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8-Day Canyoning & Rock Climbing in the South of France

Customisable Itinerary
4.6 • 20 travellers have booked with Mari L.

Trip Overview

This eight-day active family tour takes place in a natural adventure playground, right in the spectacular Verdon Gorge, the biggest and arguably most beautiful river canyon in Europe. At 25 kilometres long and up to 700 metres deep in parts, this gorge is very impressive!

The Verdon Gorge provides the perfect backdrop to many family-based activities during your holiday, such as rafting through the canyon on the Verdon River, where you'll take to the rapids and the turquoise waters for a thrilling 14-kilometre descent.

During this adventure in France, you'll find yourself hiking above the edge of the canyon with dramatic views of the Sainte Croix Lake and taking part in the Via Cordata to explore the rock faces from very close quarters.

The surrounding area is characterised by the quintessential fields of lavender in summer, hills, oak and pine forests, rock formations and stunning villages which make Provence famous; you’ll experience them all during mountain biking and hiking activities with your local guides
Adventure
Cycling
Hiking & Trekking
Culture & Arts

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Highlights of this Trip

Particate in a canyoneering session in a tributary of the Verdon River, which is a narrow and spectacular gorge with stunning rock formations
See the beautiful natural sites of Montpezat Lake by mountain bike.
Enjoy a thrilling day, starting with an aerial flyover above Verdon Gorge before rock climbing in the mountainous area.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Provence

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Arrival in Provence

Today you'll arrive at Marseille or Nice Airport from where you will collect your rental car. After driving through hinterland Provence to the Verdon Nature Park, you can take the option to stop by the medieval hilltop village of Moustiers Sainte Marie. From there, you'll reach the European largest canyon: a site where space and immensity come together! It will be time to check into your hotel and relax by using the hotel's facilities, before enjoying dinner overlooking the Verdon Valley.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Earthenware Workshop in MoustiersOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

    La Palud-sur-Verdon

Day 2

Introduction to the Verdon Gorge and Canyoneering

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Introduction to the Verdon Gorge and Canyoneering

Discover the canyon by the steep roads of the natural park, along the belvederes of the 'Route des Crêtes'. After a short drive, you'll reach the place where you'll begin your canyoneering session which takes place in a tributary of the Verdon River! This adrenaline-fueled activity will see you combining abseiling, swimming, walking and jumping all in this fabulous setting which will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Canyoning in Verdon Gorge

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    La Palud-sur-Verdon

Day 3

Mountain Biking at Montpezat Lake

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Mountain Biking at Montpezat Lake

Today, you'll drive an hour from the hotel after breakfast to the village of Montpezat, home to the Montpezat Lake which is situated up high on the edge of a gorge. One of the best ways to absorb the scenery and stay in touch with nature around the lake is to enjoy a mountain bike trip around the lake. Your guide will be on hand to show you the best routes which lead to the best views. Once finished, you'll drive back to the hotel where dinner will be served in the evening.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mountain Biking at Montpezat Lake

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon to Montpezat

    Self Driving from Montpezat to Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    La Palud-sur-Verdon

    Montagnac-Montpezat

Day 4

Hike in Verdon Gorge

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Hike in Verdon Gorge

Today after breakfast you'll continue your adventure in France into the Verdon Gorge accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. The hike will lead you into the gorge and you'll pass by some spectacular views. The trail will lead you through an oak and pine forest, the Saint Maurin Natural Reserve and past a stunning waterfall, which is the perfect place for a picnic. After a few hours of gentle hiking, you'll head back to the hotel where dinner will be served in the evening.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hiking in Verdon GorgeOptional Activity: AU$ 116 per person

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    La Palud-sur-Verdon

Day 5

Free Day to Explore

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Free Day to Explore

Luckily, the hotel is situated just a stone's throw from the beautiful province of La Palud-sur-Verdon, a nature lover's playground. You have the day to choose to do whatever you wish, you may want to explore the surrounding villages or relax by the swimming pool after an active few days! If you love being outdoors, this area offers everything from walking to climbing and whitewater sports to canyoning so you'll be spoilt for choice.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    La Palud-sur-Verdon

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    La Palud-sur-Verdon

Day 6

A Day of Fun in The Verdon Gorge

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A Day of Fun in The Verdon Gorge

After fuelling up on breakfast at your hotel, you'll venture once again into the Verdon Gorge, today to try your hands (and feet) at rock climbing! The gorge provides a great number of rock faces, particularly for new inexperienced climbers, so you will be in safe hands. Once you climb the rock face, you'll descend back to the ground via abseil and monkey bridges. You'll return to the hotel in the early afternoon to relax after a fun-filled day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rock Climbing in Verdon GorgeOptional Activity: AU$ 129 per person

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    La Palud-sur-Verdon

Day 7

Rafting on the Verdon River

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Rafting on the Verdon River

Today, you'll head towards the charming and quaint city of Castellane which is the starting point for your river rafting adventure through the Verdon Gorge. Travelling over 14 kilometres and navigating the rapids, twists and turn is no better way to grasp the scale of this canyon whilst having a great time and taking in the beautiful scenery. After you've come to the end of your activity, you'll drive back to your hotel where you can relax and refuel with a delicious dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rafting on the Verdon RiverOptional Activity: AU$ 129 per person

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self Driving from Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon to Castellane

    Self Driving from Castellane to Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    La Palud-sur-Verdon

Day 8

End of Your Adventure in France

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Today, your activity holiday has come to an end and you can head home or continue on another adventure. The great thing about this area is that it is so well placed and you can easily access many other regions in Provence or the Alps if you want to spend more time exploring this wonderful part of France.

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    La Palud-sur-Verdon

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What’s included?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 2 activities
  • 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
  • Entrance fees
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • Ground transportation
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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