Verdon Road Trip: Camper Van Itinerary | VAN-AWAY, give yourself the freedom to roam

About this road trip

365 km

Short (2 to 4 days)

Sud-est

Most people come for them alone. Carving their way through 25 km of limestone plateaus in southern Haute-Provence, the emerald waters of the Verdon have gradually formed the deepest gorges in Europe.

The most spectacular part is the Grand Canyon, which you can admire while driving your van along the Route des Crêtes.

Beautiful villages line your itinerary in a camper van or converted van, starting with Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Palud-sur-Verdon, and on your return, the magnificent town of Cotignac with its stunning troglodyte houses.

For your overnight stays, we recommend using the Park4night app, the France Passion guide found in the glove compartment of your van, or enjoying the facilities of Flower Campings network sites such as Camping de la Beaume in Esparron-sur-Verdon or Camping des Iscles on your route in Roquebrune-sur-Argens.

View the itinerary

Day 1: Nice-Grasse-La Palud

Begin your trip by taking the road through the Pré Alpes d’Azur Natural Park via the D6085, longer and more winding but so magnificent and, most importantly, free! On your route, you’ll discover villages such as Grasse and Castellane. In Palud-sur-Verdon, the more sporty can indulge in climbing while others can try hiking trails like the legendary Blanc-Martel, which is used daily in high season with nearly 2000 steps.

Blanc Martel hiking trail with dramatic canyon views

Day 2: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Enjoy the magnificent village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, its charming flower-lined streets and its famous faience workshops. Among the most beautiful villages in France, this town is full of magnificent 12th century buildings. During your walk, linger at Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in the center of the village and don’t miss the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir Chapel. Above the chapel is a curiosity to which Moustier owes its nickname as the “Star of Provence”: a 227-meter-long chain stretched between two rocky peaks supporting a large star gilded with fine gold. As you descend from the village, you’ll find a picnic area and also a parking lot to fill up with water and empty used water. Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie with its church and mountain backdrop

Day 3: Lake Sainte-Croix

You’ll arrive at Lake Sainte-Croix where all water activities are within reach. For spectacular views, head towards Sainte-Croix-du Verdon, starting from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Sainte-Croix enjoys superb views of the lake and has beaches, picnic areas and numerous water facilities (canoe, kayak, pedal boat rentals). You can park on the right or left bank of the lake for the night or use the Park4night parking areas or the good addresses from the France Passion guide. Also take time during the day to go collect good apples from the many producers.

Turquoise waters of Lake Sainte-Croix with surrounding mountains

Day 4: Visit of the Gorges – Cotignac

Take the direction of the panoramic ridge road where you’ll admire incredible views of the gorges as well as birds of prey (eagles…) in their natural habitat. Halfway between Moustier and Castellane via the D952, this road offers magnificent views of the grand canyon, along which runs the most impressive section. It describes a 23 km loop starting from La Palud. From the town center, follow the D952 towards the Point Sublime and Castellane, then the sign indicating the Route des Crêtes (D23). This gradually rises and joins a series of 14 viewpoints, all offering breathtaking panoramas. The “Pas de la Baou” located at 1285 meters, reaches its highest point: The Verdon flows 715 m below. The road then plunges in hairpin bends to join the South bank and its narrow roads. Memorable! Head down towards Barjols to admire the surprising village of Cotignac, listed as a historical monument, and the troglodyte houses. Labeled as a “village of character”, this small town is nestled at the foot of a majestic cliff. The Cotignac coast keeps climbing. Take the opportunity to buy rosé wine from the region in the many vineyards of the village and especially, if you have the opportunity, during the Tuesday market.

Dramatic view of the Verdon Gorges from a viewpoint