Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) in France: photo, description, entertainment, map
France may be different. On the one hand, this is the romance of its bright streets, the smell of baking, and on the other hand, the splendor of nature, in comparison with which even the most significant human buildings seem like toys. White limestone mountains and the azure river that so swiftly runs along their banks – all this is Verdon, a place where your idea of Europe will turn upside down.
Small sunny provinces, where friendly and, as if cooing, locals live – all this is invariably associated with France. However, there are other places in this amazing country that can be called remarkable. For example, the Verdon Gorge, whose wild beauty makes you forget that you are in Europe.
Where is
Our planet is rich in a long chain of canyons and rocks, striking in their grandeur. However, in France, or rather in Upper Provence, there is a place that successfully combines sheer cliffs and wonderful landscapes with clear water and fresh greenery – the Verdon Gorge. The biggest attraction of this unique place is the Grand Verdon Canyon. It should be noted that Upper Provence is not in vain proud of its gorge, because it is not only the most beautiful place in the vicinity, but also the deepest in all of Europe.
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The Verdon Gorge is located in the upper reaches of the Verdon River. It slowly flows down from the Alps, from a height of over 2000 meters. A little later, she hurriedly rushes to the Mediterranean Sea, merging with another river along the way. And now, turning to the west, Verdon forms an amazing gorge. Gradually, the river enters the territory of the Canyon, which is so famous for its steep and high banks that rock climbers from all over the world have chosen.
The Verdon Gorge stretches for 19 km, its depth is 701 meters, and its width varies from almost 200 meters to one and a half kilometers. Let many climbers not be surprised by such figures, however, in their country, the gorge rightfully deserves the status of the longest and deepest place in the country. And the beauty of the slopes strewn with fresh greenery overshadows many similar places.
Story
The age of the Verdon Gorge ranges from 200 to 250 million years. Previously, the entire territory, which today is called Provence, was at the bottom of the sea. Millions of marine organisms lived here. Gradually, the sea dried up, and its former invertebrate inhabitants formed huge layers of limestone from their shells. Then water joined the process of forming a new area.
For several hundred years, the river painstakingly and carefully washed away the local limestone. Its fleeting azure waters have created a most beautiful gorge with many caves of the most unusual shape.
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Why you should come here
It is not for nothing that Nature has been working for so long on the appearance of this amazing place. Sheer limestone cliffs, an emerald-blue river and amazing views of the entire gorge attract a wide variety of people. This place is located close to the French Riviera, so both extreme tourists and just romantics come here who want to take their breath away from the grandeur of nature. However, there are some special reasons why you should not forget about the Verdon Gorge if you suddenly find yourself in France.
Unforgettable road. Especially the gorge will be remembered by those who like to travel by car. Let everything here be on the roads, and the most beautiful views open from the roads, but a trip by car is guaranteed to bring you an unforgettable experience.
The fact is that the roads here are arranged in such a way that often you will have breathtaking views of the sheer cliffs of the canyon. At other times, blocks of limestone appear directly above the road, which will make it seem as if you are moving under a huge natural canopy. Therefore, a trip by car is a decision that not everyone dares to make.
However, after a few minutes, the views of the rocks overgrown with greenery, and their reflection in the smooth surface of the sparkling river, will completely displace even the slightest feeling of fear from any tourist.
Leisure
Year after year, the Verdon Gorge continues to attract all lovers of extreme and just outdoor activities. No wonder there are dozens of hiking trails. They pass along the banks of the river, hide in natural caves and climb to the tops of the gorge.
True, to pass such a route, you need to be patient, because such a walk takes up to 5-6 hours. But it will be the best hours in your life: here you will feel how harmonious, all-consuming and beautiful nature can be.
For fans of conquering heights, there is also something special: several rocks of the Verdon Canyon are equipped for rock climbers. In addition, it is possible to rent kayaks, kayaks and even pedal boats to visit the very middle of the gorge and make your way along the azure river. So the main thing is to stock up on strength and time to get as much pleasure from this place as possible.
Archaeologists dream
The cliffs of the Verdon Gorge in places have an extraordinary cut, as if a giant walked over them with his sharpest knife. That is why those who are interested in fossils invariably come here. There are many places where collapsed limestone makes it possible to find the remains of ancient mollusks. Feel like an archaeologist-discoverer, because rarely anyone gets the opportunity to touch the centuries-old history.
Amazing combination of landscapes. Astonishingly, the Verdon Gorge is not only known for its steep cliffs and fast-flowing river that merrily catches the sun's rays. On the other side of the canyon are stunning lavender fields that seem to take you to a magical land where peace and beauty reign.
Another famous attraction of the place is Lake Saint-Croix, which was formed thanks to a dam located further downstream.
On it you can not only take breathtaking shots that emphasize the height of the limestone mountains behind your back, but also just swim. Traveling on the water of the Verdon Gorge is one of the most striking and memorable water routes in Europe.
Waterfalls, large and small, that flow down from the coastal cliffs, splashes of the purest water from the oar, so fervently shining in the sun – all these are the very emotions that cannot be conveyed, but it is so necessary to feel.
Verdon is a place in France where the centuries-old reliefs of nature are perfectly combined with the surprisingly caring attitude of man towards them. Here, from a height of several tens of meters, you can hear the sound of your voice, repelled by light rocks.
You will remember this place by how tremulously the soul freezes here from the majestic view of nature. In any case, after visiting Verdon, you will have to give a corner of your heart to this place, so that at least in your memories and dreams you will continue to return here to meet the real majestic Nature.
Use the services of kiwitaxi and at the airport, at the specified time, the driver will be waiting for you, help with luggage and promptly take you to the hotel. Several classes of cars are available – from economy to Minibus with 19 seats. The price is fixed and does not depend on the number of passengers and the address within Nice. Taxi from / to the airport is a convenient and comfortable way to get to the right place.