2025 La Palud-sur-Verdon Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 🚣🏻Lac de Sainte-Croix is ​​connected to the Gorges du Verdon. The turquoise and calm lake water is like an emerald, unforgettable at first sight. This is a paradise for canoe lovers, and we rented a pedalo to cruise on the lake, which was also very pleasant. There are steep cliffs on both sides of the canyon. I saw some French teenagers playing high cliff diving. The brave ones jumped into the water and were cheered by people on the boats on the lake. Some of them were still hesitant to jump into the water, but everyone kept clapping to encourage them. Some people even whistled to cheer them on. It was so joyful. - 🚣🏻 Leaving Holy Cross Lake, we passed a sea of ​​pink flowers on the way. I don’t know what kind of flowers they are. It’s a variety I’ve never seen before. It’s beautiful but has a not very pleasant smell. - ⛰️This time in the south of France, we also passed the spring town of Fontaine de Vaucluse, which is another secret place with flowing clear water and surrounded by green mountains. The small river that runs through the town is sourced from the Vaucluse Spring, the largest in France, and has abundant water. Sitting in the cafe by the river, you can see the green in front of you, hear the sound of the gurgling stream in your ears, and feel the cool breeze even in the midsummer. - 🍾In the small shop at the highway rest stop, I saw a lot of ration wine. France is really a paradise for wine, good and cheap. I want to drink every day in France and have no self-control at all

💜 "Provence is the home of lavender, synonymous with art and a slow-paced lifestyle. The air here is filled with floral scents and sunshine, and every frame feels like a movie scene!" — Today, we’re sharing an in-depth travel guide to unlock the romance and poetry of Provence!✨ · 🌸 Best Travel Time & Lavender Bloom Season - Bloom Season: Late June to mid-August, with July being the peak! · ✅ Must-Visit Lavender Fields: 1️⃣ Valensole: The largest lavender field in southern France, an endless purple ocean. It’s also the filming location of the Chinese drama "Dreams Link." Every snapshot here is postcard-worthy. · 2️⃣ Sault: A hidden gem with fewer tourists and sprawling lavender fields, perfect for enjoying the flowers in peace. · 3️⃣ Sénanque Abbey: A classic postcard spot, though the lavender fields are fenced off. Visit early morning or at dusk to avoid crowds. · ⚠️ Tips: On the third Sunday of July, Valensole hosts a Lavender Festival featuring traditional parades and markets—don’t miss it! · 🏞️ Must-See Attractions & Activity Recommendations 1️⃣ Lake Sainte-Croix & Verdon Gorge: The lake’s sapphire waters are nestled within the gorge. You can go boating or hiking to admire the stunning blend of emerald green and deep blue. · 2️⃣ Gordes: A medieval cliffside village and the inspiration for Miyazaki’s "Castle in the Sky." It offers breathtaking views of lavender fields. · 3️⃣ Roussillon: A vibrant orange-red town with ochre landscapes, rich in artistic vibes and a source of inspiration for painters. · 4️⃣ Arles: Walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh, exploring the sunflower fields and locations from "Starry Night." · 5️⃣ Marseille Old Port & Château d'If: Savor authentic Marseille bouillabaisse and visit the mysterious prison island from "The Count of Monte Cristo." · 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations 🔸 Le Phébus & Spa Hotel: Located between Gordes and Roussillon, featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant, stone-built pool, and private villas. Wake up to the scent of lavender. 🔸 Budget-Friendly Option: Three-star hotels (e.g., Avignon City Center Hotel) Prices range from €60-100 per night, including breakfast and basic amenities, ideal for budget travelers. · 🚗 Transportation Tips - Self-Drive: Highly recommended! Flexible for exploring lavender fields and towns. Car rentals cost around €30-50 per day. - High-Speed Train: Paris → Avignon (3 hours), then transfer by bus or rent a car. - Local Tours: Convenient for day trips but tight on time, suitable for classic attractions. · 📌 Travel Tips 1️⃣ Sun Protection: The southern French sun is intense—don’t forget hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen! 2️⃣ Best Photography Times: Early morning or dusk for soft lighting; avoid harsh midday sunlight. 3️⃣ Respect the Lavender Fields: Don’t step on or pick the flowers. Some areas are fenced—be mindful while taking photos. 4️⃣ Outfit Suggestions: White dresses, straw hats, and light-colored clothing. · "Provence may not be a utopia, but life here is poetry itself." — Take this guide and embark on a purple dream in southern France! 💜

Apart from Paris, the South of France may be the most attractive destination for tourists in France. Old town, Cote d'Azur🌊, holiday beach, lavender🪻 fields, cottages and wineries🍇, these are the prominent keywords of South France✨ When you come to the south of France, is it better to see the lavender or the jelly sea? No, adults don’t make choices and want everything. This 5-day tour guide to the south of France is a magical itinerary that has been asked about by friends. You can travel all over the south of France, the romance of Provence and the dreamy seaside of the Cote d’Azur. You can get it all in one itinerary. Don’t be afraid of being short on time, just take a few days and you’ll have a great adventure in the south of France. Hurry up and save it ✈️ 🌈Best time to travel: March to May: Spring comes back to the earth. The south of France gets warmer earlier. Flowers bloom in the countryside and mountains, and the color of the sea is also very soft. June to August Although the south of France is full of tourists during the summer, summer is the only season to enjoy the endless lavender. August to November: Avoid the summer vacation peak season and travel off-peak. Southern France is much quieter at this time, but the sun is still scorching and you can still enjoy the seaside. 🚌【Transportation Guide】: There is little public transportation between towns and villages, so plan your transportation in advance and it is recommended to charter a car. ✨Car Model Recommendation✨ Choose the most suitable vehicle according to the number of people and needs and start a comfortable journey Comfortable 5-seater (4 people + 2 luggage): suitable for a small group of friends or brothers to check in! Luxury 5-seater (4 people + 2 luggage): light luxury experience, a ride on the Cote d'Azur is super stylish~ Comfortable 7-seater (4 people + 4 luggage): Affordable and comfortable, suitable for small families traveling. Luxury 8-seater (7 people + 7 luggage): It is the perfect choice for families/multiple people🥳 👉【Itinerary】: Nice airport pick-up → Nice (2 days to unlock the Cote d'Azur) → Avignon (3 days to check in the lavender purple crit) ✅DAY1: Morning: Go to the medieval cliff town of Èze and visit the mountaintop botanical garden Afternoon: Go to Monaco and visit the Prince's Palace and the Royal Chapel. Drive to the small town of Menton and check in the yellow staircase. In the evening: return to Nice and climb the Castle Hill to overlook the panoramic view of Nice ✅DAY2: Nice-Saint-Paul-de-Vence, visit the Matisse Museum-Antibes-Cannes, stroll along the Avenue of Stars and the Palais des Festivals-Marseille ✅DAY3: Marseille Old Port - Notre-Dame de la Garde Church - Palais de Chanlon, depart for Avignon at noon, visit the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon in the afternoon. ✅DAY4: Avignon - Sainte-Croix Lake - Verdun Grand Canyon - Valensole - Lavender - Avignon ✅DAY5: Avignon - Senanque Abbey - Stone Town - Red Earth Town - Sault Village to enjoy lavender - Avignon 🧡【tips】： Wearing a white dress! Taking photos in the lavender field, she instantly turned into a fugitive princess With European standard conversion plug! Sold out in supermarkets in southern France Nice Old Town Fridge Magnets are Half the Price of Tourist Attractions Must try Socca (chickpea pancakes) and fish soup Click the link below to unlock more exclusive offers🥳

✨ Lac de Sainte-Croix The second largest artificial lake in France, the emerald-colored lake and limestone cliffs interweave into a fairyland. ✅ Must-do items: Kayaking: Rent a transparent boat to experience the clarity of the lake water up close and admire the magnificent canyon walls along the way (reference price: 40€/2 hours for one person, 60€/2 hours for two people). Boat tour: We recommend the glass-bottom boat, where you can directly observe the underwater ecology through the bottom of the boat (about 25€/person, 1 hour trip). Cycling around the lake: There is a 15-kilometer cycle path along the lake, ending at the Pont de l’Artuby bridge, which overlooks the lake. Picnic by the lake: Plage du Verdon is a popular picnic spot. Remember to bring bread, cheese and Provencal olives. 📸 Photo check-in points: Pont de l’Artuby: For panoramic views of the lake and the canyon, it is recommended to go there in the early morning or evening to avoid the crowds. Plage du Verdon Beach: The reflections of the lake and the cliffs are super beautiful, and it looks even better in a white dress. Holy Cross Lake Dam: Standing on the top of the dam overlooking the entire lake, you can enjoy a wide view. 🏨 Accommodation recommendations: La Bastide de Moustiers: A Michelin-star hotel located in the ceramic town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The restaurant specializes in Provencal cuisine and the average price per person is 150€. Camping site: Domaine de la Maline, close to the lake, offers tent rental (about 30€/night), and you can watch the sunrise directly by the lake. 🍴 Food recommendations: Le Saint-Pierre: This clifftop restaurant in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie serves grilled lamb chops and lavender ice cream. La Grignotière: A cost-effective family restaurant with an average price of 30€ per person. The roast chicken and French fries are very popular. ⚠ Note: The sunlight is strong in summer, so you need to wear sunglasses and apply high-factor sunscreen. Kayaking must be booked in advance and the queue may be more than an hour in peak season. Some of the hiking trails are steep, so non-slip shoes are recommended. ✨ Gorges du Verdon The deepest canyon in Europe, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. ✅ Classic route: Sentier Martel: Moderate difficulty, the whole journey takes about 3 hours, and you can see waterfalls and natural bridges along the way. Point Sublime Observation Deck: The best spot to overlook the canyon, a 15-minute walk up the mountain. Randonnée du Verdon: Suitable for advanced hikers, 10 km with 500 meters of climbing. 📸 Photography tips: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the depth of the canyon and the blue-green hues of the lake. Go there early in the morning or after the rain, the light will be soft and the waterfall will have a large amount of water. 🎒 Equipment recommendations: Hiking shoes, waterproof jacket, trekking poles. Bring a headlamp as some sections of the trail require you to pass through narrow caves. 🎨 Surrounding towns: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: A ceramic art town where you can buy hand-painted ceramics. Roussillon: A red-earth city, its buildings and landscapes are ochre-red, contrasting with the lavender fields. 📅 Best time to travel: May-June: Lavender begins to bloom and the temperature is suitable (18-25℃). July-August: Peak season, suitable for water activities, but accommodation must be booked in advance. September-October: Fall colors are stunning, fewer tourists, and better hiking experiences. ✨ Useful tools Weather check: Météo France (check the probability of rainfall in advance). Hiking routes: AllTrails APP (real-time navigation + difficulty rating). I hope this guide can help you start a dream trip to the south of France! 🌞

[Introduction]: The Verdun Canyon and Lake Sainte-Croix are natural wonders in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, famous for their turquoise waters, steep cliffs and outdoor activities. 🛬【Itinerary】: Morning: Verdun Canyon 1. Departure: ☀ Depart from the hotel in the morning to La Palud-sur-Verdon (starting point on the north side of the canyon), where there is a visitor center and a map is available 🗺 2. Sightseeing and hiking: - Point Sublime: One of the recommended viewing platforms in the canyon, overlooking the magnificent panoramic view; - Sentier Martel: Classic hiking route🚶 (3-4 hours). Some sections require the use of hands and feet, suitable for people with better physical strength💪. If time is limited, you can choose a short trail 🚶‍♂️ (such as Balcons de la Mescla) Noon: Lake Sainte-Croix 1. Lunch and rest: - There are restaurants in the lakeside towns of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon or Les Salles-sur-Verdon. We recommend trying the Provencal fish soup or French sandwiches. - Or bring your own picnic 🧺 and enjoy it on the beaches 🏖️ on the east side of the lake (such as Plage de Bauduen). 2. Water Sports - Rent a rowing boat/pedal boat (about 15-25 euros/hour) to explore the canyon entrance. Paddles Verdon or Kayak Vert are recommended. - Swimming: The lake water is clear and the water temperature is about 20-25℃ in summer. Afternoon: South side of the canyon and return trip 1. Highlights on the South Side - Aiguines town: overlooking the lake and visiting a traditional pottery workshop. - Artuby Bridge: the highest bungee jumping location in Europe (optional experience). 2. Return trip 🚗 - Take the bus back to the hotel🏨 🧡【tips】： - **Season**: Best from May to September, more crowded but suitable water temperature from July to August, plenty of water in spring. - **Equipment**: sunscreen 🧴, hiking shoes 👟, swimsuit 🩱, plenty of drinking water 💧. - **Safety**: There are no guardrails on some sections of the canyon, please wear a life jacket for water activities🦺. - **Environmental protection**: Prohibit 🚫littering🚯 and protect the natural ecology.

This majestic Gorge is known to be the largest in Europe. And since it was summer I couldn't wait to visit the verdon. If offers a ton of summer activities from hiking to canyoning, rafting and so much. Even without those activities, purely from the viewing perspective this nature's treasure is spectacular. The landscape is all nature, dominated by lush valleys, lake, gorges and villages with towering mountains. Come planned or unplanned you will still have so much to do and look forward to. The drive down to there is an impressive one. You will pass the lovely Sain Croix lake, where you can just sit back and let loose. Views are areanged theough out your journey here. As for the lake, its a striking emerald lake, which lets you do all kinds of water sports. If your thing is to relax and sunbathe, do not deprive yourself to sit or lie under a tree and enjoy the feeling of peace. The more active ones have several trails to catch. The likes of palud sur Verdon, Moustier, Castellane and many more offer mind boggling views. This is a must do activity and if you happen to be within reachable distances. Please do visit here. You will thank me! #myhiddengems #cherryblossom2024 #verdongorge #summerdestinations #france #outdoors #100waysoftravel #flowerlover #singapore #girltrip

📍The Verdon Gorge is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region 🚘You can drive from Marseille or Nice. (It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Nice) Formed by the Verdon River carving limestone over millions of years, It is famous for its deep and steep cliffs and clear emerald waters. It is a place where you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and swimming. It is about 25 km long and 700 m deep. 📌What to bring: swimsuit or shorts, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, motion sickness medicine (if necessary), parasol (needed when waiting), etc. ✅Verdon Gorge Pedal Boat (25 euros/4 people) #Summer Travel

📍The Verdon Gorge is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region 🚘You can drive from Marseille or Nice. (It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Nice) Formed by the Verdon River carving limestone over millions of years, It is famous for its deep and steep cliffs and clear emerald waters. It is a place where you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and swimming. It is about 25 km long and 700 m deep. 📌What to bring: swimsuit or shorts, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, motion sickness medicine (if necessary), parasol (needed when waiting), etc. ✅Verdon Gorge Pedal Boat (25 euros/4 people) #Summer Travel

#JuneTravelSupportEvent 📍Verdon Gorge I rented a car from Lys and went to Verdon Gorge, which is called the Grand Canyon of Europe. Verdon Gorge was truly magnificent and beautiful scenery, and swimming underneath it was the best. The lake was really beautiful. I didn't think I would swim, but I had a great time because of the swimsuit I brought. If you are going to Lys, I highly recommend renting a car and going to Verdon. #NiceTravel #FranceTravel

Nestled in the heart of Provence, the Verdon Gorge is a natural wonder that will steal your heart and take your breath away. This magnificent canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Europe," is a testament to the sheer power of nature's artistry. 🌊 The jewel of the Verdon River, the gorge boasts stunning emerald-green waters that carve their way through towering limestone cliffs. It's a world of contrasts, where the tranquility of the river's flow meets the rugged intensity of the rocky terrain. 🚣♀️ Adventure seekers, this is your playground! Get ready for adrenaline-pumping experiences as you kayak or canoe through the crystal-clear waters, or hike along the jaw-dropping cliffs. The views from the trails will leave you in awe! 🌺 Nature enthusiasts, prepare to be enchanted by the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine environment. The vibrant lavender fields, wild orchids, and the charming villages nearby make the Verdon Gorge a visual feast. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills or a peaceful retreat, the Verdon Gorge has it all. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the grandeur of nature and find your own sense of wonder.

In addition to lavender, Provence is also famous for the Verdon Gorge, where the beautiful Verdon River is embedded like a blue ribbon in the winding canyon. Many French people proudly call it the most beautiful canyon. Due to the construction of the Sainte-Croix Dam, the river water is intercepted in the canyon, forming a blue lake, our destination for this trip, Lake Sainte-Croix. Starting from Avignon, it takes more than two hours to drive through the mountains to reach Lake Sainte-Croix. When standing on the Galetas Bridge and seeing it for the first time, the phrase "tears of an angel" suddenly popped into my mind. Due to the lighting, the lake appeared in a beautiful Tiffany blue color. This is a vacation paradise in the hearts of the French people. There are no fancy water activities on Lake Sainte-Croix, the only expense is renting a small boat from a rental company. Hiking, camping, rock climbing, diving, and kayaking are the mainstream activities here, and in order to protect the environment, the small boats on the lake are all human-powered except for a few electric ones. With the excitement of "this is what vacation is all about", I couldn't wait to rent a pedal boat and paddle on the lake. I recommend going upstream, passing through the Galetas Bridge, and playing upstream along the Verdon River. Looking up, both sides are cliffs, and the clear lake water passes through the steep rock walls on both sides. The towering cliffs block the hot summer sun, and when the boat is docked in a place with abundant water grass, the cool breeze in the canyon instantly relieves the heat. Watching young people climb up the cliffs and then jump into the lake while laughing, I couldn't help but admire the courage of foreigners and how exciting they play. The enthusiasm of the French people is also fully released here. Tip 1: The boat rental company provides electric boats, pedal boats, and kayaks. Electric boats are expensive and kayaks are not suitable for beginners. Therefore, pedal boats are the safest and most economical option for recreational boating. 2. Whether you know how to swim or not, it is recommended to wear a life jacket when swimming in the lake. The water is deep and cold, and there is a certain degree of danger. Safety comes first when traveling.

Welcome to the famous Verdon Gorge! In the heart of Provence, there is a route that brings you close to nature. It allows you to shuttle through the gorge, feel the beauty of Lake Sainte-Croix, and experience the ancient town hidden in the mountains. 1. Panoramic route of the northern line. On the north side, D952 connects Castellane to Lac de Sainte Croix. At the end of this road is the Sainte Croix Lake, which is the main route to experience the canyon. The canyon road is narrow, allowing you to experience the vastness of the canyon and the vertical steepness of the cliffs. Climbing all the way up to an altitude of 700 meters, you may also have the opportunity to see many bald eagles. 2. Panoramic route of the southern line. On the south side, I also recommend taking the D71 that connects Trigance and Aigines. It runs south along the Gorges du Verdon, and is much quieter with fewer cars than the D952. The panoramic views here are also very beautiful, whether it's at the Balcons de la Mescla on the Martell path or at the pass of Illoire. It's worth stopping and staying for a while. 3. The town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. I am impressed by the beauty and charm of this village, which is located in the center of Verdon Park and ranks among "the most beautiful villages in France". When you first see Moustiers, the first thing that catches your eye is the cliff. The town is built on the mountain, and this small village exudes the atmosphere of Provence: the fragrance of lavender permeates the streets, and the maze-like alleys give you the opportunity to discover beautiful fountains, pottery shops, and more. The Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel is located between the cliffs, and the climb to the church overlooks the entire town. This is the first time I have felt like I have found a paradise on earth. An impulse to stay. Navigation address: Place de l'Eglise 04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Four, swimming in Lake Saint Croix. The Sainte-Croix Lake, built in the 19th century, is an artificial lake known for its emerald green water. I was really fascinated by its color. I sincerely recommend driving around the lake. Along the way, you can see beautiful villages by the lake... such as Bauduen and Aiguines. On the map, look for the small path down to the lake, have a picnic by the lake, go for a swim, and it's so comfortable. Another important activity on the lake is canoeing, and the boat rental point is at the Galetas Bridge. No input provided. Five, travel. The canyon has no buses, it is recommended to rent a car to go. You can plan to visit Sainte-Croix Lake and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for one day, and drive along the lake, have a picnic and go boating on the second day. This trip can be combined with Valensole and Grasse to make a bigger circular tour. Sixth, accommodation. 1. Auberge des Salles is located across from Lake Sainte-Croix. This hotel is very comfortable and offers magnificent lake views! Address: 18 rue Sainte Catherine, 83630 Les Salles sur Verdon 2. Hotel and Spa des Gorges du Verdon located on the banks of the Verdon Gorge in La-Palud-sur-Verdon. It features a scenic swimming pool, a spa center, and modern decor. Address: route de la Maline, 04120 La Palud-sur-Verdon Verdon River, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Valensole, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Verdon Gorge and Lake Sainte-Croix Auberge du Seigneur des Serres Restaurant des Gorges du Verdon (Hôtel&Spa) Hotel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon