The water of the Verdon River is an impossible shade of turquoise, like a liquid gem. The limestone cliffs rise seven hundred meters on either side, their white and ochre walls plunging straight into the river below. From the rim, you hear only the faint echo of distant voices and the buzz of crickets in the scrub. The canyon stretches for twenty five kilometers, carved by millennia of water through the limestone plateau. The sun heats the rock until it radiates warmth, and the scent of wild thyme rises from the parched ground.
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When it comes to visiting France, there is just so many different things that you can see and do, which will keep you busy for days. While many people choose to visit Paris as well as the other major cities within the country, countless others make their way into the countryside to see the natural splendour that makes France so unique.
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In This Article
Geology and Formation of the Verdon Gorge
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One of the most popular destinations in the country is that of the Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon). This amazing canyon is 700 meters deep and 21 kilometres in length. The canyon itself varies in width along its length from a narrow passageway of only six meters wide to a massive stretch of more than 1500 meters. Verdon Gorge was formed as a result of tectonic movements and erosion from the Verdon which flows through the canyon from the village of Castellane to Rougons. The river itself is a fast flowing stream which continues to cut deeper and deeper into the bedrock. The source of the Verdon River can be found 2500 meters above sea level, just outside of Col de la Sestriere. At Rougons, the river slides into a very narrow crevice and is hidden from view until it reemerges at the Lac de Ste-Croix. Of course there is nothing new about the beauty of the Verdon Gorge. As far back as 400,000 years ago, primitive man has called the area around the gorge home. There have been thousands of artefacts found in this area. As a result of these discoveries, the local Museum of prehistory was established back in 2001. Today it is considered to be one of the largest in all of Europe.
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Driving the North and South Rim Roads
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For the most part, to access the Verdon Gorge you will need to take your choice of the North or South Rim roads which leads out of Moustiers-Ste-Marie and makes its way to Pont de Soleils. The North Rim Road is more than 31 kilometres long and offers some of the most impressive views into the canyon. The South Rim Road is 48 kilometres long and also offers some awe-inspiring views of the deep canyon. For those wishing to drive both the North and South Rim roads, expect to spend an entire day of driving. Each route offers numerous viewpoints and photo opportunities where you can pull over and absorb the dramatic landscape. The North Rim tends to be less crowded and provides a more intimate experience with the canyon, while the South Rim offers broader panoramas that capture the full scale of the gorge. Both roads are well maintained but feature sharp curves and steep drops, so cautious driving is advised. Several small villages along the way offer refreshments, local Provencal cuisine, and accommodations for those who wish to extend their visit.
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Adventures on the Water and Along the Rim
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It is also possible to visit the Verdon Gorge by raft or hiking. Rafting on the Verdon River is for extremely experienced persons only due to the very violent and dangerous trip. The trip itself will take 6 to 8 hours to complete. There are also 10 hiking trails along the rim that range from 2 to 8 hours to complete, and take you from the roof down to the basement of the gorge. The most famous hiking route is the Sentier Blanc-Martel, a roughly 15-kilometre trail that traverses the canyon floor and offers an up-close encounter with the towering limestone walls and the turquoise river. Kayaking is another popular option, though it requires permits and a good level of paddling skill. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Lac de Ste-Croix at the western end of the gorge provides calm waters perfect for swimming, pedal boating, and stand-up paddleboarding. The entire region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, combining dramatic geology with the warm, fragrant landscape of Provence.
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\nVerdon Gorge, France by Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho
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\nVerdon Gorge from the top, France by maarjaara
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\nWalls of the Verdon Gorge, France by Francois Philipp
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