Kayak the Gorges du Verdon and paddle past soaring limestone cliffs skimming across the water whose colour will completely distract you from paddling in a straight line!
Do you need to be persuaded to kayak through one of Europe’s largest canyons, the Gorges du Verdon France? Here are
Three Reasons To Kayak The Gorges du Verdon France
1. Verdon Gorge | Up Close To Stunning Natural Beauty
The Gorges du Verdon in France is said to be Europe’s most beautiful gorge. Judge for yourself.
It’s one thing (mighty impressive, actually) to observe the Gorges du Verdon from the viewpoints along Hwy D 952 and to stand on the Pont de Galétas (Galetas Bridge) overlooking the water BUT it is another thing to kayak Gorges du Verdon.
Paddling along the canyon with the soaring 700 m (2296 ft) limestone walls reaching skyward is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the natural wonders of our planet.
And did I mention trailing your fingers through turquoise-green water as you rest your paddle across the kayak?
Guided Tours To the Gorges du Verdon: This full-day trip from Nice includes the town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and this similar tour leaves from Aix-en-Provence. And if it is lavender season, be sure to choose a Gorges tour that includes the lavender fields.
Pro Travel Tip | If kayaking is not your favourite, there are other Gorges du Verdon activities including canoeing, boating, paddle boating and paddle boarding. If you want a view from above, try soaring over Lac de Sainte Croix paragliding.
Plan A Road Trip In Provence:
The best way to explore Provence around the Gorges du Verdon is by car. It’s ideal for accessing small villages, hiking trails, and following scenic routes.
Rent your car in France for the best Provence experience.
2. Kayak Gorges du Verdon | Easily Accessible
If you are looking for something to do in Southern France, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var region, look no further than the Gorges du Verdon. It is easily accessible, especially by car.
Plan a day trip from Nice or Aix-en-Provence to kayak Gorges du Verdon. Better yet, stay in one of the nearby small villages such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
A road trip in this part of France is a great opportunity to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Don’t miss the lavender fields west of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie!
Love natural beauty? Don’t miss this post on the lavender fields nearby. Lavender Fields, Provence: 7 Top Tips for Visiting
Approaching the Gorges du Verdon from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, follow the D952. The first views of Lac de Sainte Croix, France’s third-largest lake, are spectacular. Try not to be too distracted by the views as you wind along the highway. Find a spot to park in one of the roadside pullouts just before the Pont de Galétas.
In the summer, there is a lot of traffic crossing this bridge so pay attention as you cross the road. Stand on the bridge watching cliff jumpers and kayakers and your decision will be made! “I need to get on that aqua water and kayak Gorges du Verdon.”
3. Kayak Gorges Du Verdon | A Relaxing Day
If you have a full itinerary on your trip through France, spending some time at the Verdon Gorge will add a slice of relaxation to your life!
I adore visiting European cities, like Paris, and towns, like Tropea, with their cobbled streets and impressive churches. I also love a few days spent connecting with nature in the great outdoors. If you are in southern France, add Lac de Sainte Croix to your itinerary and one of the many Gorges du Verdon activities. Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboat to cruise along the turquoise-green waters.
Itinerary Alert! Follow this 7-day itinerary through Provence. You won’t be disappointed.
The Gorges du Verdon kayak route is about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) up the Verdon river. Sit back and enjoy the stunning natural sights! Pull your kayak into a little cove, sit on the rocks and have a picnic. No rush. Ahhh..life is good!
Read More | France has 161 Plus Beaux Villages (villages designated the most beautiful in the country). Have you visited any of these 21 villages?
Convinced to add Gorges du Verdon kayaking to your itinerary in southern France?
FAQ: Gorges Du Verdon France
Where Exactly Is The Gorges du Verdon France?
Where Should I Stay To Kayak The Gorges du Verdon?
Hotels:
We chose to stay in the nearby village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Here are suggested hotels in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It’s great to stay in the centre of town and this hotel is 50 metres from the centre. Another alternative is to do a day trip to the Gorges du Verdon and book a hotel in a city such as Nice or Aix-en-Provence.
Homestays:
Speaking of day trips to kayak the Gorges du Verdon, why not try staying in a homestay? This one in Sainte-Maxime is one hour and forty minutes away. A two-hour drive away you’ll find this lovely apartment in Nice.
What Is The Best Time To Kayak Gorges du Verdon?
The Gorges du Verdon France is very busy in the summer months. If you are there in July or August as we were, head out early in the morning. The river can get very busy, as does the scenic highway route. Next time, I would love to visit in June or September.
Where Can I Rent A Kayak From?
Right by the Pont de Galétas, is the Base Nautique de l’Étoile. Park in the free parking and then make your way down the path to Lac de Sainte Croix. You can’t miss the booth on the shore where you pay for your rental. Go early as the lineups can get quite long.
What Are The Rates To Kayak Gorges du Verdon?
For a double kayak, the rates are €40 for 2 hours. This page also has the rates for single kayaks, paddleboats and canoes.
What Should I Bring To Kayak Gorges du Verdon?
Wear a bathing suit and bring a towel. Bring some snacks or a picnic lunch. After kayaking the Gorges du Verdon, the shores of Lac de Sainte Croix are lovely for swimming and relaxing.
While I Kayak Gorges Du Verdon, What Do I Do With My Stuff?
The rental companies have either a dry bag or a dry barrel in which to place your belongings, such as a day pack. Take this with you as you kayak Gorges du Verdon.
Should I Take A Camera On The Water?
Obviously, this is a personal choice. I decided to bring my camera, a Sony A6000 in a large Ziploc bag and place it in the dry bag. I left it in the dry bag until we were drifting and pulled it out then. The water is calm but a kayak can tip at any time. So ultimately it’s up to you.
My daughter and I both brought our cell phones and placed them in a Stasher Reusable Storage Bag. Yes, we actually travel with these and usually use them for snacks! Less plastic = a happier planet. Not saying they would have saved our phones if we had tipped but the Stashers gave us some peace of mind before kayaking the Gorges du Verdon.
This would be the perfect time to use a GoPro.
What Other Gorges du Verdon Activities Are There?
The Gorges du Verdon is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. You can kayak Gorges du Verdon or canoe, rent small motorboats, paddle boats, and paddleboards. There are plenty of choices.
If you love heights and adventure, try paragliding over Lac de Sainte Croix. Gorges du Verdon France is also known for its hiking trails. There are hiking trails for every level of hiker. There is also rafting further up the river by Castellane. Rock climbers take note. You will be in heaven in the area.
What If I Am Not Into Kayaking And Other Outdoor Activities?
You can still enjoy the stunning natural sights of the Gorges du Verdon France by simply viewing them and standing in the beautiful landscape. Another idea is to do a road trip to the area. See details here.
More Travel Info…
More Of Enchanting Provence
Arles, France: 11 Best Things To Do
Avignon, France: The Best Things To See and Do
Lavender Fields of Provence: 7 Top Tips for Visiting – the purple fields will blow your mind!
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Don’t Go Unless – tucked under cliffs, this is a wonderful place to stay.
Luberon France: Exploring Hill Towns in Provence – Be sure to visit the stunning medieval hilltop towns.
Cassis and The Calanques de Cassis: Simply unforgettable!
Bormes les Mimosas: An enchanting hilltop town on the French Riviera.
Travelling In France?
If you love cliffs, don’t miss these cliffs in Etretat, Normandy. In fact, here are 19 fabulous things to do in Normandy, France, another amazing region.
If you are interested in Brittany, use Saint-Malo as a base for discovering the region.
The Loire Valley in France is dotted with magnificent châteaux (castles). Chaumont-sur-Loire is a great one to add to your itinerary.
Love the great outdoors? How about trying this beach in a different part of France or this island?
Travelling To Paris?
I have some great tips on Paris, right here. A few of my most popular articles on Paris include Paris streets and the hip area of Canal Saint-Martin. Don’t miss where to find the best croissant in Paris!
Planning Your Paris Trip? Be sure to book in advance for the most popular things to do. Book your one-hour Seine cruise, a timed-entry ticket to the Louvre, and a skip-the-line ticket to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. And don’t forget Versailles and Disneyland!
I hope you enjoy this area of France and kayak Gorges du Verdon!
Until next time,
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The colour of the water is amazing – I will have to put this on my to do list 🙂
It is so stunning! I hope you get there for a visit!
How amazing is the colour of that water! I love kayaking and this just looks amazing!
It is a perfect combination. Kayaking and gorgeous coloured water!
I had no idea such an activity was in France! Really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing!
France is full of surprises. I think that’s part of the reason I love it so much!
I’ve never tried kayaking before, but this looks like a LOT of fun! That water…so beautiful!
Kayaking is great fun and skimming across that incredible water was a bonus!
I been all over France but still haven’t got to this famous gorge of Verdon and would love to check it out. Kayaking it must be a breathtaking experience and get to see views which hikers wouldn’t see.
You will love this part of France! I loved being in the gorges but I think that hiking the trails would be pretty awesome too.
What a beautiful part of France and kayaking is such a great way to experience it and that magical water! Must go next time I’m in the region. Great photos too.
It is a day trip from Nice which makes it very doable!
So I have to ask the most important question that wasn’t addressed…HOW COLD IS THE WATER? Cause this little Cuban boy is kind of a sissy when it comes to even the slightest cold water, which is a shame because I am actually an avid canoer/kayaker but those turquois water through the Gorges du Verdon in France look a wee bit nippy.
I had to laugh! The water (for a Canadian) was just perfect for summer swimming. Refreshing but not too cold!
For a Canadian….nope, nope, nope
I am Canadian! It is no Nahanni but still a fun outing in a unique location in France!
Sounds like a great time. I will do it as long as you don’t laugh at me if…I mean when I scream like a little girl when the “Refreshing” water touches my delicate Cuban skin
This sounds like a lovely way to spend some time outside of the city to relax and enjoy the views. I never really think about nature activities when I think of France, but you have totally changed my mind. The phtos you captured are stunning!
Thanks, Candy! This summer changed my thinking about France too because I came across so many hikers, bikers, campers, rock climbers etc. I think France has it all!
Being a water rat in a former life, I need no persuasion to ever go kayaking, anywhere, anytime. And the water color … so inviting. Since this tour is in France, one must paddle with wine, no? 😉
Bien sûr! No one knows what’s tucked in those dry bags and a little picnic on the rocks can not possibly be unaccompanied par le vin!
I’m from France but I’ve never visited the Gorges du Verdon. It looks perfect for a summer day out on the water. I once did kayaking on the Dordogne and it was really enjoyable and fun. However, the Verdon looks more dramatic and the colour of the water is amazing!
The sheer size of the cliffs along with the colour of the water create a very dramatic and enticing location. I would like to go back and do some hiking as well!
I love kayaking but 40EUR for 2 hours is not cheap ! You’ll be paying a small fraction of that over at my side of the world ! =p
But the waters and the outcrops look amazing ! Reminds me of my trip to the Calanques when I visited Marseille few years back !
I think 40 Euro is also a steep price. But, when you are standing in line and you made an effort to get there, there is no turning back!! It makes for a memorable outing!
I can’t get over how beautiful the water is! I’d love to visit. You’re right, kayaking through is the best way to experience this stunning place.
I studied abroad in Lyon one summer and can’t believe I missed out on kayaking in such a beautiful place like this! Canoeing would be fun too I bet and paragliding! Wow! I can’t imagine how stunning those views must be. This is defs making me wanna revisit France now!