Explore Provence
In central Provence, it’s the landscapes rather than the towns that dominate. The gentle hills and tranquil villages of the Haut-Var make for happy exploration by car or bike, before the foothills of the Alps close in around the citadelle town of Sisteron and Dignes-les-Bains further east.
The most exceptional geographical feature is the Gorges du Verdon – Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon. So long as you have your own transport, good bases for exploring the majestic peaks, cliffs and lakes of this spectacular area include the small market town of Aups, south of the Gorges, and to the northeast, Castellane, a centre for sports and activities.
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The Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon
Also widely known as the Grand Canyon du Verdon, the breathtaking beauty and majesty of the Gorges du Verdon almost matches its American counterpart, albeit on a much smaller scale. Peppered with spectacular viewpoints, plunging crevices up to 700m deep, and glorious azure-blue lakes, the area is absolutely irresistible; try not to leave Provence without spending at least a day here. The river falls from Rougon at the top of the gorge, disappearing into tunnels, decelerating for shallow, languid moments and finally exiting in full, steady flow at the Pont du Galetas. Alongside, the huge artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix is great for swimming when the water levels are high; otherwise the beach becomes a bit sludgy.
With so many hairpin bends and twisting, narrow roads, it takes a full, rather exhausting day to drive right round the Gorges. Many visitors choose instead between tracing either its north or south rim. The entire circuit being 130km long, this is cycling country only for the preternaturally fit.
Local outfitters and guides offer activities including climbing, rafting, canoeing, canyoning, cycling and horseriding.
