Van road trip: the must-see spots in the Gorges du Verdon and Rougon

Discover the natural and historical treasures of the Gorges du Verdon and Rougon, a paradise for van and motorhome enthusiasts. From dizzying canyons and cliff-top villages to turquoise lakes, here are five unmissable stops.

Welcome to one of France’s most stunning natural sites, where winding roads snake between sheer cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The Gorges du Verdon and the village of Rougon offer breathtaking landscapes, perfect for exploring by van or motorhome. Prepare for jaw-dropping vistas, unforgettable hikes and quirky discoveries. Here’s our pick of the must-visit spots, along with practical tips to help you make the most of your adventure.

Point Sublime

This viewpoint offers an unrivalled panorama of the Gorges du Verdon, with a 360-degree view of the canyon and Lake Sainte-Croix. Perfect for a picnic or a photo stop, and easily accessible by van.

Where to sleep nearby

Campasun camping de l’Aigle Campsite ★ 4.4 Stunning views of Lake Sainte-Croix, 3-star campsite. 6-minute drive, absolute peace. › Parking at Dent de l’Aire viewpoint La Palud-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 4.9 360-degree views of the Gorges du Verdon, flat and free parking. 6-minute drive, very quiet. › D957, Aiguines Motorhome area ★ 3.4 Site by Lake Sainte-Croix, €10 per night. 7-minute drive, basic facilities. › Gorge parking Gorges du Verdon Aiguines Parking ★ 4.8 Natural spot below the gorges, free and tiered. 7-minute drive, wild atmosphere. › Camping Bio Verdon Campsite ★ 4.2 Eco-friendly campsite in nature, shaded pitches. 46-minute walk, peaceful and authentic. ›

Sentier Martel

A legendary 15 km hike that follows the floor of the gorge, featuring spectacular sections and unique viewpoints. Pack sturdy shoes and plenty of water, as the elevation changes are significant.

Where to sleep nearby

Gorge parking Gorges du Verdon Aiguines Parking ★ 4.8 Spectacular natural spot below the road. 13-minute walk, free and very quiet. › Camping de Trigance Campsite ★ 4.9 Natural mountain setting overlooking Trigance. Paid campsite (4.9/5), 8-minute drive. › Camping municipal - le Grand Canyon Campsite ★ 4.4 Municipal campsite near the Blanc-Martel trail. Paid, quiet, 10-minute shuttle to La Palud. › Motorhome area with view over Trigance Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Free communal car park with panoramic views. 3-5 spaces, seasonal facilities, 7-minute drive. › Roadside parking La Palud-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 4.5 Large, gravelly and spacious car park. Free, rarely busy out of season, 6-minute drive. ›

Lac de Sainte-Croix

This turquoise lake is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or simply relaxing by the water. Several car parks make it easy to park a motorhome.

Where to sleep nearby

Campasun camping de l’Aigle Campsite ★ 4.4 Stunning views of the lake from this 3-star campsite. 6-minute drive, terraced pitches. › Camping Campsite ★ 4.6 Peaceful campsite 200 m from the lake, direct beach access. Village 5 minutes on foot. › Roadside parking by Lac Ste Croix Aiguines Parking ★ 5 Free car park with spectacular lake views. 7-minute drive, 2 spaces, very quiet at night. › Lake parking 2-meter barrier Aiguines Parking ★ 4.5 Huge lakeside car park, compost toilets. 6-minute drive, privacy preserved. › Baudinard-sur-Verdon summit parking Baudinard-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 4.4 Large tarmac car park, rarely busy. Sublime lake views, 7-minute drive. ›

Rougon

This medieval village, perched on a rocky outcrop, overlooks the Gorges du Verdon and offers an authentic, unspoilt setting. Don’t miss the Church of Saint-Christophe and the cobbled lanes.

Where to sleep nearby

Pré Martin, Annot Motorhome area ★ 4.3 Free municipal aire in the forest, 20 spaces for motorhomes. Full waste disposal, 6 km from Rougon. › Camping La Ribière Campsite ★ 4.3 Family-friendly 3-star campsite by the river, shaded pitches. 5 km from Rougon, absolute peace. › Lakeside view parking Saint-André-les-Alpes Parking ★ 4.1 Wild spot by the lake, stunning mountain views. 7 km from Rougon, fits 2-3 vans. › Gravel parking by Vaire river Le Fugeret Parking ★ 3.8 Gravel platform by the Vaire, access via drivable track. 5 km from Rougon, very quiet. › Clean forest parking Annot Parking ★ 5 Isolated forest aire, clean and quiet natural ground. 43-minute walk from Rougon, ideal for one night. ›

Belvédère de l’Escalès

Accessible by car or on foot, this viewpoint lets you admire the Verdon’s meanders and its confluence with the Coulomb. A quieter spot, but just as impressive.

Where to sleep nearby

Campasun camping de l’Aigle Campsite ★ 4.4 Panoramic views of Lake Sainte-Croix, 3-star campsite. 6-minute drive (6 km). › D957, Aiguines Motorhome area ★ 3.4 By Lake Sainte-Croix, basic facilities (toilets, showers). €10 per night, 7-minute drive (7 km). › Parking at Dent de l’Aire viewpoint La Palud-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 4.9 360-degree views of the Gorges du Verdon, flat parking. Free, 6-minute drive (5 km). › Gorge parking Gorges du Verdon Aiguines Parking ★ 4.8 Spectacular natural spot, multiple tiered pitches. Free, 7-minute drive (6 km). › Camping Bio Verdon Campsite ★ 4.2 Eco-friendly campsite in nature, large shaded meadows. 46-minute walk. ›

Pont de Galetas

This bridge spans the Verdon, connecting both sides of the canyon and offering a spectacular view of the emerald-green waters. A must-stop for landscape photography lovers.

Where to sleep nearby

Motorhome parking Pont du Galetas Aiguines Parking ★ 4.3 Free car park by the lake, stunning gorge views. 6-minute drive (6 km), 5-7 flat spaces. › La Ferme de Vauvenières Campsite ★ 4.8 Farm in Provence, spacious pitches in lavender fields. 7-minute drive (6 km), absolute peace, rated 4.8. › Camping le Vieux Colombier Campsite ★ 4.7 Family-friendly shaded campsite, 12-minute walk from the village. Warm welcome, wooden terraces. › Wilderness parking Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Parking ★ 4.6 Wild spot with views of lavender and mountains. 30-minute walk, total peace, rated 4.6. › Camping Le Moulin Campsite ★ 4.5 Shaded forest campsite, 43-minute walk from the lake. Spacious pitches, rated 4.5. ›

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