Where to Stay by Gorge du Verdon in France
When traveling in the South of France, it’s easy to get lulled by its beautiful coastal towns, never venturing inland. But just two hours from Cannes, lies the wildly impressive Gorge du Verdon. Known as the “French Grand Canyon,” it’s the deepest gorge in France, with incredibly turquoise waters ~ & it’s set in the region known as Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur. Because accommodations can be a little confusing here, in this post I’m covering where to stay by Gorge du Verdon ~ including where to save money & camp!
The incredibly turquoise waters of Gorge du Verdon ~ often called the “Grand Canyon of France.”
Map of Gorge du Verdon
The Gorge du Verdon makes an ideal road trip from Cannes or St. Tropez ~ two popular destinations in the South of France. My friend & I rented a car in Cannes, 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.
There’s no public transport in this area, so renting a car is a must. My friend & I found a great deal through Discover Cars, spending less than $40/day on a rental. SO worth it to see the Gorge!
Where to Stay by the Gorge du Verdon
There are no towns located right at the Gorge du Verdon. So 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.
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.
Owned by chef Alain Ducasse, Hotel La Bastide provides refined country elegance.
2) Hotel Le Columbier ~ With rooms slightly less sophisticated than La Bastide, the surroundings of Hotel Le Columbier can’t be beat: its outdoor pool & striking mountain views will enchant you. Family run, with just 22 rooms: Le Columbier is an intimate, adult retreat.
3) Hotel de la Ferme Rose ~ Quirkier & more colorful than the first two options, you’ve got the 12-room Hotel de la Ferme Rose ~ with mid-century antiques, beautiful gardens, & a cozy bar to grab a nightcap in. If off-beat is more your thing, check in here.
Photos of Gorge du Verdon
We stopped in a cute little town on our way from Cannes to the Gorge, grabbing coffee & a photo op…
If you’re driving to Gorge du Verdon by car from the east, you’ll pass dizzying drops & views like this one, over turquoise waters.
Just before dropping down into the Gorge itself, pull over & grab a shot from above.
On warm days, rent a paddle boat from along the shore & go for a ride, along with hundreds of other boaters!
Another option?? Swim under the gorgeous waterfalls you’ll find in the Gorge du Verdon!
Or go cliff-diving!! (This was from about 12-feet high, near the boating entrance).
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, at least for a night or two!
xoxo Noelia
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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