Verdon Gorge
A deep limestone canyon in southeastern France.
The Verdon Gorge (French: Gorges du Verdon; Occitan: Gòrja de Verdon) is a river canyon in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. The gorge is a major tourist destination, known for its limestone walls, rock climbing routes, and the artificial Lake of Sainte-Croix at its end.
- location
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, southeastern France
- length
- about 25 km (15.5 mi)
- formed_by
- Verdon River
- notable_feature
- turquoise-green water
- climbing_routes
- over 1,500
Lore & Background
The gorge's origins trace to the Triassic period, when the Provence region subsided under the sea, leaving limestone deposits. During the Jurassic, a warm shallow sea allowed coral growth.
Reader's Guide
The Verdon Gorge is significant as a natural landmark and tourist destination, attracting visitors for driving, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing. Its 1,500 climbing routes on good limestone make it an outstanding multi-pitch climbing site. The gorge forms the border between Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence départements and is divided into three parts: Prégorges, the deepest part, and the Canyon. Notable features include the Styx du Verdon and the Imbut, where the river disappears underground.
Did You Know?
- The Verdon River is named for its turquoise-green color.
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