Where to Stay by Gorge du Verdon in France
When traveling in the South of France, it’s easy to stay by its beautiful coastal towns, never traveling inland. But just two hours from Cannes, lies the wildly gorgeous Gorge du Verdon. Known as the “French Grand Canyon,” it’s the deepest gorge in France, with incredibly turquoise waters ~ set in the region known as Provence. Because accommodations can be confusing here, I’ll cover where to stay by the Gorge du Verdon ~ including where to save money & where to camp!
Yes, it’s really this turquoise! I took this photo right upon our arrival at the Gorge du Verdon.
Best Hotels for All Traveler Types:
| If You Want… | Stay Here |
|---|---|
| Most Romantic Stay | La Bastide de Moustiers ($275+) |
| Best Luxury Hotel | La Bastide de Moustiers |
| Best Adults-Only Escape | Hotel Le Columbier ($140+) |
| Best Boutique Hotel | Hotel de la Ferme Rose ($140+) |
| Closest Lodging to the Gorge | Camping Huttopia ($106+) |
| Best Family Option | Camping Domaine Chasteuil |
Where Would I Stay by the Gorge?
If I were visiting Gorge du Verdon for the first time, I’d stay in the gorgeous hilltop town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, at La Bastide de Moustiers. It combines luxury, romance, excellent dining, & easy access to the Gorge du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix.
It’s also only about a 45-minute drive from Valensole’s renowned lavender fields!
La Bastide de Moustiers is the most romantic hotel by the Gorge du Verdon. Photo: Tripadvisor.
Why Stay in Moustiers vs. at the Gorge?
- Better restaurants
- More romantic atmosphere
- Beautiful village to explore after sunset
- More upscale hotels + greater hotel selection
- Feels less isolated
- Easy access to the Gorge and Valensole
Check availability for your dates in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a gorgeous town built right against the rocks!
Map of Gorge du Verdon
The Gorge du Verdon makes an ideal road trip from Cannes, St. Tropez, or the lavender fields of Valensole. My friend & I rented a car in Cannes (found a great deal through Discover Cars), then drove up through Mougins & Grasse on D6085, eventually coming to D71 ~ a spectacular route set right along the Gorge’s edge.
I highly recommend taking this slightly longer, more scenic route.
Where to Stay by the Gorge du Verdon
There are no towns located right at the Gorge du Verdon. The closest accommodations are actually camp sites! The two closest are listed below, & are more like “Glamping.”
Best Campsites by Gorge du Verdon:
1) Camping Huttopia Gorge du Verdon ($$) ~ You’ve got lots of options at this “glamping” campsite: you can stay in a tent, chalet, mobile home, or wood + canvas structure. They’ve got a heated pool with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains + private beach access, a restaurant, & water sports. This is where I’d stay if I wanted to be right at the Gorge!
2) Camping Domaine Chasteuil Provence ($) ~ This campsite is close to the Gorge: offering tents, chalets, & eco-lodges. They have over 210 camp sites available, a shop & restaurant (with views), heated pool + a kid’s pool ~ making it a great spot for families.
Camping Domaine Chasteuil Provence is family-friendly & close to the Gorge.
Where to Stay by Gorge du Verdon
If you’re looking for a more upscale, romantic option ~ stay in nearby Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It’s one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous towns I’ve ever seen, set high in the mountains with crazy cliffs, spectacular views, & a river running through it. You HAVE to see it for yourself!!! Absolutely STUNNING!!!
And only an hour from the Gorge du Verdon…
A shot I took at sunset in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, after visiting the Gorge du Verdon.
Best Luxury Hotels in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
1) La Bastide de Moustiers ~ Owned by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, this elegant inn provides a refined atmosphere, outdoor pool, & of course, fine dining ~ tucked just one kilometer away from the village center. Walkable to restaurants, shops, & the gorgeous views in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie!
Why Couples Love La Bastide:
- Michelin-quality dining
- Romantic Provençal setting
- Gorgeous pool & gardens
- Perfect for anniversaries
- Easy driving access to the Gorge, but walkable to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Check availability for your dates
Owned by chef Alain Ducasse, Hotel La Bastide provides refined country elegance.
2) Hotel Le Columbier ~ With a romantic setting & sophisticated rooms: the surroundings at Hotel Le Columbier can’t be beat ~ its outdoor pool & striking mountain views will enchant you. This is an intimate, family-run boutique hotel, with just 22 rooms. Le Columbier is an intimate, adult retreat.
3) Hotel de la Ferme Rose ~ The outdoor pool here is STUNNING (see photo below)!!! It’s reason enough to stay here & relax after a visit to the Gorge. Rooms are charming & character-filled ~ with mid-century antiques, beautiful gardens, & a cozy bar to grab a nightcap in. If you want mountain views & a unique feel: this is your place.
Check availability for your dates
LOVE this pool! At La Ferme Rose.
Where to Stay if Moustiers Is Sold Out:
- Gréoux-les-Bains (by Valensole’s lavender fields)
- Valensole (lavender)
- Castellane (towards Cannes)
- Aups (south)
From the Gorge du Verdon, you’re only about an hour from Valensole’s famous lavender fields!
My Photos from the Gorge du Verdon!
We stopped in a cute little town on our way from Cannes to the Gorge, grabbing some coffee…
If you’re driving to the Gorge by car from the east, you’ll pass dizzying drops & views like this: over turquoise waters.
Views from above…
The Perfect Gorge du Verdon Itinerary:
Day 1
- Arrive in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Check into hotel (My top choice: La Ferme Rose)
- Enjoy a sunset dinner in the village
Day 2
- Drive the Gorge rim road
- Rent a paddle boat!
- Swim in the Gorge du Verdon’s turquoise waters
Day 3
- Visit Valensole’s famous lavender fields
- Have lunch in Valensole or Greoux-les-Bains
- Depart from hotel
Don’t leave the Gorge du Verdon without swimming! This is me under a waterfall at the Gorge : )
On warm days, rent a paddle boat f& go for a ride, along with many other boaters!
Or go cliff-diving!! This was about a 12-foot jump….
Final Thoughts….
MUSTS for the Gorge du Verdon: Definitely rent a car, definitely rent a paddle boat, bring your bathing suit, & definitely plan to stay in romantic Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, for at least two nights!
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: Where to Stay by France’s Lavender Fields
Pin It
Discover more from Girl Who Travels the World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I´ve never been here…but it´s SO on my list now!! WOW!! Looks incredible. How long did it take you to drive from Cannes to the Gorge?? Even the camping options look pretty amazing!
Hey Ashley! So we stopped numerous times along the way, because there are so many gorgeous, scenic turn-outs! But without stops, I believe it would take just over two hours. It took us more like 4, because we got coffee/lunch, took photos, etc. Hope that helps & hope you get to visit! xoxo Noelia