree, and soar through the air on a zip line!

And for teens and adults, there’s a full-fledged adventure course featuring challenges up to 12 m high and zip lines spanning 80 m and 130 m above the Verdon River! Thrills guaranteed!

4. Explore the Verdon on Horseback with the Family

For budding young riders, anintroductory horseback riding session is always a highlight! Horses and ponies are fascinating creatures that never fail to captivate little ones. Starting at age 4, your child can discover the joys of horseback riding on guided outings accompanied by a parent.

With slightly older children who are comfortable on horseback, you can set out on a family horseback ride along the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix. The one-hour horseback riding excursions allow you to gently get used to the horse’s pace and discover the treasures of the Verdon Regional Nature Park.

For a horseback ride, we highly recommend the team at Verdon Equitation in Les Salles-sur-Verdon

5. Step Back in Time at the Quinson Museum of Prehistory

In the mood for a cultural break? Head to the Quinson Museum of Prehistory, one of the largest in Europe!

You won’t get bored at this fascinating museum dedicated to our ancestors. The museum is designed for families, and the creators have made sure even the youngest visitors are included. Life-size recreations of prehistoric scenes let you fully immerse yourself in the past! The giant mammoth that greets you at the entrance immediately sets the tone for your visit!

6. Take Your Kids on a Water Hike in the Verdon Gorges

Water hiking is a great alternative to canyoning for younger children, as some trails are accessible to kids as young as 6. Water hiking involves traveling down rivers and streams on foot or by swimming. No ropes or harnesses are needed—just a wetsuit, a life jacket, and a helmet. While jumps are offered along the route for the more adventurous, they’re never mandatory.

Great fun, water hiking in the Verdon Gorges is an ideal family activity. The best-known route is the Samson Corridor, which is easy and suitable for children. The Lower Verdon Gorges are also an easily accessible playground for younger kids.

For your aquatic adventure needs, we recommend Les Guides du Verdon who also offer canyoning, caving, rafting, and rock climbing.

7. Stargaze with the Family at the Bauduen Astronomical Observatory

For curious little ones and budding scientists, we recommend a visit to theBauduen Astronomical Observatory. Throughout the year, the observatory offers activities and stargazing sessions, both day and night.

A fantastic experience to share with your children is the “Bed & Telescope” package. The observatory lets you combine stargazing with an overnight stay in a guesthouse on-site, in a magical setting. A magical experience for young and old alike!

So, what’s there to do in the Verdon with kids? Outdoor sports, water activities, a bit of culture, exploration, and lots of fun! That’s exactly what we’re offering with this selection of 7 family-friendly activities in the Verdon Gorges. And that’s undoubtedly the best way to have an amazing vacation with your kids!

Pssst: If you love water sports, check out all the activities at the Surf Center, a water sports center on Lake Sainte-Croix (boat rentals, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboarding, catamarans, and canoes).