Unusual experiences and thrills in the Gorges du Verdon

Provence and its magnificent landscapes provide the ideal backdrop for an experience in the heart of nature. The Verdon Natural Park and its sumptuous gorges carved out over thousands of years by the river are no exception. A wild and protected place that has managed to preserve its natural beauty. In the Gorges du Verdon, lovers of hiking, kayaking and pedal-boating will be delighted. But this grandiose natural setting also offers a host of thrills and spills, through a variety of sometimes unusual activities, all of which will leave you with unforgettable memories of your visit to the Verdon region! Whether you opt for a dinner perched above the Grand Canyon, a paragliding flight over the course of the Verdon, a vertiginous bungee jump or a canyoning session to hurtle down the river, we'll take you on a journey of sensational experiences in the Gorges du Verdon!

The Gorges du Verdon

- © Voyagerix / Shutterstock

A suspended experience above the Gorges du Verdon

Not afraid of heights? Looking for an adrenalin-fuelled experience? Then why not enjoy a dinner suspended 300 metres above the Gorges du Verdon, between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The bravest among you will have the privilege of admiring breathtaking scenery for an evening, with an uninterrupted view of Europe's largest canyon: you'll have a front-row seat overlooking the famous Gorges du Verdon!

Portaledge

- © Greg Epperson / Shutterstock

An unusual activity reserved for those who are not afraid of heights, you are lowered from the top of the cliff aboard a portaledge, a small platform attached by harnesses to the walls of the gorge.

Practical info

📍 Departure point: La Palud-sur-Verdon

👛 Price: around 190 euros for two people

🕑 Duration: 2h30 in total, including 1h30 suspended

👉 Other info: Activity possible for children aged 6 and over. Contact and booking with L'instant Verdon

Where to sleep nearby?

⭐ Hotel Le Provence - Restaurant Le Styx

Hotel Le Provence - Restaurant Le Styx / Gorges du Verdon Gorges du Verdon

Hotel Le Provence - Restaurant Le Styx / Gorges du Verdon

Located in the village of Le Palud, this 3-star hotel offers a restaurant and garden.
From
£152
Book

Canyoning and rafting for a sporting discovery of the Verdon

The Parc naturel du Verdon offers a wide range of canyoning circuits and routes to suit all profiles, from beginners to the most athletic, with family, classic and adrenalin courses.

Rafting on the Verdon

- © Ron van Elst / Shutterstock

Following the guide, you'll follow routes carved out by the Verdon river and discover some magnificent sites. On the programme: climbing, abseiling, high jumps directly into the water... There are numerous rafting routes around the grand canyon, the most spectacular section, but also around the Verdon region. The Val d'Angouire, for example, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful canyoning routes in the region.

Thrills in store

- © Kamila Koziol / Shutterstock

Canyoning and rafting clubs offer trips through the rapids that will test your stamina, as well as more leisurely out ings to make the most of the beauty of the gorges: it's up to you to decide which way you want to go!

Practical info

👛 Price: between €40 and €90 per person, depending on the difficulty of the route.

🕑 Duration: Usually half-day, but 6-day canyoning trips are also possible.

🎟️ Booking: Find multiple offers for rafting and canyoning trips with Verdon Secret, for all levels.

👉 Other info: From 7 years old, but some outings are suitable for children from 4 years old.

Admire the Verdon region from the air

The Verdon from the bottom of the gorges is great, but from the sky it's even better! A first flight in a paraglider or ULM (Véhicule Ultra Léger Motorisé) guarantees an unforgettable day, and an unrivalled view of the Verdon region: the Grand Canyon, Lake Sainte-Croix, the Valensol plateau, and the relief of the Alpes de Haute-Provence as far as the eye can see... simply magnificent.

© The Folky Psychotics / Youtube

To take to the skies above the Verdon, equip yourself with a wet suit, helmet and radio before boarding your gyrocopter. From the 360-degree cockpit, the pilot will show you the splendour of the Provencal countryside: you can see a long way from your microlight! For those with a strong heart, and who don't like the noise of engines, you can also fly over the region in a paraglider: let yourself glide on the air currents above the Gorges du Verdon, for a moment of peace and quiet in the beautiful air.

Hot-air balloons over Lac de Sainte-Croix

- © Gaspar Janos / Shutterstock

Finally, it's not unusual to see one or more hot-air balloons in the Verdon skies, exploring the surrounding area from the air: there are many ways to fly over the Gorges du Verdon!

Practical info

👛 Prices: from €90 per person for a 20-minute microlight flight, from €90 per person for a 2-hour paragliding trip, and €270 for a hot-air balloon flight lasting around 1 hour.

🎟️ Booking:

  • Find offers for outings in a microlight or motor glider with the local agency Verdon Secret, which lists several service providers.

  • In Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Verdon Passion Parapente is a paragliding school perfect for a first flight.

  • Art Montgolfière is an association that operates throughout France, offering flights over the Verdon from Puimoisson.

Take the plunge from the Artuby bridge

The Artuby bridge is set against a sublime and incredible backdrop: it overlooks the river of the same name, whose white waters mingle not far from here with those of the Verdon. You can admire the view from the balconies of La Mescla, one of the finest panoramas of the Verdon Canyon.

Artuby bridge

- © Wynian / Shutterstock

But let's get back to our Artuby bridge. Many people stop here for a moment to admire the view and the vertiginous aspect of the structure: the river flows 182 metres below! The bravest, or the most unaware depending on the viewpoint, choose this unique site to jump straight into the void, hanging from a bungee cord! This jump guarantees a great adrenalin rush, without doubt the strongest of all the Gorges du Verdon. Fans and the curious gather at the Artuby bridge either to attempt the big jump or to watch those who try it. 100% adrenalin guaranteed.

📍 Location: D71, 83630 Trigance

🎟️ Book your bungee jump with Latitude Challenge, who manage the Artuby bridge installation.

© latitude challenge / Youtube
by Jude JONES
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