Once I’d discovered that this place existed, I knew that it was one for the bucket list. I’d done Google image searches, hungry for more pictures. This landscape just has that sort of postcard-picture attraction. I think it was definitely the colour of the water that drew me in. We don’t really get that sort of green water in South Africa, so to me it was both novel and magical.
Where to Stay
After traveling from our campsite south of Barcelona, and stopping at Perpignan, we finally arrived in Verdon. We found a campsite quite near the town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It was quite basic, with limited facilities. But it was beautiful, with green grass and foxgloves, big trees and a little stream flowing through it. It cost about €20 euro a night for 2 adults with a car and tent, including electricity. The nearest shop, and the town (with more culinary options), was a short drive away.
Blue Gorges
No photos can prepare you for the exhilarating feelings of vertigo you get from peering over the edge of a seven hundred meter drop on the Route Des Crêtes. And that blue-green water is fascinating when you see it in person. It’s clear but opaque at the same time, and only deepens in colour where it is deep enough.
Get on a Boat
At Lac de Sainte-Croix, closer to our campsite, the water gathers in deep hues. White and yellow specs dot the surface as people bob slowly across the water’s surface. I highly recommend that you do the same. We rented a little pedalo from Basic Star just south of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. There are many boat rental services nearby, so shop around if you like. You can’t go too far down the gorge but it is well worth it. Look out for rock caves alongside the river, waterfalls and eagles soaring above.
