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Exploring the Gorges du Verdon takes more than a simple GPS. For travelers, having an accurate Gorges du Verdon map is the key to a successful adventure in Provence. This territory, carved into the limestone plateaus between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, reveals itself layer by layer, from the emerald waters of Lake Sainte-Croix to the peaks of Grand Margès. If you are staying at our L’Oasis du Verdon campsite in Aups, you benefit from a central location. Consulting the Gorges du Verdon map will help you optimize your journeys and uncover panoramic viewpoints without wasting time.
| Zone | Spécificités topographiques | Points clés sur la carte | Temps depuis Aups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand canyon | Falaises de 700 m, routes en corniche | Route des Crêtes, Point Sublime, Couloir Samson | ~ 45 min |
| Les lacs | Étendues d'eau, plages, nautisme | Lac de Sainte-Croix, Pont du Galetas | ~ 20 min |
| Basses gorges | Relief doux, eaux calmes | Lac d'Esparron, Quinson | ~ 35 min |
| Plateaux | Lavandes, villages perchés | Valensole, Aiguines, La Palud | ~ 30 min |
To interpret a Gorges du Verdon map, you need to visualize the work of time. Over 50 kilometers, the river has carved its bed into Jurassic limestone, creating a gorge that reaches depths of up to 700 meters.
Geographically, the area can be divided into:
Most visitors look for a driving map of the Gorges du Verdon to complete the historic loop (D952 and D71). Allow a full day for this 90-kilometer circuit.
From Castellane via the D952, the road follows the river to the Point Sublime in Rougon. This viewpoint is a key landmark on the Gorges du Verdon map: it overlooks the entrance to the Couloir Samson, the true gateway to the canyon. The highlight is the Route des Crêtes (D23). This panoramic loop starts in La Palud-sur-Verdon. Please note: part of the route is one-way (clockwise). It serves 14 viewpoints, including la Carelle and la Dent d’Aire, where griffon vultures can often be seen. Be aware that this road is closed in winter (November to March) due to icy conditions.
On the southern bank (D71), the road connects Aiguines to Comps-sur-Artuby. The Col d’Illoire offers magnificent views over the canyon exit and the deep blue lake below. Further on, the Pont de l’Artuby (182 m high) is famous for bungee jumping. Finally, the Balcons de la Mescla allow you to observe, 250 meters below, where the waters of the Verdon and the Artuby meet.
Leaving the driving map of the Gorges du Verdon behind in favor of hiking trails offers complete immersion. The IGN 3442 OT map is recommended.
A major red route across the entire Gorges du Verdon map, it links Chalet de la Maline to Point Sublime (13 km). It is physically demanding (Brèche Imbert ladders, tunnels) but visually unforgettable. This is not a loop: plan a shuttle for the return journey.
Long considered the most beautiful route on the Gorges du Verdon map, the Imbut Trail (with exit via Vidal) is currently closed by municipal order following rockfalls. For your safety, it is essential to respect this closure, even if older maps still show the trail.
To replace the Lézard Trail (also closed), look for the Pont de Tusset Trail in Rougon on your Gorges du Verdon map. It leads to a peaceful medieval bridge with no technical difficulty. In the Lower Gorges, the Garde-Canal Trail in Quinson offers a shaded walk along the former hydraulic canal, accessible and enjoyable for all.
Water shapes the Gorges du Verdon map. Lake Sainte-Croix, covering 22 km², is the jewel of the region. The Pont du Galetas is the must-see photo spot where canoes head back toward the canyon. Combustion engines are prohibited here to preserve tranquility. On the heritage side, do not miss Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, listed among France’s most beautiful villages, nor Aiguines and its castle with glazed rooftops. These villages are ideal stops for lunch or discovering local crafts (ceramics, woodturning).
To make the most of your stay, note the following on your Gorges du Verdon itinerary:
Mastering the Gorges du Verdon map turns a simple visit into a focused adventure. From windy ridgelines to the gentle beaches of Sainte-Croix, every bend reveals a new facet of this geological landmark.
Our campsite near the Gorges du Verdon, L’Oasis du Verdon, serves as your strategic base camp. Located at the crossroads of Haut-Var roads, it allows you to explore the entire area while enjoying the comfort and friendly atmosphere of our accommodations each evening. Our team is on hand to help you plan your ideal route on the map, away from crowds and close to nature.
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