Kayak through Provence’s stunning Gorges Du Verdon this summer!
Paddling down a gorge of aqua coloured water beneath cliffs up to 700m high, Gorges Du Verdon is an incredible natural sight to see.
It’s a place that’s been on my must see list ever since moving to France. Just 90minutes drive from Aix en Provence, the gorge extends for 25km and winds its way from Rougon westward to the beautiful blue waters of Lac de Ste-Croix.
One of the best ways to see the gorge is to experience it from within. Hiring a paddle boat or kayak means you can explore at your own pace and also take your camera along for the journey.
Where to Hire Kayaks at the Gorges du Verdon?
At the northern tip of Lac de Ste-Croix are two beaches filled with brightly coloured kayaks. Take your pick and then venture up the Verdon River for up to 2.5km. One of the best views is right at the beginning just as you paddle under the bridge…definitely stop for a photo on the way up and back!
Along the river are lots of little caves to paddle into, a waterfall and small beaches you can pull your kayak up to and even have a picnic if you wish!
If you’re heading to the Cote d’Azur this summer, I highly recommend a day trip to see the Grand Canyon of Europe, take a peek at some photos from my kayak adventure.
Also just a little note, all images in the kayak were taken with a GoPro. I rarely use one because I prefer to have my underwater housing but I got a little worried we might tip our kayak so went with the safe and smaller option!
Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.
Blog Comments
alistair
July 27, 2017 at 1:15 pm
Do you know If I can use my own Kayak for this trip, instead of hiring?
thewanderinglens
July 28, 2017 at 12:54 am
I can’t see any reason why not, there’s no signage that says otherwise and the main reason you see so many people hiring kayaks/paddle boats is that it’s just probably easier. Lac de Saint-Croix is amazing for kayaking so it’s worth looking into going for a trip!
Orla
March 22, 2018 at 1:41 am
Hi! just a couple of questions, are there places to park a car near the ‘beach’ at the northern part of the lake where you rent the kayaks from? Also what is the average price to rent a kayak for a few hours? Thanks 🙂
Lisa Michele Burns
April 23, 2018 at 10:37 am
Hi Orla, gosh I’m sorry to take so long replying to your message! There is plenty of parking near the kayak rental areas…either side of the bridge offers parking, it’s just a matter of arriving early enough especially in the summer months. Kayak rental starts from around 20euro 🙂
Viktorija
June 2, 2018 at 12:05 am
Hello,
what is the principle of canoe rent on Verdon? How it is going backwards if it is not possible to swim oposite the river float? Is it possible to swim a short distance f.g. two hours? As far as I understand all the beauty is in the river behind the bridge and not in the lake itself. Thank you in advance!
Lisa Michele Burns
June 2, 2018 at 5:18 pm
It’s great to hire the kayaks to paddle deeper into the gorge which like you said, is the most photogenic part of the lake. It’s possible to swim but the water can be quite cold so it’s better to have a kayak and then swim a little if you wish.
Mr John L Turner
July 2, 2018 at 12:58 am
Hi Lisa, great website. Thank you for the tips. John
Lisa Michele Burns
July 12, 2018 at 9:12 pm
Thanks John, I hope they were helpful 🙂
Emeline
July 12, 2018 at 8:34 pm
Hi Lisa,
I love ur article! We are planning to go there tomorrow or this weekend. How early we need to be at the lake to be sure to have a kayak?
Lisa Michele Burns
July 12, 2018 at 9:14 pm
How exciting you’re heading there soon! Earlier is of course better, I would aim to be there for 10am, but because most people hire the kayaks for 2hrs at a time, there are usually always some being returned throughout the day.
Have fun!
Emeline
July 13, 2018 at 4:34 pm
Great thanks Lisa! Just thinking it’s our first time in a kayak would it be safe to enter the gorges from the lake saint croix or there are better place?
ian
August 8, 2018 at 8:40 pm
Hi Lisa,
We are planning to ride our motorcycles from the uk to here and hire some kayaks to go down the gorge…where would be the best place to hire from which would be safe for our bikes also?
Stefan White
February 18, 2019 at 1:19 am
Hi Lisa,
thanks for your wonderful photos of the Verdon! Hope to be there in May/June canoeing right through the whole canyon. Lisa, as I see you´ve settled in southern France, as a fellow Australian francophile I was wondering if you had any tips where I might find a cabin to rent anywhere from the Italian to the Spanish border in the hills/mountains but not too snowy in winter and not more than 150km from the coast? I know it´s a long shot, but even if you could point me in the right direction that would be an invaluable help. As a fit and former cabinet-maker pensioner, something where I even have to provide my own stove would be just the shot.
Wishing you oodles of further success.
cheers,
Stefan
Lisa Michele Burns
February 18, 2019 at 2:42 pm
Hi Stefan,
Lovely to hear from you.
There’s plenty of areas to have a peek at that might offer what you’re looking for. Some favourites I’ve personally visited include Barcelonnette/Jausiers and Saint-Veran (the highest village in Europe, so gorgeous!), however they’re a little further than 150km from the coast but still only a 2-3hr drive. Otherwise the area around Gorges du Tarn is a surprising treasure trove of caves, gorges, mountains and beautiful small villages. It’s only 140km or so from Montpellier! I hope that helps give you some ideas. Enjoy your trip to Provence in May!
Devin Fabian
May 28, 2019 at 9:47 am
Hi,
So the kayaks at The Verdon gorge are 20 euros for every two hours of rental?
Must it be paid in cash?
Lisa Michele Burns
June 24, 2019 at 2:40 am
The prices are roughly this but can be subject to change depending on where you rent from. Cash is best because it is an area that can be spotty with phone reception.