I’ve been wanting to visit the Gorges du Verdon for years. Located a couple hours north of the French Riviera and east of the Provence region, the Gorges du Verdon is the perfect add-on to any South of France trip. We visited mid-July and opted to stay nearby in Cotignac, a medieval French town with centuries-old cave buildings and local markets.
The Gorges du Verdon (also known as the ‘Verdon Gorge’ in English) is especially famous for its turquoise color, and it does not disappoint! The bright blue hue comes from glacial minerals, and is so striking in person. It’s best seen from the lookout and on the water. This guide to the Gorges du Verdon covers the best viewpoints, renting a boat, and where to stay to make the most of your trip here.
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When to Visit the Gorges du Verdon
Summer — June through August — is the best time to visit. The weather is constantly sunny and the boat rentals will be open. For less crowds, go in shoulder season (May or September). Just be aware that the rentals may be closed.
Where to Stay near the Gorges du Verdon
There are a number of destinations in the South of France that allow for a day trip to the Gorges du Verdon. Most are a couple hours drive away, so you might alternatively prefer to stay in a nearby town for a few days (like we did). Cotignac is the perfect town to stay overnight: it’s walkable and has delicious restaurants, and it’s 35 minutes away by car from the Gorges du Verdon. We stayed in this 2 bedroom Airbnb in Cotignac, a couple minutes’ walk from the main restaurant area.
Hotels in Cotignac
Maset des Amandiers – $$ – beautifuls rooms and a lovely garden walking distance to the village.
Campagne de la source – $$ – take in the beautiful surroundings and relax around nature in this cute B&B.
Pierres Blanches – $$$ – each room has a terrace with garden views and includes continental breakfast.
Guesthouse Le Mas de Cotignac – $$$ – a popular pick in the region, with tastefully decorated, modern rooms.
Airbnbs in Cotignac
Unique & Enchanting Cave House – $ – little cave house built into the limestone cliff above the village.
Maison de Village Modern – $ – located in the heart of the village at the foot of the Cotignac Rock.
Casa Mauresque – $ – rustic apartment walking distance to the main square and plenty of restaurants, bars and shops.
La Maison des Artistes – $ – spacious studio with views over the central square.
Maison de Charme en Provence – $$ – 19th century house with unobstructed views of the valley Bessillon.
Charming Provencal Vineyard – $$ – a charming villa with a garden and swimming pool, closer to Gorges du Verdon.
Stylish House in Cotignac – $$$$ – cliffs to the back and panoramic views to the front, a slice of heaven in Cotignac.
Other cities you can stay at near the Gorges du Verdon
- Nice — One of the larger cities in France, Nice is located on the French Riviera. It’s close to smaller, picturesque towns like Menton and Villefrance-Sur-Mer. Around 2 hours, 20 minutes from the Gorges du Verdon. View hotels in Nice.
- Cannes — Made famous by the international film festival, Cannes is known for high-end shopping, architecture, and it’s beautiful location on the French Riviera. Around 2 hours from the Gorges du Verdon. View hotels in Cannes.
- Gordes, Lourmarin & Oppède — this region offers no shortage of picturesque towns to stay in, many of them perched on the surrounding hilltops and with nearby lavender fields. Of the three, my top choice is Lourmarin. I found the town to be the most picturesque and our hotel, Le Galinier de Lourmarin, was my favorite of the trip – so charming and set in beautiful french gardens. All three towns are about 2.5 hours from the Gorges du Verdon, depending on which one you stay in. View hotels in Gordes, Lourmarin, and Oppède.
- Valensole — this region of southern France is home to the most photographed lavender field. The town itself is small. Around 1 hour, 10 minutes from the Gorges du Verdon. View hotels in Valensole.
Cotignac, our pick for where to stay near the Gorges du Verdon. View all hotels in Cotignac | $40 off your first Airbnb stay
How to get to the Gorges du Verdon Lookout
The most photographed spot at the Gorges du Verdon is from the Pont du Galetas bridge, which overlooks the gorges and all the boats entering the Verdon River. By car, you can easily park at the nearby parking lot and walk onto the bridge to capture a photo of the stunning water and boats below.
You may also want to drive around the Verdon area for other views of the landscape and water. We particularly loved the lookout I marked as ‘High Viewpoint’ in our Google Map below, where these photos are taken from:
Where to Swim at the Gorges du Verdon
While boating, there are a number of small beaches along the river that allow for swimming. You may be told with a motor boat not to dock, so be sure to confirm beforehand that it’s not an issue if you plan to jump in.
Otherwise, there are plenty of beaches in the area to swim. We loved the Plage de Chabassol, nearby the boat rentals but far enough away from the main crowds. Note that the beaches have small rocks and pebbles, not sand.
Renting a Boat at the Gorges du Verdon
There are boat rentals on both sides of the Pont du Galetas bridge, but more options on the right (south) side, as noted in our map below. You can choose to rent a paddleboat, kayak, or motorboat. We visited in the afternoon during peak season in mid-July, and ended up renting a boat from the farthest boat rental from the bridge. The cost for our motorboat was 70 euro for 2 hours. We loved being on the water and easily could’ve spent a few more hours cruising. It’s truly the best way to experience the Gorges du Verdon and surrounding landscapes!
Our Gorges du Verdon Map
Double click below to zoom in and see the spots pictured in this guide. Point A is the famous lookout over the Gorges du Verdon — don’t miss this view, you’ll want a photo here!
Final Tips
- Bring food & drinks beforehand: We brought snacks from the local market in Cotignac, and many people also bring drinks (including beer and wine) to sip while they cruise around.
- Plan in advance for boat rentals: go early in the day. Arriving before 10am will give you a better chance of securing a boat for the day. You can also call ahead to reserve your boat — but you’ll have better luck if you speak some French.
- Wear a hat, sunscreen, etc: summer is typically very hot in this region (think high 90’s Fahrenheit).
One of my favorite parts of the Verdon area was seeing families and locals alike enjoy the water and sunshine. You get the feeling here that many people visit every summer! I hope this guide convinced you to add the Gorges du Verdon region to your itinerary.
If you’re heading to France, don’t miss our Complete Paris Travel Guide.
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Claire Says
This was superb advice and worked flawlessly on our recent road trip to the area ( July 2024). Thank you so much! Renting a boat and swimming at the Plage de Chabassol as described above was a massive tip. As was renting before 10am.
Super grateful! Merci!
Morgan Says
Hi, I’m planning a trip to cotignac now and the gorges appear to be 1.5hrs from Cotginac. Could you specify which gorges are 30mins from Cotignac?
Mimi Says
Thank you for the detailed map and your explanation of the exact location. Other blogs I looked at were not this helpful.
highwaybrazil Says
Such a nice post. Thanks for sharing such a valuable features and other relevant information.
Subway surfers Says
Subway Surfers is a thrilling endless running game where you control Jake, who is surfing through the subways while being chased by the Inspector and his dog.
Michelle Says
What a fab post. Used it to come to Gorges du Verdon today. Went to the beach suggested and hired a boat which was amazing Very calm waters and spectacular views. Stood at the bridge viewing point but due to the drought there was no water at all underneath.
Continued driving up the winding roads and viewed some amazing sights along the way.
Thanks for the recommendations. xx
luis Says
Loved the hole information, thanks for be so exactly. Going travel because of you 🙂
Marcus Says
You have me convinced! I must visit Gorges du Verdon!
Selena Says
Post authorIt’s incredible!
Fazila Says
Nice blog
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Fazila xx
Dana Berez Says
Dana here! I am OBSESSED with this post. I have to get here this summer, or next because it looks like I am missing out!
Selena Says
Post authorIt will be waiting! xx
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Kathryn Says
This place looks so beautiful! Is it possible to see it via public transporation / trains? Or is the only way to rent a car. I’m wondering if we can tack it onto a French Riviera trip, but we aren’t planning on renting a car. Thanks!
Selena Says
Post authorHey Kathryn! This Lonely Planet article might help you – good luck! https://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/gorges-du-verdon/practical-information/transport/flights-and-getting-there/a/nar/6e3d339a-6d0c-49f3-891f-181cdefe8295/1323181
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Juliette Says
Great guide! I went kayaking there just the other day and it was absolutely stunning! If you’re heading there I’d also suggest visiting a town called Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and taking the car on the Ridge Road (Route des Cretes), the viewpoints are breathtaking (I’ve put some pictures on my blog)! Thanks for sharing ?
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Juliette! There’s definitely no shortage of great views all around. 🙂
gaga Says
It was interesting