Roadtrips: 4 days in the VERDON GORGES

Enjoy the magnificent village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, with its charming flower-filled streets and famous earthenware workshops. One of the most beautiful villages in France, this town is full of magnificent 12th century buildings. During your walk, linger over Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in the centre of the village and don’t miss the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel. Above the chapel you will find a 227 m long chain stretched between two rocky peaks supporting a large gold star.
On your way down from the village you will find a picnic area and also a car park for filling up with water and emptying waste water.

You will arrive at the Lac de Sainte-Croix where all the water sports are within easy reach.
For spectacular views head for Sainte-Croix-du Verdon, from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Sainte-Croix has superb views over the lake and has beaches, picnic areas and a range of water sports facilities (canoes, kayaks and pedalos for hire). 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 in the France Passion guide.
You can also take a moment during the day to go and pick some good apples from the many producers.

Take the direction of the panoramic road of the crests where you will admire incredible points of view on the gorges as well as flights of birds of prey (eagles…) in their natural environment.
Halfway between Moustier and Castellane on the D952, this road offers magnificent
views of the grand canyon, of which it follows the most impressive section. It is a 23km loop from La Palud. From the town centre, follow the D952 in the direction of Point Sublime and Castellane, then the sign for the Route des Crêtes (D23). This road climbs gradually and reaches a series of 14 lookouts, all of which offer breathtaking views. The “Pas de la baou” at 1285 metres reaches its highest point: the Verdon flows 715 metres below. The road then twists and turns to reach the south bank and its narrow roads. Memorable!
Go back down to Barjols to admire the surprising village of Cotignac, listed as a historical
historical monuments and the troglodyte houses.
Labelled a “village of character”, this small town is nestled at the foot of a majestic cliff. The coastline of Cotignac never stops 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, at the Tuesday market.