2025 La Palud-sur-Verdon Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

This majestic Gorge is known to be the largest in Europe. And since it was summer I couldn't wait to visit the verdon. If offers a ton of summer activities from hiking to canyoning, rafting and so much. Even without those activities, purely from the viewing perspective this nature's treasure is spectacular. The landscape is all nature, dominated by lush valleys, lake, gorges and villages with towering mountains. Come planned or unplanned you will still have so much to do and look forward to. The drive down to there is an impressive one. You will pass the lovely Sain Croix lake, where you can just sit back and let loose. Views are areanged theough out your journey here. As for the lake, its a striking emerald lake, which lets you do all kinds of water sports. If your thing is to relax and sunbathe, do not deprive yourself to sit or lie under a tree and enjoy the feeling of peace. The more active ones have several trails to catch. The likes of palud sur Verdon, Moustier, Castellane and many more offer mind boggling views. This is a must do activity and if you happen to be within reachable distances. Please do visit here. You will thank me! #myhiddengems #cherryblossom2024 #verdongorge #summerdestinations #france #outdoors #100waysoftravel #flowerlover #singapore #girltrip

In addition to lavender, Provence is also famous for the Verdon Gorge, where the beautiful Verdon River is embedded like a blue ribbon in the winding canyon. Many French people proudly call it the most beautiful canyon. Due to the construction of the Sainte-Croix Dam, the river water is intercepted in the canyon, forming a blue lake, our destination for this trip, Lake Sainte-Croix. Starting from Avignon, it takes more than two hours to drive through the mountains to reach Lake Sainte-Croix. When standing on the Galetas Bridge and seeing it for the first time, the phrase "tears of an angel" suddenly popped into my mind. Due to the lighting, the lake appeared in a beautiful Tiffany blue color. This is a vacation paradise in the hearts of the French people. There are no fancy water activities on Lake Sainte-Croix, the only expense is renting a small boat from a rental company. Hiking, camping, rock climbing, diving, and kayaking are the mainstream activities here, and in order to protect the environment, the small boats on the lake are all human-powered except for a few electric ones. With the excitement of "this is what vacation is all about", I couldn't wait to rent a pedal boat and paddle on the lake. I recommend going upstream, passing through the Galetas Bridge, and playing upstream along the Verdon River. Looking up, both sides are cliffs, and the clear lake water passes through the steep rock walls on both sides. The towering cliffs block the hot summer sun, and when the boat is docked in a place with abundant water grass, the cool breeze in the canyon instantly relieves the heat. Watching young people climb up the cliffs and then jump into the lake while laughing, I couldn't help but admire the courage of foreigners and how exciting they play. The enthusiasm of the French people is also fully released here. Tip 1: The boat rental company provides electric boats, pedal boats, and kayaks. Electric boats are expensive and kayaks are not suitable for beginners. Therefore, pedal boats are the safest and most economical option for recreational boating. 2. Whether you know how to swim or not, it is recommended to wear a life jacket when swimming in the lake. The water is deep and cold, and there is a certain degree of danger. Safety comes first when traveling.

Welcome to the famous Verdon Gorge! In the heart of Provence, there is a route that brings you close to nature. It allows you to shuttle through the gorge, feel the beauty of Lake Sainte-Croix, and experience the ancient town hidden in the mountains. 1. Panoramic route of the northern line. On the north side, D952 connects Castellane to Lac de Sainte Croix. At the end of this road is the Sainte Croix Lake, which is the main route to experience the canyon. The canyon road is narrow, allowing you to experience the vastness of the canyon and the vertical steepness of the cliffs. Climbing all the way up to an altitude of 700 meters, you may also have the opportunity to see many bald eagles. 2. Panoramic route of the southern line. On the south side, I also recommend taking the D71 that connects Trigance and Aigines. It runs south along the Gorges du Verdon, and is much quieter with fewer cars than the D952. The panoramic views here are also very beautiful, whether it's at the Balcons de la Mescla on the Martell path or at the pass of Illoire. It's worth stopping and staying for a while. 3. The town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. I am impressed by the beauty and charm of this village, which is located in the center of Verdon Park and ranks among "the most beautiful villages in France". When you first see Moustiers, the first thing that catches your eye is the cliff. The town is built on the mountain, and this small village exudes the atmosphere of Provence: the fragrance of lavender permeates the streets, and the maze-like alleys give you the opportunity to discover beautiful fountains, pottery shops, and more. The Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel is located between the cliffs, and the climb to the church overlooks the entire town. This is the first time I have felt like I have found a paradise on earth. An impulse to stay. Navigation address: Place de l'Eglise 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Four, swimming in Lake Saint Croix. The Sainte-Croix Lake, built in the 19th century, is an artificial lake known for its emerald green water. I was really fascinated by its color. I sincerely recommend driving around the lake. Along the way, you can see beautiful villages by the lake... such as Bauduen and Aiguines. On the map, look for the small path down to the lake, have a picnic by the lake, go for a swim, and it's so comfortable. Another important activity on the lake is canoeing, and the boat rental point is at the Galetas Bridge. No input provided. Five, travel. The canyon has no buses, it is recommended to rent a car to go. You can plan to visit Sainte-Croix Lake and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for one day, and drive along the lake, have a picnic and go boating on the second day. This trip can be combined with Valensole and Grasse to make a bigger circular tour. Sixth, accommodation. 1. Auberge des Salles is located across from Lake Sainte-Croix. This hotel is very comfortable and offers magnificent lake views! Address: 18 rue Sainte Catherine, 83630 Les Salles sur Verdon 2. Hotel and Spa des Gorges du Verdon located on the banks of the Verdon Gorge in La-Palud-sur-Verdon. It features a scenic swimming pool, a spa center, and modern decor. Address: route de la Maline, 04120 La Palud-sur-Verdon Verdon River, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Valensole, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix Auberge du Seigneur des Serres Restaurant des Gorges du Verdon (Hôtel&Spa) Hotel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon