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🇫🇷Gorges du Verdon
Turquoise water, 700-metre cliffs, and endless outdoor adventure. Gorges du Verdon is one of the most spectacular family destinations in France.
Your family guide
Gorges du Verdon with kids: lakes, cliffs and outdoor adventure
“Paddle the turquoise lake at dawn before the crowds arrive, then hike the tunnel trails where vultures circle overhead. Two utterly different experiences, same canyon.”
— San & Jo
The Gorges du Verdon is one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away. Stretching 25 kilometres through the heart of Provence, with limestone walls rising up to 700 metres high, this is nature on a spectacular scale. The river running along the canyon floor is a vivid, almost unreal shade of turquoise, and whether you are standing at a clifftop viewpoint or paddling on the lake below, the scenery never stops being impressive.
What makes the Gorges du Verdon so good for families is the sheer range of what you can do here. On one day your family might be paddleboarding on the glassy Lac de Sainte-Croix. On the next, you could be hiking through tunnels carved into the canyon walls or watching vultures circle overhead. There is plenty of gentle, relaxed activity alongside the more adventurous options, so you can tailor the trip to exactly what your family enjoys.
The area is based around the small village of La Palud-sur-Verdon, with the charming medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie just a short drive away. This is not a theme park version of nature. It is raw, beautiful, and genuinely wild, and that is exactly what makes it so memorable.
ProvenceSoutheastern France
Verdon Regional Natural ParkProtected since 1997
April to OctoberBest time to visit
Best things to do
Best things to do in Gorges du Verdon
Lac de Sainte-Croix
At the western end of the gorge, this vast turquoise lake is the perfect family base. You can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax on the sandy shores. Renting a pedalo or kayak and paddling into the mouth of the gorge is an experience children love.
Arrive early in July and August to get a good spot on the lake
Half day to full day
Route des Crêtes
This iconic narrow road follows the northern rim of the gorge from La Palud-sur-Verdon, delivering one dramatic viewpoint after another. The sheer drops are staggering, and the Belvédère de la Dent d'Aire is a highlight. Keep little ones close at the unfenced lookouts.
Drive it in the late afternoon for the best light on the canyon walls
2 to 3 hours
Sentier Martel
This classic 14-kilometre trail through the heart of the gorge passes through tunnels, past waterfalls, and along cliff edges with views of Point Sublime. It is one of the most immersive canyon experiences in Europe. The trail requires reasonable fitness and sturdy footwear.
Bring a torch for the tunnels and pack more water than you think you need
Full day
Spotting vultures and birds of prey
Vultures were reintroduced to the Gorges du Verdon after going extinct in the area, and they are now a regular sight soaring above the cliffs. Watching these enormous birds ride the thermals is genuinely thrilling, especially for kids who love wildlife.
The clifftop viewpoints along the Route des Crêtes are the best spots to watch
Anytime
Corniche Sublime
The scenic road along the southern rim of the gorge offers sweeping panoramic views that are ideal for photography. It is a gentler alternative to the Route des Crêtes and gives a completely different perspective on the canyon.
Combine it with a stop at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie on the same day
2 to 3 hours
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
This beautifully preserved medieval village is listed among France's most beautiful villages. Wander the winding alleyways, browse the famous faïence pottery workshops, and climb up to the hilltop chapel Notre-Dame de Beauvoir for incredible views. A lovely half-day trip from the gorge.
The pottery workshops are fascinating for curious kids who like seeing things being made
Half day
Swimming in the Verdon River
The turquoise water of the Verdon River is one of the gorge's most iconic features. Swimming spots along the canyon floor are popular in summer, and rock jumping is a favourite with older kids and teens. Note that the water can feel surprisingly cool even in peak summer.
Water shoes are a good idea as the riverbed can be rocky and slippery
2 to 3 hours
Our verdict
How Gorges du Verdon scores for families
Kids
A brilliant mix of lake fun, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives provides activities for all ages. Older kids and teens especially thrive here with the more adventurous hiking and water sports options.
Nature
This is one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in Europe. The scale of the canyon, the colour of the water, and the wildlife make it a remarkable natural experience.
Adventure
Hiking, kayaking, canyoning, rock climbing, and paddleboarding are all on the menu. The gorge caters to every level of adventure, from gentle lake paddles to multi-day hikes.
Food
Local Provençal cuisine is excellent, with lamb, trout, and regional cheeses standing out. Dining options are limited in the gorge itself, so plan ahead for busy summer days.
Budget
The gorge itself is free to explore, but accommodation and lake activities can add up quickly in peak season. Booking early helps keep costs manageable.
Planning your visit
How long should you stay in Gorges du Verdon?
1
1 day
Quick visit
Drive the Route des Crêtes and spend the afternoon on Lac de Sainte-Croix. You will get a taste of what makes the gorge special, but you will leave wanting more.
sweet spot
3
3 days
Sweet spot
The ideal amount of time for most families. Cover the lake, the scenic drives, a hike, and a visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
5
5 days
Deep dive
Stay long enough to try kayaking, tackle the Sentier Martel, explore multiple viewpoints, and really settle into the rhythm of Provençal life. Perfect for active families.
Fun facts
Things to know about Gorges du Verdon
Taller than two Eiffel Towers
The highest point of the gorge walls reaches 700 metres. That is more than twice the height of the Eiffel Tower. Standing at the rim and looking down into the canyon gives you a real sense of just how enormous that is.
Vultures came back from extinction
Vultures once disappeared completely from the Gorges du Verdon. Thanks to a reintroduction programme, they now soar above the cliffs again. Spotting one of these enormous birds riding the thermals is one of the most exciting wildlife moments you can have in France.
The limestone is older than the dinosaurs
The limestone walls of the gorge were formed during the Triassic period, when the whole of Provence was covered by the sea. The rock you are standing on is hundreds of millions of years old, and the Verdon River has been slowly carving through it ever since.
Taste Gorges du Verdon
What to eat in the Gorges du Verdon with your family
Agneau de Sisteron
Must tryRestaurant des Gorges du Verdon, La Palud-sur-Verdon
Roasted lamb seasoned with thyme and rosemary is the signature dish of this region. Slow-roasted until tender, it is deeply flavourful and a real taste of Provence. Most local restaurants serve their own version.
Truite du Verdon
Safe choiceAuberge du Point Sublime, Point Sublime
Local trout from the Verdon River, typically grilled with almonds or cooked en papillote. It is light, fresh, and a reliable option that most kids enjoy. A great introduction to regional cooking for younger eaters.
Fromage de chèvre ou brebis
Local favouriteLocal markets in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
The Verdon area is known for its goat and sheep cheeses, both fresh and aged. Pick some up at a local market to snack on during a hike or a picnic by the lake. The fresh versions are mild and creamy, perfect for kids who are new to French cheese.
Miel du Verdon
Daily treatVillage shops in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Lavender honey from the Verdon area is sweet, fragrant, and delicious drizzled over local cheese or stirred into yoghurt. Look out for nougat blanc and nougat noir made with this honey at markets and village shops.
Daube Provençale
Kids love itRestaurant des Gorges du Verdon, La Palud-sur-Verdon
A slow-cooked stew of beef or wild boar in red wine with carrots, onions, and a hint of orange zest. Rich, warming, and deeply satisfying after a long day outdoors. A classic of the Provençal table that the whole family can share.
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