France,Verdon Gorge

 France,Verdon Gorge

Verdon Gorge, France
Verdon Gorge is a river canyon that is often considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful. It is about 25 kilometres long and up to 700 metres deep. It was formed by the Verdon River, which is named for its startling turquoise-green colour, one of the location’s distinguishing characteristics. The most impressive part lies between the towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where the river has cut a ravine to a depth of 700 metres through the limestone mass. At the end of the canyon, the Verdon River flows into the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Because of its proximity to the French Riviera, the gorge is very popular with tourists, who can drive around its rim, rent kayaks to travel on the river, or hike.

The limestone walls, which are several hundreds of metres high, attract many rock climbers. It is considered an outstanding destination for multi-pitch climbing. The variety of 1,500 routes encompass cracks, pillars and seemingly endless walls, and range in distance from 20m to over 400m. The climbing is generally of a technical nature. The Verdon Gorge is renowned as one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe, and attracts numerous tourists, especially during the summer period. The river’s striking turquoise colour is associated with glacial sources and the minerals of
rock flour suspended in the water. It is easily accessible on its right bank from the north, and on its left bank from the south. The southern route offers views of the Col d’Illoire, the summits of Plein Voir, le Pavillon, la cime de Barbin and le Mourre de Chanier, and the Saint-Croix reservoir.

The “Sentier de l’Imbut” hike begins from this side of the gorge. Where the road passes through the Tunnel du Fayet, openings have been cut into the tunnel to afford a view to travelers. The road crosses the Artuby River over a bridge known as Pont de l’Artuby or Pont de Chaulière; soon after, at the relais de Balcon, the Artuby flows into the Verdon. This area is also known as the Mescla, meaning “mixture” in Provençal language. The D90 in the direction of Trigance passes over a bridge spanning the Jabron River and the Pont des Soleils. Just below Rougon is Couloir Samson, the entrance to the part of the fluvial landscape designated as “gorge.” From there one can hike along the Verdon and take the famous “Sentier Martel.” La Palud-sur-Verdon, a village with museum and tourist bureau, is nearby; the “route des Cretes” proceeds from here. The Sentier Martel also is accessible from this route, beginning at the French Alpine Club or “châlet de La Maline.” This path covers more than 100 km of not always easy routes.