Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) Tours and Tickets

The Verdon Gorge is in the south of France, about 2–3 hours from Marseille and Nice on D952, known as the Route des Gorges. It leads right to the park, though you’ll need to hop over to the D957 and other switchback-heavy roads to get into the canyon and to spots such as Pont du Galetas bridge.

Many consider the Imbut Trail to be the most beautiful hike in Verdon Regional Nature Park. It takes around 5–6 hours to complete and hugs the canyon walls. The Blanc-Martel Trail, from La Maline to Point Sublime, is another contender, as it winds for 10 miles (16km) along the gorge’s slopes to the bottom of the canyon.

The best time of year to visit the Verdon Gorge is summer, from June to August, when temperatures are warm and sunny, and all the local businesses are operating. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit April–May or September–October, and you’ll likely get the best of both worlds.

A day trip provides an overview of Verdon Gorge, allowing you to hit the overlooks for views of the canyon and go for a short hike or swim. However, spending a few days there allows you to go paddle boating or kayaking, scope out the sheltered beaches, hike around the canyon, and visit the area’s rural towns (thought to be some of the most beautiful villages in France).

While most locals will tell you the entire Verdon Gorge is exquisite, the most popular spots for scenery include Point Sublime, a panoramic viewpoint over the gorge’s dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters; the Martel Trail and its access to the gorge’s deep ravines; and the Pont du Galetas bridge for photography.

The striking blue hue of the Verdon Gorge is due to the area's geological composition. The waters contain silty glacial sediments, fluorite, and strains of microalgae, all of which reflect blueish green to human eyes. The gorge’s rock is primarily composed of limestone, which helps keep the water clear and transparent.