3 Opportunities at the Gorges du Verdon for the Outdoorsy and Adventurous La Pitchoune Visitor

While many are quick to picture the French countryside as quaint little towns, charming, rolling hills, and quiet cafes where you go to feed your soul, I will say that I don’t hear much about the all-terrain lifestyle one can lead, tucked away in the hills of Provence. Within walking distance of the La Pitchoune property alone, there are a handful of notable trails to set out on. However, we’re big fans of some of the more notable trails within driving distance of Valbonne, and a couple of hours inland you will find yourself gazing upon the Verdon Gorge, or Gorges du Verdon.

Formed by the 15.5 mile long Verdon River, this luscious bit of land in southeastern France is an absolute haven. With gorgeous turquoise waters, it flows between the towns of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane, both of which are rich in culture and have incredible scenic opportunities. The canyon itself is vibrant hues of green and yellow, sharing a bit of what is left over from this region’s existence underwater centuries ago. You can absolutely feel a sense of magic as you approach this destination, and we very much encourage the two hour drive to get a moment of renewal.

For visitors who are a little more outdoorsy, there are several pivotal reasons to visit Gorges du Verdon. Many guests even choose to head there between La Peetch and their next destination.

Climbing

The gorge’s walls are made of limestone, and are often braved by seasoned climbers. There are over 1500 climbing courses to try your hand at, literally. Even if you aren’t interested in climbing, it can be a pretty exhilarating spectator sport, if you’re casually visiting the area. If you’re less experienced, there are areas you can stick to so you can work on your balance, agility, and general climbing skills. So, don’t count yourself out for an opportunity in the gorge!

Hiking

Hiking in the gorge is possible as well, with several safer trail options for those of you adventurous enough to tackle it. If you’re up for a relatively long walk, La Route des Crêtes will take you on a 15-mile lap around the canyon. Not only is there enough variety in scenery to make you feel like you walked through multiple tiny regions, but it gives you an opportunity to escape civilization for a good chunk of time and really connect with the earth and your loved ones.

Water Sports

The Verdon Gorge is home to several water sport options, for those of you who are less into the idea of climbing the sides of a 700-meter deep rock wall. Since it was officially formed by the Verdon River, the river runs through it and empties into the man-made Lake of Saint-Croix. Kayaks are available nearby for rent, and many tourists find themselves heading down the river through some of the most breathtaking views in France.

White water rafting, fishing, and other water sports can be found in the region year-round. So, if you’re more the aquatic kind, check out some community events you may be interested in syncing up to go to while visiting us!

If you’re heading that way for the scenery, there are actually some less athletic options in the gorge as well. The architecture alone is dreamier than you could ever imagine, with exhausted buildings, warm in color and rich in history. One of our favorite options? A visit to La Bastide de Moustiers for nibbles when we’re feeling fancy and a visit to the lavender fields of Valensole in season. But there are also more than 600 historic buildings spread across Verdon’s 45 villages to visit and learn about. I feel as though each time we head into the gorge, we discover something new and exciting about the region!