Things to do in the Verdon Gorge: activities and trips from Tourtour

The Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix concentrate the activities of the Haut-Var, all within 1 h 20 of Tourtour. With no effort: the Route des Crêtes and its 14 viewpoints, swimming in the lake and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. On the water: electric boat, pedalo or canoe from the Galetas bridge, on a lake where petrol engines are banned. For the active: the Blanc-Martel trail (15 km at the bottom of the canyon), canyoning and rafting around Castellane. This page sorts them by what you feel like and suggests sample trips.

Activities by what you feel like

No effort: looking at the canyon

The Route des Crêtes, starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon, lines up 14 viewpoints above cliffs more than 700 m high. You stop, walk a few steps and look. Allow 1 h 30 to 3 hours. The central section closes in winter.

North of the lake, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and its hanging star can be visited in half a day.

On the water: the lake and the mouth of the gorge

On Lake Sainte-Croix, petrol engines are banned. At the Galetas bridge, on the Aiguines side, you can hire electric boats, pedalos, canoes and paddleboards to go up the canyon between the cliffs. The beaches of Bauduen, Les Salles-sur-Verdon and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon are lifeguarded in July and August.

For the active

• The Blanc-Martel trail: about 15 km at the bottom of the canyon, 7 to 8 hours, with tunnels and ladders.
• Canyoning around Castellane, from gentle river walks to sporty canyons, always with a guide.
• Rafting on the Verdon, starting from Castellane.

Sample trips from Tourtour

One day

Lake Sainte-Croix in the morning (Bauduen, 34 min), lunch and a visit in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, then the Route des Crêtes in the late afternoon from La Palud. Back to Tourtour via the lake.

Three days

1. Day 1: Tourtour and the nearby villages, Villecroze and Aups.
2. Day 2: Lake Sainte-Croix, the Galetas bridge by boat or canoe, then Moustiers.
3. Day 3: the Route des Crêtes and, for walkers, the Blanc-Martel trail; otherwise Castellane and canyoning.

With children

A pedalo or electric boat at Galetas, lifeguarded swimming in summer at Bauduen or Les Salles, and the Route des Crêtes viewpoints. Avoid the Blanc-Martel trail with young children.

When to go

Water activities run mostly from April to October, peaking in July and August: set off early in the morning. In spring and September, the Verdon is quieter. In winter, the central section of the Route des Crêtes is closed.

To stay nearby and explore, see where to stay in Tourtour.