Gorges de Baudinard, Canyon in Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France

Gorges de Baudinard is a canyon of the Verdon in which the river runs 13 km from the Sainte-Croix dam to the Quinson dam, between limestone cliffs 100 to 150 metres high. The Verdon has hollowed numerous cavities in these walls, the largest being the Grotte de l'Eglise, whose passages run almost 1,400 metres over three levels. The narrow channel holds dark teal water reflecting pale grey and tan rock faces.

The Verdon cut numerous cavities into the limestone walls of the gorges, and these caves were used from prehistoric times. The remains found there are displayed at the Museum of Prehistory in Quinson. The caves were still occupied until the Second World War, and the Provençal brigand Gaspard de Besse is said to have taken refuge in them. They are now closed to the public.

The gorge takes its name from Baudinard-sur-Verdon, the village two kilometres south on the left bank. The caves hollowed into the limestone were lived in until the Second World War, and the Provençal Robin Hood Gaspard de Besse is said to have taken refuge in them. They are now closed to the public.

There is no through-route on foot inside the gorge; the 13 km Sentier des Basses Gorges runs along the left bank from Saint-Jaume in Baudinard-sur-Verdon, above the cliffs, with views into the canyon and over Lac de Sainte-Croix. To reach the parts hidden from the rim, rent a canoe or pedal boat at Lac de Montpezat or at Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon.

The caves hollowed into the limestone walls were lived in until the Second World War, and the Provençal outlaw Gaspard de Besse is said to have taken refuge in them. They are now closed to the public, so the canyon is seen from the Sentier des Basses Gorges or from a canoe.