The Gorges du Verdon is one of Europe’s most beautiful natural attractions, with its stunning turquoise-green waters and towering limestone cliffs. But there’s much more to explore in the region than just this one breathtaking sight. From medieval villages to picturesque lakes, here are 7 other attractions in the Gorges du Verdon area that you won’t want to miss!
1. Lac de Sainte-Croix
This lovely lake is located right near the Gorges du Verdon, so you can easily fit it into your itinerary. The emerald blue water is surrounded by a lush natural setting and offers plenty of activities like fishing, kayaking, and cycling. If you don’t have time for a full day of exploring, make sure to at least take a scenic drive around its perimeter.
What to do there:
Visiting Lac de Sainte-Croix is an experience like no other. Located on the French Riviera, this stunning lake is well known for its crystal clear blue waters and golden sand beaches. Surrounded by lush green mountains, it makes for a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Azurkayak offers kayak tours around the lake for visitors to explore and admire breathtaking scenery from the water. Whether you simply want to marvel at the stunning views from a distance or take part in kayaking adventures, a visit to Lac de Sainte-Croix will be an unforgettable experience that you won’t soon forget!
2. Moustiers Sainte-Marie
This charming medieval village is perched on a hillside overlooking the river and valley below. You can wander through its cobblestone streets and marvel at its ancient architecture while admiring stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Make sure to visit La Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir, a beautiful Romanesque chapel built in the 11th century.
What to do there:
Visiting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the Gorges du Verdon area is an incredible experience. Located between the Alpes de Haute Provence and the Drome regions, it is one of France’s most beautiful villages. The village overlooks a glimmering lake surrounded by majestic cliffs, rising from its banks.
You can imagine how spectacular and calming this view can be in every season and time of day. There are many activities to partake in while visiting–explore the old streets of the village while admiring its traditional stone houses, enjoy a relaxed boat ride on Lac de St. Croix and explore its private beaches, or spend your day hiking in forests following breathtaking natural paths that wind among those ever-present cliffs. There is something for everyone at Moustiers Sainte-Marie!
3. Aiguines
This quaint village sits along the shore of Lac de Sainte-Croix and is known for its impressive castle ruins from 16th century France as well as its many outdoor activities such as rock climbing and canoeing on the lake. It also has some delicious restaurants where you can sample traditional Provencal cuisines such as ratatouille or bouillabaisse.
What to do there:
Visiting Aiguines in the Gorges du Verdon area of France is an unforgettable experience. This mountainous region sits atop Provence and boasts dramatic cliffs, sprawling valleys, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’d like to hike, bike, kayak or just relax by the riverside, Aiguines offers something for everyone.
With its turquoise waters, beautiful sunsets, and abundance of wildlife, it’s no surprise that this spectacular site is a must-visit destination for outdoor explorers. The region also has plenty of local eateries and traditional villages to explore – making Aiguines a great escape from it all!
4. Abbaye Notre Dame de Ganagobie
This former monastery was founded in 1084 and was once home to over 300 monks during its heyday in 12th-century France. Although it now lies in ruins, visitors will still be able to appreciate its grandeur as they explore what remains of this remarkable structure nestled deep within lush forested hillsides nearby Aiguines Village.
What to do there:
Abbaye Notre Dame de Ganagobie in Gorges Du Verdon Area is a magnificent historical site that should be taken in with open eyes and an inquisitive attitude. First built in 1230AD, the abbey has more than 850 years of stories to explore, with its ancient architecture paying homage to its rich history.
A visit to Abbaye Notre Dame de Ganagobie is much more than just sightseeing; it’s an educational opportunity full of intrigue and mystique. With many cultural and spiritual relics dotting its walls and arches, one can practically feel the weight of its past glories. For any traveler looking for a unique experience steeped in historical significance, Abbaye Notre Dame de Ganagobie is a perfect choice.
5. Château des Templiers
Located near Moustiers Sainte-Marie Village, this 13th-century castle was once home to an order of knights known as ‘the Knights Templar’. Today it serves as a museum where visitors can learn about their history while strolling through the castle’s grand halls and gardens filled with ancient artifacts from this period of French history.
What to do there:
Visiting Château des Templiers in the Gorges Du Verdon Area is an experience like no other. Located on a rocky peak overlooking the deep blue waters of Verdon Gorge, the château stands majestically, surrounded by centuries-old heritage sites. As you make your way through the intact stone walls, take time to appreciate its captivating history–dating back 800 years when it was first built by the Knights Templar as a stronghold against enemies.
Once inside, you’ll appreciate how beautifully preserved this relic is and be amazed at how well-maintained even the paintings and tapestries remain after all this time. A tour of Château des Templiers is truly a unique way to witness one of Europe’s most iconic and enchanting attractions and an experience that will stay with you for years to come.
6. Valensole Plateau
This beautiful plateau offers up sweeping vistas of verdant fields dotted with wildflowers that stretch out for miles ahead beneath a clear blue sky above them—it’s no wonder why this area has been dubbed “The Provence Alps”. Visitors can spend a relaxing day exploring these rolling hillsides filled with fragrant lavender fields or simply sit back and enjoy the view from one of many vantage points scattered throughout this idyllic landscape.
What to do there:
Visiting the Valensole Plateau near the Gorges Du Verdon is an unforgettable experience. The stunning landscape filled with vast lavender fields and small stone houses provides an atmosphere of tranquil beauty. It’s not uncommon to find wonderful wildlife, such as foxes and sheep grazing peacefully in the hills. It’s a great spot for photos, whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer.
The picturesque hilltop town also offers a range of local cafes and restaurants that serve delicious regional specialties where you can grab a bite to eat as you take in the views. From paddle boarding in nearby Lake Sainte-Croix to enjoying a guided tour through centuries-old vineyards, there are countless activities to be enjoyed during your visit to Valensole Plateau.
7. Les Oiseaux du Paradis Nature Reserve
This incredible nature reserve is home to an array of different species including golden eagles, owls, buzzards, vultures, ibexes, wild boars, deer, and even wolves! Visitors will get an up-close look at all these amazing creatures while walking through trails that wind through forests filled with pine trees stretching up towards snowcapped mountains beyond them—all against a backdrop of endless blue skies overhead.
What to do there:
Visiting Les Oiseaux du Paradis Nature Reserve in the Gorges Du Verdon Area is an unforgettable experience. Located in the middle of a sprawling mountain range, the views of this entire Provence stretch as far as the eye can see. Here you’ll find untouched forests and meadows, crystal-clear lakes surrounded by cliffs, and some of the most spectacular wildlife on earth.
From eagles soaring high in the sky to wild boar lumbering through dense foliage, from chamois nimbly bounding across the steep landscapes to trout swimming around their stone havens. Bird life too flourishes here, with over 150 species sighted with ease due to its UNESCO status as a biosphere reserve.
This breathtaking location provides visitors with an opportunity for tranquility and exploration – it’s simply impossible not to be moved by its natural beauty.
In conclusion
The Gorges Du Verdon area is filled with incredible sights that extend far beyond just its namesake gorge itself! From medieval villages perched atop hilltops overlooking lush valleys below them to ancient castles standing proud against rocky peaks above them—there are plenty of diverse attractions for travelers looking for something out of the ordinary during their trip here! So if you’re planning your next adventure here, make sure not to miss out on these 7 must-see sights!
