REGION

It’s amazing just how much you can do in this region. If you are looking for an adrenaline-rush of outdoor activities, then look no further. There are a number of exciting sporting activities on offer in and around the Gorges du Verdon to get your fix. From white-water rafting to bungee jumping, hot air ballooning to abseiling, you’ll find it all here. Below are just a few of the exciting outdoor activities you can enjoy, on foot or on a bike.

CULTURAL

The wild and diverse region of the Verdon owes its name, which is derived form “vert” – the French word for green, to the vibrant turquoise colour of its rivers lakes and streams.

In a nutshell …”One of the most scenic, breathtakingly beautiful wildernesses in the world, and home to the majestic Griffon Vulture.”

Explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon

Located at the crossroads of the regions of the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute Provence it is a fascinating part of France with its imposing landscapes made up of numerous gorges, its grand canyon, and its massive and steep calcair cliffs. Home to the Griffon Vulture, reintroduced here following near extinction in the 90s, the group now flourishes and you can see them sweeping through the gorge so close you can almost reach out and touch them.

The National Park

Stretching from the Plateau de Valensole to the heights of the Var, the National Park of the Verdon gathers 44 communes. It contributes to the preservation of a rich and wild nature. In this protected and prestigious site there are innumerable superb landscapes: lakes, gorges, canyons, rivers, forests …

Lavender and Local Produce

The Verdon and Haute Provence have been famed for the production of medicinal plants since the middle ages. Today this activity is mainly centred around the culture of lavender and lavandin essential oils. From the Plateau de Valensole in July you will enjoy the beautiful views over the lavender fields. Honey, olive trees, truffles, meats and cheeses are renowned for their superb taste, and the local producers will delight in helping you discover all these delicacies when you visit their markets in the summer months.

Craftwork and Artisans

Numerous craftwork fairs happen in the region will enable you to discover the know-how of the area’s artisans. Among the activities which are represented are wool, weaving, leather, ceramics, pottery, dried flowers, metals, jewels, wood, santons, figurines and crêches…

History & Heritage

A region with a long and noble past, the Verdon will charm you by the richness of her heritage. Numerous prestigious places will allow you to discover ancient ruins, chapels, fortified villages, prestigious homes as well as remarkable museums (the museum of Prehistory in Quinson).

ACTIVITIES

Running

Put on your running shoes and head down from the house into La Palud sur Verdon for a run across the village and into the surrounding fields. Your 1.5km descent is a killer on the way back up, but you will enjoy the challenge and reap the benefits as you pound up the steep incline – why not take the steeper detour up the GR4! Winter runs are particularly beautiful as the frost cover resembles a winter wonderland.

Hiking & Horse Riding

The dozens of kilometres of paths (both signed and unsigned) are an invitation to discover nature and go for circuits on foot or on horseback. So it’s on with the walking boots and off to the end of the garden where you will join the GR4 on an out and back route. This trail heads up, up and away and in the direction of Moustiers Saint Marie. Once atop the hill, we will will take you along the ridge where you can take in the stunning views of the Gorge. Walking poles are useful on both ascent and descent back to the house.

MTB & Road Cycling

Whether it be on the road or on the country paths, you have numerous possibilities to ‘get on your bike’. Many routes are available to explore on tarmac or wooded trail and we can guide you according to your skill level and fitness. Roads are fast and at times very steep but worth the effort as you rise above the river looking across the deep ravine and fantastic downhills back into the village … oh, and that steep climb back up to the house expanding those lungs!

Rock Climbing & Abseiling

A rock climber’s heaven. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, you will find many routes to suit your ability. The big routes are amongst the prettiest in Europe, with medium-sized cliffs allowing you to begin or else to make progress around the areas of Digne, Annot, Volx, Castellane, Quinson.

Fishing

This preserved environment is a paradise for fishing… Carp, trout, pike are plentiful. The Verdon River offers excellent fly fishing conditions with few trees to spoil your casting. Lake fishing: Apart from the river itself, the course of the Verdon offers a number of impressive lakes in which there are huge lake trout and pike. As these lakes are quite deep, the fishing techniques vary from trolling and heavy spinning to bait fishing. The river trout fishing season is from March until September. Don’t forget your fishing permit available from cafés near the fishing areas. Fédération des associations pour la pêche (French Fishing Association).

White Water Rafting, Canyoning and other water activities …

With its numerous water sports and lakes the region counts many nautical bases where one can indulge in SUP, swimming, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, rowing – the list is endless. The Verdon however is most famous for its white water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, rafting, tubing – all of which we can arrange for you through numerous local operators.

Up in the air

Experience some of the most breathtaking views by paragliding from Easter to November. Not only is the weather generally good with many thermals, but the hills and mountains are ideal for leaping off! What better way to appreciate the beauty of the Provençal countryside!

Bungee Jumping

At 182m, you can plunge into the ravine from the bridge at Pont de l’Artuby, whilst onlookers marvel at your bravery! Open during the summer months – bookings are essential.

Skiing

Winter sports such as skiing can be enjoyed at the resorts atop Mont Ventoux, whose peak reaches 1912 metres and north to Pra Loup and beyond. The snow is unpredictable, but often quite abundant. At Mont Ventoux, you can downhill ski, snowboard and cross-country ski in the surrounding area.