Verdon Gorge, Canyon in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var, France
Verdon Gorge is a 25-kilometer cut through limestone walls in southern France, dropping as deep as 700 meters into the rock. The river below flows through narrow passages while cliff faces rise on both sides in vertical sheets.
The cut formed millions of years ago when seawater deposited limestone and later uplifts raised the land. The river began cutting through the rock after the sea withdrew, shaping the current gorge over long stretches of time.
The Verdon gives its name to the gorge and is named for its turquoise-green colour, linked to glacial sources and rock flour suspended in the water. The Styx du Verdon, a sub-canyon inside the gorge, takes its name from the river Styx of Greek mythology. L'Imbut, the spot where the Verdon disappears underground beneath huge rock falls, means "funnel" in Provençal Occitan.
The scenic road on both rims provides viewpoints, while the path at the bottom is suited only to experienced walkers with sturdy footwear. Water and sun protection are needed, as shade is limited and the return trip takes several hours.
The gorge's name comes from the Verdon, whose turquoise-green water is coloured by glacial rock flour and minerals held in suspension. The river runs 25 km through the canyon before entering the artificial Lake of Sainte-Croix, created by a dam completed in 1973.
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