Basses Gorges du Verdon, Canyon and Natura 2000 protected area in Quinson and Esparron-de-Verdon, France.
The limestone cliffs of Basses Gorges du Verdon rise above emerald waters, creating a natural corridor between Quinson and Esparron-de-Verdon lakes.
The Verdon Canal, built in the 19th century by convicts, operated until 1969 to supply drinking water to Aix-en-Provence through an 80-kilometer network.
The Sainte-Maxime Chapel at 467 meters elevation stands as a traditional pilgrimage site for Quinson residents near the hiking trails.
The Guard Canal Trail spans 9.7 kilometers with a 350-meter elevation gain, featuring safety railings and a 120-meter tunnel along the route.
The gorge tunnels remain closed to protect bat colonies, while wild goats roam freely near the chapel area.
Location: Quinson
Location: Esparron-de-Verdon
Location: Saint-Julien
Width: 500 m
GPS coordinates: 43.70965,6.00113
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:45
The French Riviera contains numerous sites beyond the main tourist routes. From medieval hilltop villages to seaside forts, from art museums to natural parks - the region maintains many authentic locations. Walking trails lead through limestone cliffs and coastal paths with Mediterranean Sea views. Historic villas and castles display architecture from different periods, while museums protect the region's cultural heritage.
Between Nice and Monaco, coastal trails provide the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean coastline through various routes. The Cap d'Ail Coastal Path, Nietzsche's Path in Èze with 400 meters of elevation gain, and the Mont Boron Park in Nice with its 11 kilometers of marked trails allow exploration of the region from different perspectives. These routes alternate between seaside sections and uphill segments, offering views over the coast and inland areas. The geological diversity of the region is evident in the limestone cliffs lining the Route des Crêtes between La Ciotat and Cassis, the rock formations of Cap d'Ail, and the red rocks of the Esterel Massif. Further inland, the Verdon Gorges feature a canyon 700 meters deep, while the Mercantour National Park houses the Sentier des Géants within its ancient forest. The historical heritage marks these routes: the Nice Observatory on Mont Gros dates from the 19th century, Fort La Revere overlooks the coast from 696 meters altitude, and Saint-Honorat Island preserves its active monastery. These trails serve as direct accesses to the nature and history of the French Riviera.
French national parks feature natural landscapes with mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests. The parks are home to diverse wildlife and plant species. Visitors can hike, watch birds and explore nature. The parks extend from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast.
Lac d'Esparron
3.8 km
Canal du Verdon
3.2 km
Musée de Préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon
3.2 km
Château de La Verdière
9.5 km
Lac de Quinson
3.4 km
Castle of Allemagne-en-Provence
8.2 km
Château d'Esparron-de-Verdon
3.9 km
Grotte de la Baume Bonne
4.5 km
Commanderie de Saint-Maurice
5.5 km
Gorges de Baudinard
10.4 km
Baume des Pierres
1.5 km
Prieuré de Valmogne
9.2 km
Église Saint-Martin de Saint-Martin-de-Brômes
8.1 km
Tour de l’horloge de Saint-Martin-de-Brômes
8.1 km
Église Saint-André d'Esparron-de-Verdon
3.9 km
Aquädukt La Verdière
9.1 km
Église Saint-Pierre d'Artignosc-sur-Verdon
7.3 km
Église Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Trinité de Saint-Julien
7.8 km
Église de Quinson
3.2 km
Montmeyan plage
3.4 km
Église Saint-Nom-de-Jésus des Rouvières
4 km
Église Notre-Dame-du-Plan de Montmeyan
8.5 km
Église Saint-Michel-Archange de Baudinard-sur-Verdon
10.7 km
Église Saint-Laurent de Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon
5.7 km
Église Saint-Marc d'Allemagne-en-Provence
7.9 km
Chapelle de l'Annonciade de Saint-Julien
8 km
Chapelle Saint-Esprit
8.7 km
Chapelle Saint-Jean de Baudinard-sur-Verdon
10.6 kmReviews
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