The Most Beautiful Towns in the Verdon Gorge

Towns and Villages of the Verdon

With its mix of quaint and tourist-friendly villages, modern amenities, and respect for history, the Verdon Oasis is a destination that offers many advantages for a perfectly enjoyable vacation.

The landscapes of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Nature Park—featuring rivers, cliffs, lavender fields, rocky outcrops, and perfectly preserved traditional architecture —make it a prime destination for a variety of activities, whether sports or sightseeing. From our Gorges du Verdon campground, you’ll be ideally situated to set out and explore the treasures of the surrounding area!

Living Heritage and Must-See Villages in the Verdon Gorges

With its wild landscapes, fortified towns, and well-preserved historic villages, the Verdon Regional Nature Park boasts a rich heritage—natural, architectural, historical, and cultural—that is a must-see during your camping vacation in the Verdon.

Through museums, events, its cuisine, and the enduring legacy of ancestral cultures—such as those centered on lavender and olives—the Verdon region is committed to keeping alive and passing on the rich traditions of Haute-Provence.

From the Tripe Festival in Barjols to the Truffle Market in Aups, including the Goat Festival in Bauduen, the Saffron Festival in Sillan, the patron saint festivals in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, and the must-see Provençal markets in Castellane, Régusse, Sainte-Croix, Aups, or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Exploring the Villages of the Verdon Gorges

The charming villages of the Gorges du Verdon are home to a wealth of cultural treasures and often offer incredible views of the Grand Canyon or the lakes. Set out on hikes along the various trails to explore the Verdon Gorges and discover the Valensole Plateau, the Basses Gorges, and a magnificent dam on the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix, where you can go canoeing and paddle boating.

Their events, festivals, shopkeepers, and artisans keep alive time-honored Provençal traditions and distinctive local crafts.
Be sure to stroll through their narrow streets, visit their chapels, and check out their markets!
There, you’ll find all the vibrancy and warmth of Provence—whether among the market stalls or on the terraces of the cafés—as well as the famous Luberon lavender.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Picturesque Villages

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: a must-see in the Verdon Gorges, this village will charm you with its town center crossed by a stream, its waterfall, and its scenic walks leading to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir Chapel. Aiguines: Perched above Lake Sainte-Croix, be sure to climb up to the Saint-Pierre Chapel, which overlooks the village and offers a breathtaking view of the lake.

Castellane: a magnificent gateway to the Verdon Gorge, with its church perched on a rocky outcrop. Allemagne-en-Provence, with its 16th-century castle, a park filled with rare tulips, and its local specialty shop. Gréoux-les-Bains, with its colorful cobblestone streets, its Templar castle, its thermal baths, its art galleries, and its Provençal market.

Rougon, a must-see viewpoint overlooking the canyon above the “Point Sublime,” with its medieval alleyways and ancient bridges. Bauduen, a medieval village on the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix, with the remains of its ramparts, its pebble beach, and its 19th-century sundial. Les Salles-sur-Verdon, with its breathtaking setting, the memory of the ancient submerged village, its nature trail, and its idyllic beaches. Esparron-de-Verdon: perched above Lake Esparron, it’s known as the “Pearl of the Verdon” for its Provençal charm, picturesque houses, and sublime panoramic views. La Palud-sur-Verdon: nestled between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the village is dominated by the Grand Mourre and Mourre de Chanier mountains. A favorite playground for rock climbers and slackliners!