Top 9 Gorges around Sainte-Croix

The region is renowned for the magnificent Gorges du Verdon, often called the 'Grand Canyon of Europe,' offering spectacular scenery and diverse activities. Other notable canyons include the wilder Baudinard Canyon, ideal for electric boat exploration. For hiking, the Gorges de Covatannaz features a beautifully laid out trail with metal railings, and the Day Trail – Orbe Gorges offers a wilder experience through forest and along a river.

Yes, several options cater to families. The Gorges de Covatannaz is an easy hike suitable for families, with exposed sections equipped with metal railings. For water activities, Lac de Sainte-Croix, at the entrance of the Gorges du Verdon, offers pedal boating, kayaking, and electric boat rentals. A milder aquatic hike can be found at Pont de Tusset, which is ideal for families.

The Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix are prime locations for various water sports. You can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and electric boat rides. These allow you to explore the gorge from the water, particularly upstream from Lac de Sainte-Croix or within the unique landscape of Baudinard Canyon.

The Gorges du Verdon offers spectacular panoramic views from various points along the cliff roads, such as the Corniche Sublime and the Route des Crêtes. The hiking trail through the Gorges de Covatannaz also provides breathtaking views down into the Arnon River. Additionally, the Wooden Bridge Over the Orbe Gorge offers a unique perspective of the gorge and a waterfall.

For those new to canyoning, Canyon du Jabron and Le Baou (also known as Wakabonga) are considered classic spots for successful initiations. If you prefer aquatic hiking, Pont de Tusset offers a milder experience, perfect for beginners and families.

You'll encounter diverse natural beauty, including towering limestone cliffs, the vibrant turquoise waters of the Verdon River, and lush forests. Notable features include the Cascade and Cave of Môtiers, a remarkable waterfall often with an adjacent cave. The Orbe Gorge also features waterfalls, especially beautiful in spring or winter.

Baudinard Canyon, located downstream from the Sainte-Croix Lake dam, offers a narrower, wilder, and more mysterious atmosphere compared to other parts of the Verdon. It's ideal for those seeking a more peaceful immersion in nature, best explored by electric boat.

While the guide doesn't specify a single 'best' season, the region is generally popular from spring to autumn for hiking and water activities. Waterfalls like the one near the Wooden Bridge Over the Orbe Gorge are particularly beautiful in spring or winter. For water sports in the Gorges du Verdon, warmer months are preferable.

Yes, hiking is a popular activity. The Gorges du Verdon features famous trails like the Blanc-Martel Trail. Locally, the Gorges de Covatannaz offers a beautifully laid out hiking trail with breathtaking views. The Day Trail – Orbe Gorges provides a wilder segment through forest and along a river, passing by large boulders.

The Starting point of the Poëta-Raisse gorge is just a few hundred meters from the edge of the village. It offers a beautiful picnic area and parking spaces. Visitors recommend hiking all the way up, as the nature is beautiful with well-maintained trails.

For those seeking a more intense canyoning experience, Val d'Angouire is described as a wild and spectacular pearl. La Ferné and Riolan are also recommended for more sportive and technical immersion. For aquatic hiking, the Couloir Samson within the Grand Canyon allows you to experience the interior where the walls are most dizzying.