Mis à jour 15/12/2020
You want to practice some activities inside the Verdon Gorges ? To make your stay unforgatable, Europe highest Canyon of has a lot up his sleeve ! Whitewater activities, hiking, mountain biking, … Alone, with your spouse or with your family, the Verdon Gorges has a lot to offer !
Sainte-Croix Lake
Finding a quiet beach on the 3d largest lake of France isn’t that big of a task. You only have to walk alongside the banks to be 'somewhat' alone with Mother Nature. For those who want to get inside Europe highest canyon, you can rent a pedal boat, a kayak, a paddle or an electric boat.
Nautical activities
Where can you do kayak inside the canyon ?
Kayaking or canoing is a must do in this territory. L’Etoile nautical base is the closest from the Canyon. Situated at Galetas Bridge, they rent kayak and canoes. You will have to paddle the turquoise water a little before passing under Galetas bridge and reaching the huge cliffs of the gorges.
To rent a kayak in the Verdon Gorges
From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: direction Sainte-Croix Lake on the D957 road. On your right, before Galetas Bridge, is a parking lot to l’Etoile Nautical Base. It is better to come in the morning if you don’t want to be in the hustle of the day.
Crédit photo : Marco Bono
This nautical base doesn’t take any reservation. You have to go directly on site to rent your kayak and go inside the gorges. Only 2km are allowed inside. You can rent a boat for 2 hours maximum which is enough to paddle in and out either you’re a begginer or an experienced paddler.
To rent a pedal boat in the Verdon Gorges
At l’Etoile Nautical Base you can also rent pedal boats up to 5 persons. As well as kayaks and canoes, you can only rent it for 2 hours maximum. You will live an unforgatable experience surrounded by these formidable cliffs. Favour the morning for this activity ; the place is less crowded and the colours are splendid when the sun shines through the ridge above.
Aquatic activities in the Verdon Gorges
The best of the activities to do
Where to raft ?
To start rafting activities, you must go to Castellane (1 hour drive from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie through the D952 road). The road to Castellane is also a great experience as you will drive on a samll and bending road fulfill with point of views above the river. After crossing La Palud you will go down the road to meet the river and see the whitewaters you will later have to face.
Hydrospeed : for more sensations
To mingle with the river you can do hydrospeed from April to October. Equiped with a full wetsuit, fins and a float boat named «hydrospeed», you are ready to let yourself go with the waves. You don’t need to be experience to do this activity and have fun.
Canyoning inside the Verdon Gorges
With this activity you have to be multi-skilled : you will have to hike, climb and swim into the whitewaters to enjoy the secret spots of the Canyon ; but also go down zip-lines, do rapelling, jump into the water… A lot of circuits exist so if you are beginner don’t be afraid, there’s a path made for you somewhere !
You also have the possibility to do Aqua Trekking for a day in the depths of the Canyon.
Hiking in Verdon Natural Park
You would rather hike in the Natural Park to enjoy the landscapes ? You are in the right place. We have no less than 23 main hiking trails to offer you.
Hiking around Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Around our village you are inside Verdon Natural Park and with beautiful point of views of the Sainte-Croix Lake, Valensole and Vénascle Plateau. Vincel trail is a 4 hours round trip offering several panoramas before going back inside the mediaeval streets of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Valensole’s Plateau
During lavender blossom (around June 15 and July 15) what a joy to go for a walk through these purple fields. Bicycle lovers will have a chance to discover Valensole’s plateau trhough mountain bike trails or departmental roads. 800km² wide, the Plateau has a lot to offer.
Bike rental in the Verdon
In Moustiers-Sainte-Marie you can find 2 rentals for electric bikes and mountain bikes. You will also find professional to advise you on the best trails and paths according to your needs. Around Sainte-Croix Lake or on the land of Valensole Plateau, enjoy the efficiency of electric bikes to visit the Natural Park.
