The Most Beautiful Caves of the Verdon: Our Tips for Getting the Most Out of Them

Three caves in the Verdon stand out, both for their interest and for their accessibility. Located 8 km from our campground in Aups, the troglodytic caves of Villecroze can be explored on foot with the whole family. In Quinson, the prehistoric cave of La Baume Bonne can only be visited with a guide.

Key Takeaways

Family Hike: The Villecroze Caves

Of all the caves in the Verdon, the ones in Villecroze are the easiest to reach from our campground, just 8 km away.

Carved into the tuff cliff, these cavities initially served as a refuge and were later converted into a fortified dwelling during the Renaissance. Today, they form a designated natural site that overlooks the municipal park and its waterfall.

As for the tour, the walk takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Admission is €5, and children ages 0 to 6 are not permitted, even when accompanied by an adult. Finally, be sure to book online and wear closed-toe shoes.

What travelers say: With a rating of 4.4/5 based on over 4,000 reviews, the site owes much to a passionate guide who tells its story with humor. We also love the flower-filled park, the waterfall, and the cool, shaded galleries—making for a tour that lasts about an hour and is suitable for everyone.

Guided Tour: The Baume Bonne Cave

Unlike Villecroze, the Baume Bonne Cave can only be visited with a guide from the Gorges du Verdon Prehistory Museum in Quinson.

And the trip is well worth it, because according to Alpes de Haute-Provence Tourisme, this site—designated a historic monument —bears traces of human presence dating back 400,000 years, beneath a limestone cliff over 20 meters high.

In practice, this hike is suitable for experienced hikers ages 7 and up, since it takes a total of 3 hours and 30 minutes—including 2 hours and 30 minutes of walking—to cover 3.5 km with an elevation gain of 200 m.

Reservations are also required; please call 04 92 74 09 59.

Whether before or after the hike, the Gorges du Verdon Museum of Prehistory —one of Europe’s largest museums dedicated to prehistory—offers a chance to continue exploring.

Travelers’ reviews: Rated 4.5/5, the site impresses with its hike through the garrigue, punctuated by informational signs, and a passionate guide. Visitors describe the hike as challenging but manageable, suitable for children, and feel that the vast cave more than makes up for the effort required.

Canoeing: The Cavities of the Baudinard Gorges

Even wilder still, the Baudinard Gorges hide their caves within cliffs 100 to 150 meters high, which are most often explored by canoe. This canyon marks the entrance to the Verdon Gorges on the Lower Gorges side, through a narrower passage that is significantly less crowded than the main gorges.

According to the town of Baudinard-sur-Verdon, these cliffs, dotted with caves, provided shelter for people over a very long period, from the earliest prehistoric populations through World War II.

The largest chamber is thus named the “Church Cave ”: its network extends across three levels for a total length of approximately 1,400 meters, and stars painted in red can be seen on the light-colored rock.

However, these caves are home to protected species, so they can only be viewed from the outside and are not open to visitors. There are several options available for getting to the site:

• Rent a canoe in Saint-Laurent or Montagnac to paddle up the canyon along the river.
• Take the 13-kilometer-long Sentier des Basses Gorges trail to enjoy its beautiful overlooks.
• Book a guided tour to navigate this narrow route safely.

Travelers’ reviews: Rated 4.9/5 based on over 100 reviews, this site stands out for its tranquility and unspoiled setting, far from the crowds. Visitors recommend canoeing or taking an electric boat, advise booking early, and remind visitors that swimming is prohibited because the water is freezing.

Our Tips for a Great Visit to the Verdon Caves

To make the most of your visit to the Verdon Caves, there are three key tips to keep in mind: book early, choose your time slot wisely, and stay safe on the water. In practice, mornings tend to be the most pleasant, before the thermal wind picks up over the lake in the early afternoon. “On the lake, we regularly recommend setting out early and returning before noon, ” explains the team at L’Oasis du Verdon. Here are some additional recommendations before you head out:

Book your tour of the Villecroze caves online; tours are limited to 50 people per time slot.

Call the Baume Bonne Museum; admission depends on the schedule.

Wear closed-toe shoes that fit snugly—they’re essential on rocky trails.

Stay alert along the Verdon River, as warnings from the Lower Gorges indicate that dam releases are causing a sudden rise in water levels.

Would you like to plan your visit to the Verdon Caves from Aups?

Why not add the Verdon Caves to your itinerary for your next vacation? From L’Oasis du Verdon in Aups, you can reach Villecroze in just a few minutes, then Quinson and the Baudinard Gorges in a single day. Book your campsite or lodging now, and make the Verdon Caves the highlight of your adventures in the Haut-Var!