Verdon Natural Regional Park, Provence Travel Guide

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Discover the breathtaking Verdon Natural Regional Park: Europe's Grand Canyon with turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and outdoor adventures in Provence.

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Verdon Natural Regional Park

The Verdon Natural Regional Park, established in 1997, protects a stunning area of southeastern France encompassing the Verdon Gorge, often called Europe's Grand Canyon. The park features dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise rivers and lakes, and diverse flora and fauna, offering a blend of outdoor activities and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Verdon Natural Regional Park

Domaine de Valx, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, 04360, FR
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Monday 9 am-12 pm
Tuesday 9 am-12 pm
Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
Thursday 9 am-12 pm
Friday 9 am-12 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Verdon Natural Regional Park.

Visit in the off-season (May-June or September-October) for sunny weather and fewer crowds.
Take the Route des Crêtes (D23) for stunning panoramic views of the Verdon Gorge.
Explore the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, known for its pottery.
Hike the Blanc-Martel trail for an immersive experience within the Gorge (shuttle service available).
Enjoy water sports on the lakes of Sainte-Croix, Castillon, or Esparron.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Provence Cross

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Explore Verdon Natural Regional Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Verdon Natural Regional Park, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Verdon Natural Regional Park

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Private Day Trip to Verdon Canyon and Provence Vineyard from Nice

$1,517.79

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Getting There

Car

To reach Verdon Natural Regional Park by car, head towards Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. From there, follow signs for 'Domaine de Valx,' where the park entrance is located. If driving from the north, take the A29 autoroute towards Nice, then follow the A8 to Draguignan before exiting for the D952 towards the park. From the south, take the A8 autoroute towards Nice, exiting at Le Muy and following the D952. Be aware that some roads within the park are narrow and winding, requiring careful driving. Parking is available at designated areas, with some areas potentially charging a small fee. Free parking is available at Parking Pont du Galetas. Parking du Point Sublime is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day during the high season, and free access the rest of the year.
Public Transport

To reach Verdon Natural Regional Park via public transport, take a train to Grenoble, then a Zou! LER31 bus to Castellane. Alternatively, take a Zou! LER27 bus from Marseille to Castellane. From Nice, a Zou! LER31 bus will take you to Castellane. From Castellane, you can take a connecting bus to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which provides access to the park. Bus line BV1 connects Moustiers to Castellane. A shuttle service operates from April to early November, connecting La Palud-sur-Verdon to the Blanc-Martel trail. Bus tickets typically cost a few euros for short trips within the region.

Discover more about Verdon Natural Regional Park

The Verdon Natural Regional Park, created in 1997, spans 46 communes across the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var departments, showcasing a mosaic of unique landscapes. The park is renowned for the Gorges du Verdon, one of Europe's largest and deepest canyons, with cliffs reaching up to 700 meters. The turquoise waters of the Verdon River wind through the canyon, creating a breathtaking spectacle.The park's mission is to preserve its natural and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development. It's a haven for diverse flora and fauna, boasting over 2,200 plant species and nearly all bird of prey species found in France. Visitors can spot rare species like the Griffon vulture and the ocellated lizard.Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, water sports, and paragliding. The park offers nearly 1,000 kilometers of marked paths for hikers of all levels. Popular trails include the Blanc-Martel trail, which immerses hikers deep within the Gorge. The Route des Crêtes offers panoramic views from various belvédères.The park also encompasses charming villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, famous for its faience pottery, and Castellane, known as the gateway to the Verdon Gorge. The lakes of Sainte-Croix, Castillon and Esparron offer opportunities for swimming, boating, and other water activities. The Verdon Regional Natural Park is more than just a destination; it's an experience that blends natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural discovery.