4 places to discover with your family

In the heart of Provence, the Verdon Gorge attracts a large number of water sports enthusiasts every year.

pedalos and electric boats will delight calmer minds in search of tranquillity. On the other hand, to get the whole family on the same wavelength, there’s no doubt about it: try your hand at the star of water sports in the Gorges du Verdon: canoeing and kayaking.

A friendly sport accessible to all, offering you the chance to discover the Gorges du Verdon as you’ve never seen them before.
Armed with your paddles, take to the emerald waters of the river.

There’s no shortage of rental bases around the Verdon. The guides will give you all the advice you need to sail safely. For more information, please visit our guide to activities in the Verdon or our list of must-see tourist spots.

The Verdon offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, allowing you to select the section of the river that best suits your desires.

The Saint Croix lake
from Bauduen

In Bauduen, you’ll find all the water sports you need for your family.

It was the construction of a dam between the Var and Alpes de Haute Provence on the course of the Verdon that gave life to this little corner of paradise. With a surface area of 2200 hectares, Lac de Sainte Croix is the largest of the Verdon lakes.

Unlike the gorges, Lac de Sainte Croix offers warmer water and seaside beaches on the shores of the Big Blue.

  • Playa Location: pedal boat – Kayak – Paddle : Tél 06 82 34 14 11
  • Cristal nautique: Surfbikes – Barracudas – Canoes : Tél 06 88 80 37 20
  • Alizé Électronique Rental: Electric boats, no permit required: Tel 04 92 75 44 69

The Grand Canyon
Leaving from the Galetas bridge

From the Galetas bridge in the direction of Moustier Sainte Marie, follow the Verdon for 2 kilometers. This popular itinerary is an opportunity to discover the entrance to the gorges in a section accessible to the whole family. To the pleasure of exercise add the pleasure of the eyes, as the Grand Canyon borrows its name and beauty from the American Colorado.

  • Base de l’Etoile: pedal boats – kayaks – canoes
  • Pedalos chez Nounet: pedal boats
  • Kanojano: pedal boats – kayaks – canoes
  • MYC beach : pedal boats

The Baudinard gorges
from Montpezat

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, choose the gorges de Baudinard downstream from Lac de Sainte Croix. These little-frequented gorges are the calmest part of Verdun’s waters.

During the walk, which lasts around 2 hours round trip, you’ll enjoy a sumptuous landscape and lush vegetation worthy of the most beautiful tropical countries. The Baudinard Gorge is ideal for young children, as there are no rapids or currents.

  • Base nautique coteau de la marine: Tel 04 92 77 50 59
  • Aquattitude: Tél 06 79 21 03 77
  • Base Yannick : 06 08 54 50 02

The Lower Gorges
from Quinson

For a longer but just as leisurely stroll, let yourself be tempted by the lower gorges. Between Quinson and Esparron de Verdon, they offer a less-frequented itinerary that leaves plenty of room for contemplation. The water ride is ideal for discovering the few caves accessible by boat. These prehistoric underground tunnels offer a refreshing break in the Provencal sunshine.

For the less chilly, you can punctuate the walk with a family swim. Allow around 3 hours round trip.

  • Verdon Electronautique: Tel 04 92 74 08 37
  • Nautic rental: Tel 04 92 74 40 76
All locations