Discover the Gorges du Verdon, this famous and magnificent canyon,
unique in Europe, resulting from the slow erosion caused by the passage of the Verdon.
Description
Leave Manosque heading south, via the D907, cross the Durance and head towards Valensole (D6).
Then cross this village known for its immense plateau filled with lavender fields as far as the eye can see.
Take the D952 towards Riez. In this charming village, the Roman columns bear witness to the region's long history. Continue along the same road to reach Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a hilltop village classified as a "City of Character" and recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Head towards La Palud sur Verdon, a village at the gateway to the Verdon Gorges, then follow the "Route des Crêtes" via the D23, on the right bank of the Verdon. (This road is one-way, allowing you to make a loop).
You'll enjoy a spectacular view, and there are plenty of parking spots to get up close to the lookouts and admire the view. With a bit of luck, you might spot eagles soaring over the canyon or seasoned climbers ascending the steep walls.
Continue the route towards Pont de Soleils (D955) and Trigance (D90). Take the D71 to access the Corniche Sublime, on the left bank of the Verdon. Its
This evocative name speaks volumes about the beauties you're about to discover. Take advantage of your visit to the Pont de l'Artuby to try your hand at bungee jumping!
Continue the loop through the Var villages of Aiguines and Les Salles sur Verdon, located on the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix. They offer breathtaking panoramas.
Breathe over the peaceful, turquoise water. Continue along the D957, cross the large bridge to return to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Take the opportunity to admire the exit of the Gorges du Verdon, where the Verdon flows into the lake.
You are free to choose between the D952, D56 and D953, all three of which allow you to return to Manosque, via Puimoisson and Valensole.
As you continue along the route, towards this major tourist spot in Provence, you will discover an exceptional natural heritage (Verdon Regional Natural Park), numerous panoramas with landscapes as magnificent as they are varied: fields of wheat, lavender or colorful olive trees in summer, distant peaks of
snow-capped mountains in winter, dizzying cliffs or wide plateaus. From Manosque to La Palud sur Verdon via Valensole,
Riez and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you will discover, via this itinerary, a beautiful overview of what makes our territory in Provence so rich.
Points of interest:
Valensole
• Lavender Museum,
• City center: church, ramparts, fountains...
• Living Bee Museum
• Valensole Plateau
power
• Sainte-Apollinaire Chapel (10th century)
• Saint-Michel Church (18th c.)
• Remains of the Knights' Commandery
from Malta
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
• City center: ramparts, fountains, wash houses,
aqueduct, sundial, arts and crafts
• Notre-Dame Church (12th century)
• Earthenware Museum
• Path of the Oratories
• Chapel of Our Lady of Beauvoir (12th century)
• Sainte-Anne Chapel (16th century)
• Sainte-Madeleine Grotto
Malaria in Verdon
• Castle (18th c.)
• Bell tower (11th century)
• House of the Verdon Gorges
• Route of the Ridges
Rougon
• Medieval castle
• Saint-Christophe Chapel
• Sublime point
Trigance
• Medieval village
• Saint-Michel parish church (15th century)
• Chapel, dovecote, bell tower, well, vaulted passages...
• Last flour mill in operation in Provence
• Botanical trail
• Artuby Bridge (bungee jumping)
Needles
• Saint-Jean Parish Church
• Saint-Pierre Chapel and its orientation table
• Remains of the old castrum
• Old residences, fountains, belfry, washhouse
• Square tower with bell tower
• Woodturners' Museum
Les Salles sur Verdon
• Ancient village engulfed by water during the
creation of the Sainte-Croix lake. The new
village dates from 1970.
Roumoules
• Saint-Pierre Church (16th c.)
• Country castle (17th and 18th c.)
laugh
• Roman columns
• Sainte-Maxime Church and the Clock Tower
• City center: ramparts, gates, fountains,
wash houses, squares, sundial...
• Merovingian Baptistery (5th century)
• Ayguières and Sanson Gates (14th c.)
• Remains of the primitive cathedral
Manosque
• Historic city center
• Saunerie and Soubeyran Gates
• Saint-Sauveur Church
• Private mansions
• Jean Giono Cultural Center
• Mont d'Or Hill (remains of a castle from the
10th century)
• L'Occitane factory, garden and museum
• Vannades lake
• Olivette Mill
• House of Biodiversity - La Thomassine
• Randoland (fun tour circuit to discover with the family)
Type : Loop
Distance : 215km
Rates / opening
Prices
Free access.