Paddling through the Verdon Gorge

Lac de Montmeyan Quinson with Pont (bridge) de Quinson on the far left. We paddled under the bridge to enter the gorge

Libby and Daniel setting out on Lac de Montmeyan Quinson. This lake is very shallow so gives you a false sense of security for the deep gorge

Guess I’ll need to call this my sporting holiday—so far we’ve bicycled more than 250 kilometres, walked many kilometres day after day, climbed hundreds of stairs and hillsides, and now paddled for half a day in kayaks. Puff, puff, puff!

Daniel, our son-in-law, has been keen to visit Les Gorges du Verdon, also known as the Grand Canyon du Verdon, ever since he bicycled in the area about eight years ago.

Given that we’re spending a week in the southeast of France, not far from the French Riviera, a trip to the nearby Verdon River shot to the top of our to-do list.

Daniel tracked down a likely place to hire kayaks and off we went. There were options to hire for one hour, two hours, half a day or a full day. We arrived late morning, so a half day was the best option—although a couple of hours later I might have settled for the one or two-hour option.

Plenty of walkways have been added for hikers

The gorge is spectacular and considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful. It wasn’t known outside France until 1906. The gorge is 25 kilometres long and 250 to 700 metres deep. Glad I didn’t know that until after I returned to shore.

In addition to kayaks, visitors can hire canoes, pedal boats and electric boats, Plus there are many hiking trails (we saw many groups of walkers), as well as more than 1500 rock climbing routes. In addition to the sports available where we were, there’s rafting, paragliding, fishing and canyoning.

The gorge’s strong blue–green colour comes through

The gorge is named after the Verdon River, which in turn is named after the blue–green colour of the water. The colour is said to be caused by glacial sources and minerals of rock flour suspended in the water.

Five dams were erected along the river between 1929 and 1975, and these help to provide hydro-electricity.

We started from Lac (lake) de Montmeyan Quinson and were aiming to cover the 9 kilometres to Lac d’Esparron, but really needed a whole day to cover that distance and return. I’m guessing we got about halfway before we stopped for our lunch of homemade sandwiches, and then headed back.

The Grotte de Gaspard de Besse from a distance

Up close the wall of the cave is easier to see

Some of the sights we saw, besides the great scenery, were the Pont (bridge) de Quinson and three caves—the Grotte de Gaspard de Besse (also called Grotte Murée or the Walled Cave), the Grotte Sainte Maxime (no photo) and the Grotte de la carte au trésor.

Gaspard de Besse was a notorious robber, who was loved by some because he gave to the poor. It earned him the nickname of ‘Robin Hood of Provence’. He did operate throughout the region, including in the gorges, so it’s likely he used the cave (grotte) that bears his name. He was executed at age 24 after being accused by foreigners he robbed. The locals were not pleased.

According to legend, Gaspard’s most daring caper happened during a festival at Castle Fontblanche. Dressed and introduced as a gentleman, he charmed the nobles and wealthy guests while robbing them of their valuables.

The grotte de la carte au trésor. Note the blue–green water

Setting out on Les Gorges du Verdon