Gorges de Baudinard, Provence Travel Guide

5 (2)

Explore the Gorges de Baudinard: A pristine canyon in Provence with turquoise waters, hidden caves, and rich history, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

Home
Travel Guides
France
Provence
Gorges de Baudinard

Discover the Gorges de Baudinard, a small, hidden canyon in Provence offering a unique experience compared to the more famous Gorges du Verdon. Explore its virgin landscape with hidden caves, small waterfalls, and steep cliffs. Enjoy swimming, boat trips, and fishing in this magical, refreshing refuge.

A brief summary to Gorges de Baudinard

P4V8+6M, Montagnac-Montpezat, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Gorges de Baudinard.

Bring comfortable shoes for hiking the trails along the cliffs and exploring the surrounding area.
Pack a swimsuit to enjoy a refreshing dip in the lakes or Verdon river.
Consider renting a canoe or kayak to explore the gorges from the water and discover hidden spots.
Visit the Baume Bonne cave to explore the prehistoric heritage of the area.
Check local bus schedules if using public transportation, as services may vary.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Palais des Papes

Château des Baux-de-Provence

Provence Cross

Troglodyte caves of Villecroze

UNESCO Géoparc de Haute-Provence - Musée Promenade

Explore Gorges de Baudinard on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Gorges de Baudinard, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

If driving from within the Gorges du Verdon, take the D71 road toward Montagnac-Montpezat. Follow signs for Gorges de Baudinard. Once in Montagnac-Montpezat, use GPS coordinates P4V8+6M to pinpoint the exact location. Parking is available along the D71. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak season.
Public Transport

To reach Gorges de Baudinard via public transport, take a bus from a nearby town like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie or Castellane to Montagnac-Montpezat. Check local bus schedules as services may vary. From Montagnac-Montpezat, it's approximately a 1.5-kilometer walk to the gorges. Follow local signage or use a map app for navigation. Bus fares vary depending on the origin, but expect to pay around €2-€5 for a single trip.
Walking

If you are already in Montagnac-Montpezat, you can walk to Gorges de Baudinard. Head southwest from the town center towards coordinates P4V8+6M. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes as the terrain may vary.

Discover more about Gorges de Baudinard

The Gorges de Baudinard, nestled between the Sainte-Croix dam and the Quinson dam, presents a captivating natural escape in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var regions of France. Often overshadowed by the larger Gorges du Verdon, these smaller gorges offer a more intimate and less crowded experience. The canyon, stretching 13 km, carves a path of turquoise waters framed by cliffs reaching 100 to 150 meters high.Recently, visitors have become increasingly drawn to the hidden treasures of this small canyon, lending it an untouched, pristine atmosphere. Exploring the Gorges de Baudinard feels like discovering a secret world, complete with hidden caves and delicate waterfalls. The steep cliffs and moss-covered walls provide a refreshing escape under the Provençal sun. Nature lovers will find themselves in perfect harmony with the well-preserved flora and fauna, where fish and animals thrive undisturbed.Traces of human presence dating back over 400,000 years have been found in the gorges, highlighting their historical significance. These early inhabitants left a lasting legacy, evidenced by the numerous villages surrounding the area. Today, the Gorges de Baudinard offer a variety of activities, including hiking trails that wind along the cliffs, providing breathtaking panoramic views. For those seeking aquatic adventures, swimming and canoeing are popular options. The beaches along the lakes offer shaded areas for picnics and relaxation.