Gorges du Verdon — France’s Hidden Emerald Canyon

Tucked away in the heart of Provence, Gorges du Verdon is one of France’s most breathtaking natural wonders — often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe.” Think turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming Provençal villages perched above winding roads.

If you’re short on time, a day trip from Nice is absolutely doable — and unforgettable. Here’s how we made the most of our one perfect day exploring this stunning region by car.

🚗 Getting There: Road Tripping in a Fiat 500

We rented a Fiat 500 through the Getaround app, which was perfect for two. Compact, zippy, and ideal for the scenic (and sometimes narrow) mountain roads.

Pick-up: Nice Saint-Augustin (07:00)
Drive time: ~2.5 hours
Route: Follow the A8 towards Draguignan, then take the D952 road toward Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — it’s a road-trip dream with sweeping views and plenty of photo stops.

💡 Top Tip: Start early! The drive is gorgeous but winding, and you’ll want time to stop and admire the views.

💧 10:30 – Explore Gorges du Verdon

Arriving at the Pont du Galetas bridge, you’re greeted with jaw-dropping turquoise water stretching between limestone cliffs. This is the best spot to start your adventure on the lake.

🚣 Kayak & Pedal Boat Adventure

We hired a kayak (€10 each) and a pedal boat (€20) — perfect for exploring the calm stretches of the gorge. Paddling beneath towering cliffs, with sunlight bouncing off the emerald water, was easily the highlight of the day.

🧺 Lunch by the Water

Find a quiet spot near the banks for a picnic lunch — there are plenty of shaded areas with postcard-perfect views. We simply brought sandwiches and fresh fruit, and it was bliss.

💡 Top Tip: There aren’t many cafés right by the water, so bringing your own lunch gives you freedom to eat wherever the view inspires you.

💡 What to Bring:

• Towels

• A waterproof bag for your belongings

• Plenty of water and snacks

• A packed picnic lunch to enjoy by the water’s edge

🏞️ 15:00 – La Palud-sur-Verdon

After returning the kayak, drive toward La Palud-sur-Verdon, a scenic village around 40 minutes (20 km) from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie via the D952 road. This stretch offers panoramic canyon views and a few lookout points worth stopping for.

🏡 15:45 – Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

No trip to Gorges du Verdon is complete without visiting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Nestled at the base of limestone cliffs, it’s full of artisan shops, cobblestone alleys, and pastel houses.

Stroll through the town, browse local ceramics, and grab a coffee or gelato at a café terrace.

💡 If You Have Time: Swing by Castellane, another picturesque village along the route back toward Nice.

🌅 19:00 – Return to Nice

After a full day of turquoise waters, cliffside drives, and Provençal charm, we returned our Fiat 500 just as the sun was setting over Nice — tired, sun-kissed, and completely in awe of the Verdon’s beauty.

💡 If You Have Time: On the return journey, make a brief stop at the Waterfalls of Saut du Loup. It’s a small detour (about 30 minutes total) but a refreshing way to end the day before heading back.

✨ Final Travel Tips

• Pack swimwear — you’ll definitely want to jump in.

• Bring cash for kayak or pedal boat rentals.

• Wear comfy shoes for exploring the villages.

• Fuel up before leaving Nice — gas stations near the gorge are limited.

• Leave early to maximise your time and avoid traffic.