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 Gorges
du Verdon
By Road : From the A8 motorway following direction to
Draguignan, Comp-sur-Artuby, rive gauche. The Verdon
is on the frontier between the Var region and the Alps
of High Provence.
Approx 76km from Domaine du Colombier !
History
The term canyon is better suited than gorge as a title
for this gigantic gash in the earth's crust. The Gorge
du Verdon as it is known constitutes one of the most
dramatic natural sights in Europe. The regional nature
reserve spreads over 180,00 hectares, there are 44 districts
and 19,000 habitants. The first traces of mankind date
back to Stone age, then like the rest of Provence was
under Roman occupation until 1762 when the Castellane
family ruled the whole region. The city, then very independent
had to defend itself and survive on its own, but after
many wars and epidemics people decided to move on to
bigger towns. However, today the region of Verdon, now
a protected reserve is re-developing once again. The
dark green river Verdon flows through a deeply cut valley
with twisted rocks and cone shaped peaks, in places
the 300m high cliffs overlook the ravines, gorges, and
dams. The lakes, wildlife and flora attract all lovers
of nature. It's worth a stop to visit the villages in
the region that you'll find tucked away in and amongst
the hills. A complete tour all round the Gorges de Verdon
is approximately 150 kilometres.
TRIGANCE
Built against a rocky hillside the houses are well exposed
to the hot sun of the south. Places to visit : a trip
up to the castle which is now a hotel and restaurant
called the Relais et Chateaux'. There is also the 12th
century church and tower with a glazed tile roof. The
Moulin de Soleil: where traditional breadmaking takes
place with flour from the mill. Also not to be missed
is the St Roch festival in the middle of August. Theatre
events take place in the summer months with classical
plays by great French authors such as A. de Musset,
Ionesco etc.
AIGUINES
This village has an attractive 15th century chateau
with four pepper-pot towers, There is a fine view of
the artificial lake of Sainte Croix from here. This
village is well known for its originality of its first
industry, the bowl making for the game 'la petanque'
. Not to be missed : the museum of the wood turner,
the village market on Friday mornings, the pottery market
in the middle of July, the leather and wood fair in
the middle. At the end of June there is the Verdon trail
; A three day nature and adventure event covering 120km
through the Verdon Gorges.
MOUSTIERS SAINTE MARIE
Set in a deep ravine, this village is famous for pottery.
Suspended across the twin peaks above it is an iron
chain with a star, first placed there after the Crusades.
The monks from the Lerins abbey (situated on the island
St Honorat opposite Cannes) came to settle there. The
name of the village was originally Monasterium, it then
became Moustiers. It was also here that Louis 14th King
of France ordered all the gold and silver crockery to
be melted. China then replaced them. You'll enjoy visiting
the traditional market on Friday mornings.
LA PALUD SUR VERDON
The village is on the route des Cretes, one of the most
wild and beautiful walks, it is one of the most recent
villages of France that attracts rockclimbing fanatics!
Not to be missed : The views from the l'Escale belvedere.
The traditional village market on Wednesday mornings.,
The Notre Dame de Valvert fair on the 15th August
CASTELLANE
This town has a 14th century pentagonal clock tower
and a lion fountain. which still remains and a reminder
to us that this big village used to be the most important
of the region. It was once demolished except for the
chapel. Built on a cliff high above it, once used as
a look- out is the the tiny chapel of Notre Dame du
Roc. Today a dyke protects it from the floods of the
Verdon. There is a big traditional market on Saturday
mornings where you can buy all the Provence regional
products, cheese, honey, delicatessens etc. On the last
Saurday of January it is 'Les Petardiers', a village
celebration in commemoration of being freed by Judith
Andrau during the religious wars in 1586. In August
there are various festivals of art and folklore traditions
from all over the world.
LAC DE SAINTE CROIX
Is the biggest of the lakes and continues to the end
of the Gorge de Verdon. It is 10km long and 3km wide,
in summer it is widely used by canoes, kayaks, pedalos
and windsurfers.
Sport/Leisrure
Excitement seekers, Lovers of Nature, There's so much
to do here that you will be spoilt for choice! : Rafting,
canyoning, aqua rando, canoeing, kayak, para-gliding,
hang-gliding, mountain biking, rock climbing, horse
riding, hiking and fishing (licence obligatory) - trout,
pike and perch can all be found in and around the Verdon
and its lakes.
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