Detailed Map of the Verdon Gorge
Everything You Need to Know About the Verdon Gorges
Exploring the Verdon Gorges requires more than just a GPS. For travelers, having an accurate map of the Verdon Gorges is the key to a successful adventure in Provence. This region, cutting through the limestone plateaus between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, reveals itself layer by layer: from the emerald waters of Lake Sainte-Croix to the peaks of the Grand Margès.
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If you’re staying at our campground, L’Oasis du Verdon, in Aups, you’ll enjoy a central location. Looking at a map of the Gorges du Verdon will help you plan your trips and discover the best views without wasting time.
Essential Guidelines for Understanding the Region
| Zone | Topographic Features | Key Points on the Map | Travel time from Aups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon | 700-meter cliffs, cliff-top roads | Route des Crêtes, Point Sublime, Samson Couloir | ~ 45 min |
| The Lakes | Bodies of water, beaches, water sports | Lake Sainte-Croix, Galetas Bridge | ~ 20 min |
| Lower Gorges | Gentle terrain, calm waters | Esparron Lake, Quinson | ~ 35 min |
| Trays | Lavender fields, hilltop villages | Valensole, Aiguines, La Palud | ~ 30 min |
Geography: Reading the Landscape
To interpret a map of the Verdon Gorges, you have to visualize the work of time. The river has carved its bed through Jurassic limestone over a distance of 50 kilometers, creating a gorge up to 700 meters deep.
Geographically, we distinguish between:
- Right Bank (North): Sunny, it is home to the road from Castellane to Moustiers.
- Left Bank (South): the “Corniche Sublime,” offering breathtaking views in the shade of the cliffs in the afternoon.
- The Verdon Riverbed: accessible only at certain strategic points (Galetas, Couloir Samson).
Road Trips: The Grand Canyon Loop
Most visitors look for a map of the Verdon Gorges by car so they can drive the historic loop (D952 and D71). Allow a full day for this 90-kilometer loop.
Right Bank and Route des Crêtes
From Castellane via the D952, the road runs along the river to the Point Sublime in Rougon. This lookout is a key landmark on the map of the Verdon Gorges: it overlooks the entrance to the Couloir Samson, the gateway to the canyon itself.
The highlight is the Route des Crêtes (D23). This scenic loop starts in La Palud-sur-Verdon. Please note: part of the route is one-way (clockwise).
It leads to 14 overlooks, including La Carelle and La Dent d’Aire, where you can spot griffon vultures. Please note that this road is closed in winter (November through March) due to icy conditions.
Left Bank: The Sublime Corniche
On the south bank (D71), the road connects Aiguines to Comps-sur-Artuby. The Col d’Illoire offers a magnificent view of the canyon’s exit and the blue waters of the lake. Further on, the Pont de l’Artuby (182 m high) is famous for bungee jumping. Finally, from the Balcons de la Mescla, you can see—250 meters below—where the waters of the Verdon and the Artuby mix.
Hiking: Exploring the Map on Foot
Leaving the Verdon Gorges by car to explore the trails allows for a truly immersive experience. We recommend using the IGN 3442 OT map.
The Blanc-Martel Trail (GR4)
Marked in red as a major trail across the entire map of the Gorges du Verdon, it connects the Chalet de la Maline to the Point Sublime (13 km). It’s a physically demanding hike (ladders at the Brèche Imbert, tunnels) but visually unforgettable. This is not a loop trail: plan to take a shuttle for the return trip.
The Case of the De l’Imbut Trail
Long considered the most scenic route in the Verdon Gorge, the Imbut Trail (and its exit via Le Vidal) is currently closed by municipal order due to rockfalls. It is essential that you comply with this closure for your own safety, even if older maps still show it as open.
Family Alternatives
To replace the Lézard Trail (which is also closed), locate the Pont de Tusset to Rougon trail on your map of the Verdon Gorges. It leads to an idyllic medieval bridge and presents no technical challenges. In the Basses Gorges, the Garde-Canal Trail in Quinson offers a shaded walk along the old waterway—it’s accessible and fun.
Lakes and Villages
Water shapes the landscape of the Verdon Gorges. Lake Sainte-Croix, covering an area of 22 km², is the jewel of the region. The Galetas Bridge is the must-see photo spot where canoes make their way up the canyon.
Internal combustion engines are prohibited there to preserve the peace and quiet. When it comes to cultural heritage, don’t miss Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, or Aiguines and its castle with its glazed-tile roofs. These villages are ideal stops for a lunch break or to explore local crafts (pottery, woodturning).
Practical Information
To make the most of your trip, here are a few tips for your itinerary through the Verdon Gorge:
- Gas: Fill up in Aups or Castellane. There are no gas stations in the gorges.
- Network: Cell service is spotty at the bottom of the canyon. Download your maps in advance.
- Best time to visit: May, June, and September offer the best balance between weather and crowds. In the summer, leave early to avoid overcrowded parking lots at the lookout points.
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Mastering the map of the Verdon Gorges turns a simple visit into a purposeful adventure. From the windswept ridges to the serene beaches of Sainte-Croix, every turn reveals a new facet of this geological marvel.
Our campground near the Verdon Gorges, L’Oasis du Verdon, serves as your strategic base camp. Located at the crossroads of the Haut-Var region, it allows you to explore the entire area while returning each evening to the comfort and warmth of our accommodations. Our staff is here to help you plan your ideal itinerary on the map—away from the crowds and as close to nature as possible.
