Family Adventure at Gorges du Verdon | Pedalo, Hiking & Villages from Cannes and Nice

Family Adventure at Gorges du Verdon | Pedalo, Hiking & Villages from Cannes and Nice

In this video, we’ll share our family’s 
experience visiting the stunning Gorges du Verdon in July. We’ll give you our best advice and practical tips 
to help you plan your own trip, talk about the highlights and discoveries we made along the way, 
and even mention a few things we wish we had done differently. At the end of this video, you’ll 
hear our honest verdict. What’s really like to visit Gorges du Verdon as a family of four with 
two parents and two energetic boys. Advice number one and probably the most important. If you are 
staying on the Côte d’Azur—the French Riviera in places like Nice or Cannes for at least a week, you absolutely 
have to visit the Gorges du Verdon. It’s a must-see destination. We already knew this beautiful spot 
existed in France, but what really surprised us while planning our trip to the Riviera was just how 
close it is to Cannes. In only about 2 and 1/2 hours by car, you can reach one of the most breathtaking 
natural wonders in Europe. The Gorges du Verdon is over 25 km long and up to 700 m deep, making 
it the deepest canyon in Europe. The turquoise color of the water comes from glacial minerals 
reflecting the sunlight. Lac de Sainte-Croix is actually a man-made lake created in 1973 when a dam was 
built to control the Verdon River. Rent your car smartly. We picked up the keys around 5:00 p.m. 
just before the rental closed and left car safely parked in the rental garage near the train station 
overnight. If you’re planning to leave early in the morning, like we did at 6:00 a.m., it’s a 
smart idea to rent the car the evening before. Always take pictures of your car before to rental.
Okay. Going to take my car at 5 am. in the morning. When it was time to leave, the car was ready 
and waiting, making our early start smooth and stress-free. Now we’re leaving Cannes. This way 
we didn’t have to worry about finding street parking in Cannes or dealing with any unexpected 
delays in the morning. The drive from Cannes to the Gorges du Verdon is absolutely stunning. In the 
early morning, you’ll pass charming villages, vibrant lavender fields, and landscapes 
bath in the soft glow of sunrise. [Music] You’ll definitely want to stop along 
the way to explore and take photos, but if you have a pedalo booking, 
make sure to keep an eye on the time. As we got close to our destination, the road 
became very winding and climbed through high mountains. I have to admit, I was a little 
nervous. My husband was laughing and the kids were sleeping. It was a mix of thrill 
and fun that added to the adventure of the day. Plan your trip in advance to get exactly 
what you want at the price you want. We booked both our rental car and our pedalo 3 weeks 
ahead of time. That made a big difference. The car was reserved through Expedia 
which gave us a good rate and peace of mind. While pedalo was booked directly on the 
website Pedalos chez Nounet Verdon. By booking early, not only do you secure your spot, especially 
important in July when the Gorges get crowded, but you also avoid last minute stress and 
inflated prices. It’s a small step in planning that really pays off once you arrive. The Gorges du Verdon
is a huge national park with many different areas offering similar activities. What you often 
see on Instagram or YouTube might actually be 10 to 20 km apart. To avoid disappointment, make 
sure you’re booking the exact location you want to visit. A great resource on the website lesgorgesduverdon.fr which gives you an overview of the different spots. We realized how important this 
was during our planning, especially when booking the pedalo. Choosing the right departure point 
can make a big difference in your experience. Rent a pedalo. We booked the very first slot 
available at 8:45 a.m. Starring early gave us plenty of time later in the day to explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and other highlights of the Verdon area. Just arrived at Gorges du Verdon. This famous bridge, 
it’s a a little bit fresh. We are 8:00 am. in the morning, 8:30 am. So, we’re going to rent a pedalo. 
We have kayak, too. So, it’s a very nice place. When arrived to the location around 8:00 a.m. and 
stepped out of the car, we immediately felt the fresh morning air. It was even a bit chilly. At 
first, we worried we wouldn’t get the same bright, sunny photos in the blue water and clear 
skies like we’d seen on social media. But the sun rose quickly and it turned out 
that arriving early in the morning was the smartest choice. Just in a few minutes, the 
sun is coming. Wow. It’s going to be super hot. Now it’s super fresh. Are you ready 
for the ride? Yes, I am. It’s going to be a great day and warm and hot. Don’t worry. 
Look at the sun. Looks so beautiful. Hello When it comes to choosing your pedalo rent, here 
is what we recommend. 2 hours for €50. This is the perfect option. It gives you enough time 
to paddle into the Gorges, go back and forth at a relaxed pace, stop for a swim, and really 
enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. A small tip, paddle straight to the end first. 
This will give you an idea of how far you can go and help you estimate the time needed to return. 
There were fewer people and we were able to take all the photos and videos we wanted and even 
more. 1 hour for €25. We honestly don’t recommend this. It feels too short and you likely have to 
turn back just as you start enjoying yourself. However, it can work if you just want a quick 
experience and a few pictures. 3 hours for €75. This is ideal if you have a plenty of 
time and want to explore deeper into the Gorges, including some of the more hidden and less crowded 
spots. Pedalos are fantastic choice for families. They’re affordable, easy to navigate, and allow 
everyone to participate. Kids can help paddle, take turns or even jump into the water while 
parents relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery stress-free. Be careful with timing as 
the rental company is strict about penalties. Prepare your food picnic on the pedal. One of the 
best ways to enjoy the Gorges du Verdon is to bring a small picnic with you. Pack sandwiches, fruits, snacks, 
and plenty of water. On a two-hour pedalo ride, having a little food and drink makes experience 
even more relaxing and enjoyable, especially for kids. We found that stopping in a quiet spot 
on the lake to enjoy our picnic while floating on the turquoise water added a magical touch to 
the day. Not only does it save money compared to your eating at nearby restaurants, but it also 
gives you the freedom to soak up in the scenery at your own pace. A quick tip, pack everything 
in a small waterproof bag or cooler to keep it dry and easy to carry onto the pedalo. It took us 
30 minutes to go to the final destination. And now we’re going to go back. So, it’s pretty fast, 
but I recommend to go right away until the end and then go slowly when you go back. Bring your swimming clothes and the towel. Look at this water, this sun. Wait I am not even ready. So go. Oh no not yet. Right now! One of the best parts of 
visiting the Gorges du Verdon is the chance to swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters. But there are fish…. Whether you’re on a pedal or exploring the 
lakeside, [Music] having your swim suit ready means you can jump in wherever you want. 
Don’t forget a towel and a change of clothes, especially if you’re visiting with kids. 
They’ll love cooling off in the water, and you’ll be glad to have something dry for 
the ride back. Even a short swim can make the day feel like a true summer adventure. Protect 
your camera or phone. It’s a work of videographer to take different views. I love you. With 
all amazing scenery and turquoise waters, you’ll definitely want to take photos and 
videos. But on the pedalo, there’s high chance of splashes or even an accidental dunk. 
Make sure to use a waterproof case, dry bag, or at least a secure strap to keep your devices 
safe. This way, you can capture every memory without worrying about water damage and fully 
enjoy your time on the lake and in the Gorges. [Music] And finally, we have a convertible. Look 
at this. Much more better. Wow. It’s perfect. Yeah, I prefer it better. But be careful because we 
don’t want to flip the boat, right? No, we want to stay on the boat. We have the 
phone and the bags and everything. So, yeah. Keys from the car. Keys. Yeah, 
the keys from the car. Look at this rock, look Oops. Mama do you want to take a cold shower? I think she already took a cold shower with all this experience. There is a line up to take a cold 
shower. Hey, no. No. No. Stephen. Go Go Please! No, Relax. Stephen, can you comment on our escape to paradise? This is really cool. The water is clean and beautiful. You have all the views at all of the big mountains. It’s 
super beautiful and cool. You can also swim in the beautiful and clean water. It’s not clean. 
It’s Of course, it’s clean. It’s clean. Look at this vacation. No. And mom is relaxing. 
Oh, yeah. Mom is relaxing. Taking a sun bath. Yeah. Advice number nine, explore more 
after your pedalo tour. [Music] From Lac de Sainte-Croix, we drove about 50 minutes, 
roughly 45 km to reach the opposite side of the Gorges, passing by Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, often 
considered one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France. The road itself 
was an adventure with breathtaking viewpoints along the way that made the journey just 
as memorable as the destination. [Music] On the way, we stopped at the Coopérative Vinicole L’Emancipatrice, a local wine cooperative to pick up few 
bottles of regional wine. [Music] [Music]
Hello. Wow, it’s a wine cellar, It’s a paradise, ok choose, go what do you want It was a perfect souvenir and a wonderful way to 
bring a taste of Provence back home. [Music] I like it too. Do you like this one as well? Yes. Ok so will post this one onFacebook, we will continue the tradition. Okay. And let’s go. We will have a small piknic on the Sentiers For this part of our trip, we chose a short hike 
in the Basses Gorges du Verdon, near Quinson, by the Pont du Lac de Quinson. The landscapes here felt 
very different from the upper Gorges Quieter, narrower, and more intimate, yet equally stunning 
in their own way. The Gorges du Verdon has plenty more to offer. You can go hiking and visit 
viewpoints. There are trails for all levels including easier familyfriendly pass with 
panoramic views. You can visit Castellane, a charming town and historical architecture, 
cafe and perfect spot for a break. Drive along the Route des Crêtes a scenic 23 km road along 
the Gorges rim offering breathtaking vistas. Try adventure sports for thrillseekers, there’s 
rock climbing on the sheer limestone cliffs, paragliding to see the Gorges from above or white 
water rafting in the certain sections of the Verdon Rivière. Enjoy wildlife and nature 
photography. The canyon is full of birds, butterflies, and wild flowers, making it 
ideal for capturing the natural beauty. A few kilometers later, we stopped at a small 
boulangerie in the village. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the air and of course we 
couldn’t resist. The bread was warm, crusty, and so fresh. It felt like a perfect little taste 
of Provence to keep us going on our journey. [Music] [Music] Explore the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. After your pedalo adventure, take some time to visit the picturesque villages 
surrounding the Gorges du Verdon. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, is often considered one of the most beautiful 
villages in France. It’s a short drive away. Here you can wander through narrow 
winding streets, admire the charming architecture and stopped at local shops 
for cheese, pottery or lavender souvenirs. It’s also the perfect spot for a relaxed family 
lunch, soaking in in the authentic Provençal atmosphere before heading back. To watch the 
full video about our visit to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, check out the link above or find 
it in the description below.

Family Adventure at Gorges du Verdon

Join our family of four as we take a day trip from Cannes to explore the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe.”
We start early in the morning, drive through lavender fields and charming villages, and hop on a pedalo at Lac de Sainte-Croix to discover the turquoise waters of the gorge. After our boat adventure, we continue with hiking, scenic viewpoints, and a visit to the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie—one of the most beautiful villages in France.

This video is packed with travel tips, advice for families, and unforgettable views. Whether you’re planning your own trip to Provence or just dreaming of turquoise waters and medieval streets, this is the perfect guide for you!

Our video about Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

00:00 – Intro
00:41 – 1. Advice number one: Visit the Gorges du Verdon
01:38 – 2. Advice number two: Rent your car smartly
03:26 – 3. Advice number three: Plan your trip in advance
04:06 – 4. Advice number four: Double-check the exact spot before you book
04:43 – 5. Advice number five: Rent a pedalo
07:40 – 6. Advice number six: Prepare your food—picnic on the pedalo
08:48 – 7. Advice number seven: Bring your swimming clothes and a towel
09:39 – 8. Advice number eight: Protect your camera or phone
14:54 – 9. Advice number nine: Explore more after your pedalo tour
20:38 – 10. Advice number ten: Explore the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Pedalos chez Nounet Verdon – https://pedaloscheznounet.fr
The Gorges du Verdon Book your activities and trips – https://lesgorgesduverdon.fr
Coopérative Vinicole L’Emancipatrice – https://petra-viridis.com
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Étoile de la Provence – https://www.moustiers.fr

#TravelWithKids #FamilyAdventure #FamilyVlog #TravelVlog #FamilyFun #KidsTravel #TravelTipsForFamilies #FamilyVacation #AdventureWithKids #ParentingTravel #ExploreTogether #TravelLife #FamilyTime #wanderlustfamily

In this video, we’ll share our family’s experience visiting the stunning Gorges du Verdon in July. We’ll give you our best advice to help plan your own trip, highlight what we loved most, and even mention a few things we wish we had done differently.

If you’re staying on the Côte d’Azur—Nice or Cannes—for at least a week, you absolutely have to visit the Gorges du Verdon. In just about two and a half hours by car, you’ll reach Europe’s deepest canyon—25 kilometers long, 700 meters deep, with turquoise waters created by glacial minerals. Lac de Sainte-Croix, though man-made, looks like a natural paradise.

The drive from Cannes is breathtaking: lavender fields, small villages, and sunrise landscapes. Closer to the gorge, the road twists through high mountains—thrilling, a little scary, but unforgettable.

Plan ahead. We booked our rental car on Expedia and our pedalo directly with Pedalos chez Nounet Verdon about three weeks before. In peak summer, early booking is essential. Also, double-check your location—the gorge is huge, and activities are spread out.

If you leave early like we did at 6 a.m., pick up your car the evening before. It saves time and stress.

Our pedalo was booked for 8:45 a.m.—the first slot. That early start meant fewer people, perfect light for photos, and time later to explore. Two hours for €50 is ideal: enough to paddle, swim, and relax. One hour feels rushed, three is best if you want to go deeper. Pedalos are fun, affordable, and perfect for families.

Arriving at 8 a.m., the air was crisp and cool, but the sun rose quickly. We had the gorge almost to ourselves and captured incredible photos and videos.

Bring a picnic, swimsuits, towels, and protect your camera or phone with a waterproof case. Floating on turquoise water while enjoying fresh bread and fruit was one of our favorite moments.

After the pedalo, explore more: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France, or the quieter Basses Gorges near Quinson. Along the way, we stopped at a wine cooperative and a tiny boulangerie—the perfect Provençal touches.

By the end of the day, you’ll leave with not just photos, but unforgettable memories: paddling turquoise waters, hiking scenic trails, exploring villages, and sharing simple family moments. The Gorges du Verdon is, without a doubt, one of the best family day trips from the French Riviera.