Driving to Gorges du Verdon: tolls, fuel & road trip guide
The Gorges du Verdon is a spectacular river canyon in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, often called the "Grand Canyon of Europe." Carved by the turquoise Verdon river, it cuts up to 700 metres deep through limestone plateaus, ending at the vivid Lac de Sainte-Croix. It has surged in popularity as one of France's most photographed inland destinations, drawing road-trippers, kayakers, and via-ferrata climbers each summer.
For drivers it is a natural detour off the Provence–Riviera route between Marseille/Aix and the Côte d'Azur. Two rim roads circle the canyon: the D952 and Route des Crêtes (D23) on the north/right bank and the Corniche Sublime (D71) on the south. Roads are narrow, winding, and busy in July–August, so start early, fill up before entering, and use the gateway villages of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie or La Palud-sur-Verdon as bases.
Top attractions
Route des Crêtes (D23)
A 23 km clifftop loop from La Palud-sur-Verdon with fourteen belvederes overlooking the deepest part of the canyon; largely one-way, with hairpins and roadside vulture colonies.
Lac de Sainte-Croix
A large turquoise reservoir at the canyon's mouth where the Verdon flows out; rent pedalos or electric boats to paddle into the lower gorge from the Pont du Galetas.
Point Sublime
A famous viewpoint on the north rim above the Couloir Samson, where the canyon walls plunge dramatically; the trailhead for the demanding Sentier Blanc-Martel hike.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
One of France's "most beautiful villages," tucked into a cliff cleft at the canyon's western gateway; known for faience pottery and a gilded star strung on a chain between the rocks.
Driving to Gorges du Verdon
Road charges in France
- Environmental Sticker (Crit'Air): €3.70 — https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr
Mandatory equipment in France
- Safety vest (reflective, high-visibility)
- Warning triangle
- Spare bulbs (headlights)
- Breathalyzer (disposable or electronic)
- Snow chains
Driving distances from Gorges du Verdon
| To | Road km | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Cannes | 77 | 1 h 06 min |
| Aix-en-Provence | 97 | 1 h 23 min |
| Nice | 98 | 1 h 24 min |
| Marseille | 119 | 1 h 42 min |
| Avignon | 161 | 2 h 18 min |
| Le Puy-en-Velay | 314 | 4 h 29 min |
| Lyon | 328 | 4 h 41 min |
| Conques | 426 | 6 h 05 min |
Fuel prices in France
Petrol 95 €2.22/L · Diesel €2.38/L (2026-09-21)
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