All of the tourists aside, the Karlštejn Castle itself is really impressive. Once you arrive at the castle you can enter the area within the walls for free but access to the inside of the castle requires paying for a guided tour (220,-CZK). There are several tours in different languages during the day, but you should call in advance to determine the exact times. There is also a 70-minute tour option that visits other rooms, including the Chapel of the Holy Cross, but remember to make a reservation. You can buy tickets online.

There are several abandoned limestones near the castle that are now flooded so you can swim in any of them however it is officially forbidden. The water is very clean and warm in the summer. The biggest one calls Big America (Velká Amerika) – it is Czech Grand Canyon.

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Of course the establishment of the nature reserve was not just about protecting the plant and animal life in the region, but it is also about protecting and preserving the rich history of the region. The Ardèche Gorges had been home to men since the days of prehistory. There have been numerous artifacts uncovered throughout the years which date back thousands of years into the past.

Cirque Madeleine, Ardeche Gorges, France by Jean-Christophe BENOIST

There is so much to see and do when you choose to visit the Ardèche Gorges. And while it may be tempting to camp wherever you feel like, camping is limited to the Gournier and Gaud areas of the park. Upon arriving to the area, take the time to pick up the local guidebook which offers a lot of information about the geology, flora, fauna, history as well as climate of the region.

You will find that there are more than 250 kilometers of hiking trails which are prominently marked throughout the Ardèche Gorges Nature Reserve. For those who do not want to make their way into the gorges on their own, there is also a number of different guided walking tours that will take you into some of the most popular destinations as well as the protected regions within the Park.

Archs, Ardeche Gorges, France by Brian Smithson

For those who are looking for adventure, there are no limitations when it comes to climbing or caving within the Ardèche Gorges. However, if you do plan on going caving or exploring any of the cliffs, it is important that you report your itinerary to guide office prior to going out. Not only is this for your own safety, but it is also due to the fact that there are a number of protected species located in certain areas of the park. The park rangers will be able to inform you of whether or not you will be allowed to go climbing or caving within a certain area.

There is also an amazing 20 mile long canoeing descent into the Ardèche Gorges. This descent includes more than 25 different rapids which makes it a very popular and thrilling challenge for just about anyone. However, there is also a shorter descent which will take you down into the gorge in less than five miles. You may also trek on foot along the canoeing paths which can take you as much as 12 hours to complete.

Archs, Ardeche Gorges, France by Stephane Vervalle

Needless to say that the awe-inspiring views afforded to one who visits the Ardèche Gorges are well worth the trip to the region. Every year countless people make their way to the gorges in order to experience nature in its most pristine and picturesque form.

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Verdon Gorge, France by Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho

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 Sestrière. At Rougons, the river slides into a very narrow crevice and is hidden from view until it reemerges at the Lac de Ste-Croix.

Verdon Gorge from the top, France by maarjaara

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.

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.

Walls of the Verdon Gorge, France by François Philipp

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.

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