Cut through the emerald waters of the Verdon Gorges
The day gently gets under way, on the heights of Ramatuelle. The golden light caresses the pines, promising a packed day. The children jump up and down; today you’re headed for the Verdon Gorges for a canoe trip!
You pack the day’s essentials; a superb picnic, plenty of water, caps, flip-flops, trainers, sunglassses and swimwear. Take the road to Pont de Gatelas in Aiguines, around 2 hours 30 minutes from the campsite. Your excitement mounts as the landscape grows wilder.
Tip: in the high season, the Pont de Gatelas area can be very busy. Leave early!
After some breathtaking bends through the Provençal hills, you finally discover the Lac de Sainte-Croix. The emerald water shimmers in the sunshine, with breathtakingly high limestone cliffs running alongside. You pick up your canoes from one of the rental companies around the lake. Following a quick safety briefing, you’re all on the water, paddles in hand ready to head off for an adventure.
After the Pont du Galetas bridge, the gorges unfold ahead – truly magnificent. The water is peaceful, perfect for gentle exploring. The children have a great time playing adventurers, laughing and splashing around!
Tip: average round-trip time (without breaks): 2 hours.
A good hour into the route, you find a small beach. You pull alongside and get out the beach towels for a well-deserved break. On the menu, lunch by the water and a break for a swim. A simple yet perfect interlude.
The children explore the surrounding area, looking for flat pebbles and crayfish. Meanwhile, you sense time slowing, lulled by the cool water and raw beauty of the canyon.
Time to pick up your paddles and head back to the base. You pass numerous other boats, each making the most of this natural gem.
A gentle current helps as you near the end of the trip. You return to the pontoon with the feeling of having experienced a proper expedition, accessible with a change of scenery. The children are soaked, their hair tangled in the wind, yet their smiles say it all.
After returning the life jackets and paddles, you treat yourself to a well-deserved break. Choose to stay by the lake to extend the delights of swimming, or alternatively continue to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
How about making the most of this trip to visit one of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ heritage villages in Provence? Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is only 7 kilometres away. It is the star producer of faïence glazed earthenware, and offers numerous shops with lavender, cafes, ice-cream parlours and restaurants within a magnificent authentic setting. You can stroll through the narrow streets to your heart’s content, enjoying the mild afternoon.
You drive peacefully through golden scrubland. As you arrive at Les Tournels, night falls over the vines and olive trees. Everyone shares their favourite moment of the day.
The children fall asleep without complaining, still lulled by the wash of the Verdon river. You stay outside a moment, listening to the silence of the evening… You have a single desire, to experience it all again tomorrow!
