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Canoeing in the Verdon

Have you always dreamed of canoeing down the Verdon Gorge? Whether you’re curious, a stroller, an adventurer, a dreamer or a seasoned sportsman, the Verdon will open its doors to you. Sail the river’s exhilarating turquoise waters. Whether calm and serene or turbulent and vigorous, the Verdon will awaken your senses and your curiosity.

The Upper Verdon

FromAllos to Saint André les Alpes, discover the river and its tumultuous temperament: the Haut Verdon.

This part of the Verdon is only open to you in spring, as it is not regulated by dams. Depending on the amount of snow and weather conditions, this stretch of river can be enjoyed in April, May and June.

The Middle Verdon

From Castellane to Lac de Sainte Croix, discover the powerful waters of the Verdon with family and friends.

Our whitewater professionals will accompany you and help you tame the river’s turbulent character: the Middle Verdon.

Peaceful waters

The waters of the Verdon also offer peaceful, serene moments on its lakes.

You’ll paddle independently, calmly and serenely, immersed in this more intimate and secret Verdon.

By the way, what is it?

Canoeing and kayaking

In a canoe, you’re on your knees, using a single paddle to paddle along on the same side. In a kayak, you sit down and use a double paddle to propel yourself by alternating right and left strokes.

So, are you ready to get on board and discover the Verdon?

More of an adventurer?

Sporty, committed runs

Would you like to enjoy an unusual and sporty experience in the heart of the Verdon white water? Come aboard with one of our Verdon whitewater guides for a few hours or a full day.

You’ll alternate between rapids and calmer zones, allowing you to admire the scenery all around you. You’ll discover deep, wild gorges unique in the world, with rapids with evocative names: Le Niagara, Le Cyclope, Le Styx, L’Imbut, Les Molosses and Les Assomoirs.

TO EMBARK ON THE TUMULTUOUS WATERS OF THE VERDON WITH OUR WHITEWATER GUIDES, CLICK HERE!

These intense moments also remind us of the importance of respecting and preserving our environment. Take a moment in silence to take in the scenery around you, and remember to stay clear of nesting and migration areas and riverbank vegetation.

More the contemplative type?

Inspiring walks

Gentle paddling on the Verdon lakes

The Verdon lakes offer a variety of canoeing routes, each offering a unique experience. You can paddle on Lac de Sainte-Croix, Lac d’Esparron or Lac de Quinson.

The crystal-clear waters of these lakes don’t require you to be an expert paddler! Are you a beginner? No problem! The turquoise waters and impressive limestone cliffs open up their secrets and nooks and crannies for a gentle day out.

Discover the different Gorges du Verdon

The various gorges along the river invite you to experience a unique moment. The river’s waters have cut deep into the limestone rock, creating an impressive canyon with steep cliffs and sheer rock faces. Caves and waterfalls reveal themselves along the way.

Take your time and choose where you’d like to embark

Quinson and its natural gorges, shallower and narrower than the Gorges du Verdon, for a more intimate atmosphere. You can round off your peregrinations with a hike to the Baume Bonne cave and discover the prehistory museum.

The Gorges de Baudinard, with its sheer rock faces and breathtaking views of the Verdon canyon, is the perfect place to cruise the dazzling blue waters. Less crowded, you’ll live to the rhythm of the river. Your swims will be refreshing even in midsummer.

Do you have an image of the Gorges du Verdon in your mind? You’ll recognize the entrance to the Grand Canyon du Verdon as soon as you board your canoe or kayak from one of the many boats near the Galetas bridge. Here, you’ll be immersed in one of the iconic sites of this picturesque region of France, offering a memorable experience in the heart of nature.

For a rejuvenating and inspiring experience, we recommend that you embark from the Pont du Galetas between April and June, or from September onwards.

Sound advice?

for intense moments

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, we recommend discovering the Grand Canyon out of season. We suggest May and June, or September for a more immersive experience.

Come to the Galetas bridge and embark on the turquoise waters of the Verdon for an unforgettable experience.

To inspire you...

Did you know?

The Verdon, a domesticated river

Today, the Verdon is no longer the torrent that could tumble down with a flow of over 500m3 per second in just a few hours. Man has tamed it by building 5 dams along its course. Castillon and Chaudanne upstream of the Gorges du Verdon, Sainte Croix, Quinson and Gréoux les Bains downstream.

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