The Gorges of Verdon are among the most incredible natural sites that it is possible to discover in France. The largest canyon in Europe attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, who come of course to admire the exceptional landscapes of the region, but also to practice many activities, on land, in the air and on the water. . In this post, I invite you to discover these landscapes in canoe kayak. Canoeing in the Verdon is accessible to everyone, including children, generally from 5 years old depending on the clubs. Many service providers offer canoe rentals in the Gorges du Verdon. The services and prices offered are often quite similar, for a day, around €45 for a single-seater canoe and €60 for a two-seater. Rental is open from April to November.
I present to you below two emblematic places of the Gorges du Verdon to spend a day canoeing: the Lac Sainte Croix in the high Gorges du Verdon and the Lac of Esparron in the lower Verdon gorges.
High Verdon Gorges: Lake Sainte Croix
Personally, I tested the canoe rental at Verdon Canoe. They do not take reservations online, so I advise you to go early in the morning when they open to be sure to have a canoe available. You will thus avoid the crowd and the heat of the afternoon. Go under the Galetas bridge and take the direction of the Grand Canyon to discover the gorges. Below is a photo from my inflatable canoe, a two-seater purchased from Decathlon, more info on the canoe here if you are interested. As you sail on the clear waters for nearly 2 km in the middle of these immense cliffs, expect to be amazed and feel very small!
Lower Verdon Gorges: Lake of Esparron
I advise you to book your canoe in advance at Verdon Canoe-Padle. The advantage of this nautical base is the possibility of parking in a private car park reserved for customers, below the path 750 meters before the base. Put the GPS at this address to get there.
The most beautiful walk at a distance of 9km in the gorges, from the nautical base to Quinson. Passed the bridge of Quinson you will fall on a beach. Many caves also punctuate the landscape.
Personally, I prefer canoeing on Lake Esparron. Less known to the public there are fewer people in summer. The landscapes are also more varied and the walk is longer than on the Lac de Sainte Croix. You also have other possibilities than renting a canoe to enjoy the Gorges du Verdon, such as renting a paddle, pedal boat or electric boat.
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