As an integral part of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, the geological setting of Gréoux-les-Bains no longer has much in common with the sheer walls of the Grand Canyon, or even with the narrow course of the Basses Gorges du Verdon downstream from the little town: less spectacular, certainly, but also more peaceful, the river continues its course through the fields to join the Durance, of which it is a tributary.
Gréoux-les-Bains lies downstream of the Basses Gorges du Verdon, at their eastern end: it doesn't take long for the river to become a tributary of the Durance, and change course. Not far from the pleasant Lac d'Esparron, the Verdon takes on a much less rugged appearance and a more gentle flow. Gréoux-les-Bains has two faces: that of an old Provencal village, with all the attributes that make up the intrinsic charm of the region. And that of a spa, where people come to take the waters, as the Romans did as far back as the 1st century AD! Gréoux-les-Bains is ideally situated for exploring the less-frequented and more peaceful parts of the Verdon region: the wild Basses Gorges as far as Quinson, the small beaches of Lac d'Esparron, the Valensole plateau and its lavender fields, before reaching Lac de Sainte-Croix, Moustiers and the famous Verdon Canyon.
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Gréoux-les-Bains, the last village in the Gorges du Verdon
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Old Gréoux, the spa and the Verdon river
- © Aerovista Luchtfotografie / ShutterstockThe architecture of the upper part of Gréoux is a reminder of its ancient origins on the banks of the Verdon. The Château des Templiers, enthroned above the old village, immediately catches the eye: this edifice was built in the 12th century under the leadership of the Templar Order, hence its name, but none of these monks-knights ever lived there!
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Templar castle
- © Richard Semik / ShutterstockAll around the castle, Gréoux has all the typical allure of a Haute-Provence village: its colours, its lilting accents, its traditional market, its narrow streets and old staircases, the town 's historic centre is definitely not lacking in charm! A setting that contrasts with the more modern lower part of the town, developed according to the precepts of the spa.
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Thermes de Gréoux-les-Bains
- © Marina VN / ShutterstockRejuvenate with a spa treatment
The curative qualities of the waters of Gréoux-les-Bains have been known since ancient times: thermal baths already existed here under the Romans! The tradition has been perpetuated, and the commune is now ranked as France's third-largest spa resort. The waters are drawn from a depth of 1200m, where their temperature reaches 42°C: rich in sulphur, calcium, magnesium and other trace elements, their therapeutic qualities help to treat rheumatology, traumatology and pneumology problems.
Practical info
The Chaîne Thermale du Soleil manages the thermal baths at Gréoux-les-Bains, which are open to spa visitors all year round from March to December. The resort has developed a whole hotel infrastructure around the thermal baths to cater for holidaymakers and spa visitors, with more large hotels than most of the villages in the Gorges du Verdon, but also with its share of rental accommodation and campsites.
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Lou Paradou
3-star hotel in Gréoux-les-Bains with extensive grounds and heated swimming poolA village open to the Verdon region
You don't have to treat yourself to a spa treatment to stay in Gréoux-les-Bains. The village is well worth a visit for its heritage, its many sights and its lively atmosphere: the Templar castle, of course, but also the Notre-Dame-des-Ormeaux church in the old town centre, the thermal baths stamped "Thermes Troglodytes Celtes Gallo Romains" and the unmissable casino, a must in any spa resort!
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The Verdon region around Gréoux
- © Marina VN / ShutterstockBut it's the area around Gréoux, which opens onto the Verdon region, that attracts lovers of walks and outdoor activities. In the middle of the garrigues overlooking the Verdon, the Notre-Dame-des-Oeufs chapel is well worth a visit for its viewpoint and its legend: women wishing to give birth would go there on pilgrimage on Easter Monday, with an egg in each hand. One was swallowed, the other buried: the wish was granted if the egg was found intact on the day of the Virgin's nativity, 8 September!
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Lake Esparron
- © Stephane GEUS / ShutterstockFollow the lovely Route du Lac to Plage Saint-Étienne and the peaceful waters of Lac d'Esparron. The perfect place to start a hike around the lake, hire a kayak or hop aboard a small electric boat.
Practical info
🚣♂️ Kayak and electric boat hire at Plage Saint-Etienne
The Plage Saint-Étienne is a good starting point for a leisurely paddle on Lac d'Esparron, or a trip through the Basses Gorges du Verdon as far as Quinson. There are seasonal rental companies on site.
- CanoËco Verdon
- Alize Electronic
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Lavender fields in Gréoux-les-Bains
- © Marina VN / ShutterstockGréoux-les-Bains is also at the forefront of the magnificent Valensole plateau, famous for its vast expanses of lavender in bloom: from late June to early July, the scenery of bright purple lavandin fields and delicate scents is truly enchanting!
The Gorges du Verdon from Gréoux-les-Bains
It takes around 45 minutes to reach the entrance to the Verdon canyon, the most spectacular part, at the Galetas bridge. From here, you can choose between the southern route, the Corniche Sublime, or the northern route, via La Palud-sur-Verdon and the memorable Route des Crêtes.