Kayaking the Verdon Gorge in the Provence in South France is a great experience to explore one of the largest European canyons.
The Verdon Gorge in the Provence, France is one of the largest canyons in Europe. With a length of about 21 km and a depth up to 700 m it is an impressive sight.
Even more impressive is the turquoise water of the Verdon. It winds sloooowly through the canyon.
During our Road Trip along the Lavender Route in the Provence we stopped at the Lac de Sainte-Croix. Right at the beginning of the Verdon Gorge.
After a turbulent night (weather wise) at the Lac de Sainte-Croix we rented a kayak. We thought this would be the perfect fit for us. A little workout included.
You would be surprised how hard it can be if you do it the first time. We took a kayak for two and first it was hard paddeling forward. I have to commit it was my fault. 😀
I am glad no one knew us. The first hundred meters were a pain in the butt.
We were zig-zagging until we reached the bridge. The connection between the Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorge. Suddenly we made our way through the canyon and it worked out pretty well.
How deep the river is was hard to figure out but definitely deep enough. Later in the afternoon we watched some crazy guys jumping from the cliffs and even the bridge. (You can see a picture of this crazy dude here)
Along some waterfalls and the cliffs of the canyon we had to paddle back way to soon. Especially during summer you feel like being in the middle of rush-hour. Passing by Japanese, all armed with iPads we went back to the shore.
Renting a kayak or boat for a Verdon Gorge Tour
If possible avoid renting a kayak around noon. Get up early and rent your kayak in the morning.
You have a chance to rent the kayak longer than one hour. It´s not possible to see the canyon in one hour. It gives you a great overview but it would be nicer having time to stop at the shore or for floating around.
The prices for renting a kayak are reasonable and it´s definitely recommended.
Besides kayaking you can also rent a boat to explore the canyon.
Would this be something for you or don´t you like being on the water?
To book a trip to the Verdon Gorge click here: Verdon Gorge
You might also enjoy:
Swimming and Cliff Jumping at the Cascades Du Sautadet (Provence, France)
Road Trip Along The Lavender Route (Provence, France)
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zuletzt aktualisiert am February 24, 2023
Oh wow!! Look at the colour of that water. This is somewhere we want to visit for all the outdoor activities here including Kayaking and climbing too. We are hoping to go and do some kayaking soon but unfortunately not in these amazing surroundings!!
Hope you have fun wherever you´re heading. And maybe, some day, you can kayak and climb at the Verdon Gorge too. 😉
Wow this place looks beautiful! I’ll have to add it to our list for when we go to Europe
If you travel to the Verdon Gorge and the Lac de Sainte-Croix I would recommend you travel along the Lavender Route too. There are some spectacular views along the route and you see the famous Lavender fields.
https://www.cityseacountry.com/route-de-lavande-provence/
I would definitely want to get out on the water here, its gorgeous!
…and it´s not the only gorgeous place out there. Close to the Lac de Sainte-Croix and Verdon Gorge is the Lac de Castillon. It is as turquoise and beautiful as the two I mentioned first.
I can’t believe how blue that water is and I can’t believe it’s in France!
I was surprised at first too when I saw the canyon. 🙂
That water is so gorgeous, it is hard to believe it is even real! Looks like a fun, yet tiring, trip.
kayaking seems both like fun and hard work at the same time. But in such a beautiful spot…. looks well worth it all! thanks for sharing!
The Verdon Gorge ist one of the most beatiful places i have ever seen! Just visited the Gorge in may. We didn’t kayak, but we hiked a lot. There are many trails with breathtaking lookouts!
That’s true. I was there in August and it was too hot to hike along the Verdon Gorge. It was in the 30+ degrees Celsius range.
Perfect for kayaking.
Hi, may I know if kayaking in may/June will be weird? As in no one there and water will be cold?
Hi Shirley, I was there in summer time but I guess the end of May and June should be fine. As long as you don’t jump into the water (which I wouldn’t do anyways in the gorge du Verdon). The water in the gorge comes from a river and flows into the Lac de Sainte Croix, so it might be cold in May and June.
Hope it helps and if you go there: Have fun!
Hi, thanks for feedback! I will be going towards the end May! Would like to know if it is safe to kayak in The Gorge? And where should I rent the kayak ?
Hi Shirley, what do specifically mean with: Is it safe? If you’re not sure or scared with kayaking in a gorge or on water in general you can also rent a pedal boat if this feels more safe or comfortable for you.
You can rent a kayak or a pedal boat directly at the Lac de Sainte Croix, close to the bridge that connects the Lac de Sainte Croix lake with the Gorge du Verdon. I’m sure you won’t miss it. There is a parking space next to the lake where you can rent a pedal boat or a kayak.
Oh, I would mean the safety of the water itself. Alrights! Thanks for the advise. How long should I rent the kayak or boat for? If I want to cover most parts of the gorge?
We only had it for 30 minutes because the place was really crowded in July/August. I don’t know how many people are there at the end of May. My suggestion would be to be there as early as possible (if I remember correctly they open the place at around 9 o’clock). Most people starting to arrive at around 10:30.
If I would go there again I would rent it (if possible) for about 1 1/2 hours to be able to enjoy the gorge. But that always depends how interested you’re in nature and the gorge and water itself.
30 minutes was a bit stressful, especially if you want to see a lot of it.
Hope it helps. 😉
Hi, do you have an recommendations as to where we could rent kayaks for a few hours and if I would have to book the same in advance?
Hi Mishti, I booked them when I was there and I don’t know if you can book them in advance. I would recommend being there early as possible. Most people come at around 10:30 / 11:00.
When will you be there? Now or next month?
Christina
Next week actually! Is there a particular location? We are planning to drive down from Nice. So if you could maybe help me with what I could put into my GPS that would be helpful! Thanks 🙂
I would try to be as early as possible. I can’t remember when they opened the place but I think it was around 8:30 or 9:00.
Let me know if you can check out this link: https://goo.gl/maps/vN48i3qFWzx
It’s a Google map and you can see where it is exactly.
I just saw that there are two other rental places.
The one I used was the one on the map. (It’s close to the bridge and there’s a parking spot there.
Hope it helps.
Let me know how your trip was.
Christina
Hi Christina, do you paddle up river and then back down or do they offer a pick up service later down the river so you don’t have to paddle against the current?
Many thanks!
Hi Ramsay, when I was there there was no current. You can paddle into the canyon and back. No pick up service available or needed.
Christina