Van road trip: the Verdon Gorge, Provence’s turquoise gem

Explore the Verdon Gorge by van, with emerald lakes, sheer cliffs and hilltop villages. A practical itinerary to make the most of this natural paradise without missing a thing.

Picture this: your van winding through breathtaking landscapes where the Verdon’s turquoise waters dance against ochre cliffs. The Verdon Gorge is adventure within easy reach, offering heart-stopping viewpoints, trails for hiking enthusiasts and authentic villages for a gourmet break. Ready to hit the road? Here are the must-see spots, all accessible by campervan or converted van.

Point Sublime

This viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the gorge, with the Verdon winding 700 metres below. Perfect for a picnic overlooking the canyon, with your van parked just a few steps away.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping de Trigance Campsite ★ 4.9 Mountain farm campsite with stunning views over Trigance. Access via a steep track, natural and peaceful setting. › Camping municipal - le Grand Canyon Campsite ★ 4.4 Municipal campsite near La Palud, perfect for exploring the gorge. Shuttle service 10 minutes away to the Blanc-Martel trail. › Parking with stunning views La Palud-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 5 Free roadside parking with magnificent views of the gorge. Stable ground, very quiet at night. › Parking at Dent de l’Aire viewpoint La Palud-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 4.9 Belvédère de la Dent de l'Aire, 360-degree views of the gorge. Flat pitches, 45-minute walk from Point Sublime. › Camping Domaine Chasteuil Provence Campsite ★ 4.3 Family-friendly campsite by the Verdon, direct river access. Heated pool, shaded and spacious pitches. ›

Lac de Sainte-Croix

Its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by cliffs, are ideal for a swim or a paddleboarding session. The lake’s car park makes it easy to park before diving into this postcard-perfect setting.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Campsite ★ 4.6 Direct access to the lake beach, quiet and close to shops. Rated 4.6, 123 reviews. › Lakeside picnic parking Aiguines Parking ★ 4.5 Exceptional views of the lake, free and quiet parking. 5-minute drive (5 km). › Lake parking 2-meter barrier Aiguines Parking ★ 4.5 Lakeside space with plenty of room for privacy, compost toilets. 6-minute drive (6 km). › Camping Les Pins Campsite ★ 4.6 Lakeside pitches just 2 minutes on foot, shaded and spacious. Rated 4.6, 154 reviews. › Baudinard-sur-Verdon summit parking Baudinard-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 4.4 Large tarmac parking area with stunning lake views. 7-minute drive (6 km), quiet. ›

Sentier Martel

One of the gorge’s most beautiful hiking trails, featuring spectacular sections carved into the rock. Allow 6 to 7 hours for this legendary loop, accessible from the La Maline car park.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping et Gîtes Verdon les Grands Domaines Campsite ★ 5 5-star campsite in nature, direct access to the Gorges. 11 hectares of absolute peace, perfect rating. › Camping Liberté Verdon (ex- l'eouvière verte) Campsite ★ 4.6 Lagoon-style pool and sandy beach 5 minutes from the lake. Shaded pitches among oak trees, 4.6/5. › Baudinard-sur-Verdon summit parking Baudinard-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 4.4 Large tarmac parking area with stunning lake views. Free, quiet even in summer, 5-minute drive. › Sainte-Croix lake parking Parking ★ 4.5 12 pitches overlooking the lake, cove 5 minutes on foot. Free, rated 4.5, 6-minute drive. › Parking with great view Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon Parking ★ 4.5 Unobstructed views and spectacular sunsets. Free, spacious, 15-minute walk from the trail. ›

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Listed among France’s most beautiful villages, this Provençal gem combines cobbled streets, pottery and a waterfall right in its heart. Ideal for a coffee break or an artisanal ice cream.

Where to sleep nearby

Parking viewpoint lake gorges La Palud-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 4.9 Stunning views of the lake and gorge, free parking. 6-minute drive, rated 4.9. › La Ferme de Vauvenières Campsite ★ 4.8 Provençal farm in the lavender fields, absolute peace. 7-minute drive, 4.8 stars. › Camping le Vieux Colombier Campsite ★ 4.7 Family-friendly shaded campsite, 12 minutes on foot from the village. 4.7 stars, welcoming atmosphere. › Parking sailing school Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Parking ★ 4.1 Large flat parking area by the lake, pebble beach. 5-minute drive, easy access. › Camping du Montdenie Campsite ★ 4.5 Natural campsite at 1000 m, ideal for hiking. 25-minute walk, unobstructed views. ›

Belvédère de l’Escalès

Less crowded than Point Sublime, this viewpoint offers a unique perspective over the gorge and the lake. A peaceful spot to watch the sunset from your van.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Les Roseaux Campsite ★ 3.8 Shaded campsite 500 m from the beach, spacious pitches. Rated 3.8, 4-minute walk to access. › Dirt parking along road Belvédère-Campomoro Parking ★ 4.7 Free dirt parking, 2 van spaces, quiet. 8-minute walk from the viewpoint. › Parking by the beach with no time limit Propriano Parking ★ 3.9 Free beach parking in Propriano, sunset views. 9-minute drive (9 km). › Belvédère-Campomoro beach parking Belvédère-Campomoro Parking ★ 3.9 Free coastal parking out of season, direct beach access. Public toilets, 3-minute walk. › Feet in sand parking Propriano Parking ★ 3.8 Free beach parking, sea views, quiet out of season. 9-minute drive (8 km). ›

Pont du Galetas

This bridge spanning the Verdon connects both sides of the canyon and marks the start of the gorge. Stop here for a souvenir photo with your van in the background.

Where to sleep nearby

Motorhome parking Pont du Galetas Aiguines Parking ★ 4.3 Stunning views of the gorge and lake, 5 to 7 flat pitches. 6-minute drive (6 km). › La Ferme de Vauvenières Campsite ★ 4.8 Provençal farm in the lavender fields, calm and authentic atmosphere. 7-minute drive (6 km). › Camping le Vieux Colombier Campsite ★ 4.7 Family-friendly shaded setting, 10 minutes from the medieval village. 12-minute walk. › Wilderness parking Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Parking ★ 4.6 Unspoilt nature, views of lavender and mountains. 30-minute walk. › Parking viewpoint lake gorges La Palud-sur-Verdon Parking ★ 4.9 Exceptional lake views, magical sunsets. 6-minute drive (6 km). ›

See all spots on the map