The Grand Canyon du Verdon is a place which can bring together anglers, yachtsmen, avowed hikers, bikers, demanding foodies and petrolheads. Everything their souls desire is concentrated here along twenty-one kilometres of the largest canyon in Europe.
The largest and deepest canyon in Europe. These measurable parameters capture the Grand Canyon du Verdon in the south of France, which also boasts more abstract and subjective qualities, such as Provencal chic and a unique landscape protected as a natural park. The twenty-one-kilometre-long Verdon canyon is bordered on one side by the town of Castellane, and on the other by the reservoir of Lac de Ste-Croix, fed by the typically emerald-green River Verdon. Thanks to its winding stone lanes, out-of-the-way coffee shops and shaded markets, Castellane is typically representative of its location. The Lac de Ste-Croix is a magnet for lovers of yachting or fishing, and its atmosphere is the essence of French holiday relaxation in the summer.
Journeys through the Soul of Sweet France
Between these two boundary points is an entire Verdon microworld, where it is a good idea to see, for example, the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and its fifth century monastery, or the Point Sublime, a lookout point over the Grand Canyon du Verdon below the village of Rougon.
On both sides of the canyon, the microworld is interwoven and linked by some of the most beautiful roads in Europe with balcony views that can be characterised with similar superlatives. The most imposing panoramas open up when viewed from the D71 and D23 roads. The best way to make the most out of a road trip through the Verdon canyon is to extend the route to Nice, 150 km away on the Côte d’Azur.
Lose Yourself in the Gardens
One of the most enchanting things in pleasure-seekers’ France is that in a village of five hundred residents you can easily find a Michelin-starred restaurant which will lead you to the gates of sensuous ecstasy against a background of unassuming country charm. In the Verdon canyon, the hidden gem is La Bastide de Moustiers in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
While you are admiring the extraordinary detail and unforced elegance underlined by antiques, you should bear in mind that La Bastide de Moustiers is the work of Alain Ducasse. This hotel is the first countryside project by the culinary master and trailblazer of French haute cuisine, and he situated it here because of his great passion for motorcycle rides along the Verdon roads.
Maritime Alps Magic
Maybe you have already visited the French Riviera, maybe it is still on you bucket list. In both cases, you should not miss a trip that will take you to a nature reserve around the Verdon River. Countless beautiful views, picturesque towns and hundreds of kilometers of technical paths and roads that will take you to the famous Col de Turuni, where the WRC Ralley Monte Carlo race takes place every year. For demanding lovers of supersports, experiential gastronomy and enjoyers of French luxury, Ricard & Bonette organize a lifestyle driving trip in the Maritime Alps combined with a cruise along the Côte d’Azur.
