We’re in the beautiful hinterland of Provence, in one of Europe’s largest gorges. 25 kilometres of rocky walls varying from 250 to 700 metres high enclose the river Verdon, particularly dramatic at points where the river is just six metres wide.

Extraordinary too when explored by car on a road trip with breathtaking views, the Verdon Gorge in the Verdon Natural Regional Park is a paradise for anyone who loves nature and outdoor sports like trekking, cycling, climbing, paragliding, rafting, canoeing or, for the most daring, adrenaline-fuelled bungee jumping.
The scenery is always stunning, and between mid-June and mid-August the area boasts one of the most beautiful displays of flowering lavender.

There are three main areas:
the Pre-gorges: Castellane to Pont de Soleils
the Gorge: Pont de Soleils to Imbut
the Canyon: Imbut to Pont de Galetas

The most spectacular part of the route is between Castellane and the iconic Galetas bridge, after which the gorge opens out into the lake of Sainte-Croix. A 10-minute drive takes you to one of the Verdon’s most picturesque villages perchés (perched on hillsides or cliffs): Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, nestled between two impressive rocky walls and bisected by a lively mountain stream.

And if you’re daunted by the (in our view, very worthwhile) three-hour journey to Castellane from The Mall Sanremo, never fear, there are a multitude of delightful places along the way, including gems of the Côte d’Azur like Menton and Nice, not to mention Grasse, an enchanting town famous for the ancient art of perfumery, or the stunning fortified village of Entrevaux, whose medieval architecture seems to blend with the rock it stands upon, and its citadel at an altitude of 156 metres.

(ph. Robert Pügner, Michael Kroul, Olivier Darny, Philippe Gras)