Verdon — Local services in Castellane

Verdon is simply a paradise. Be sure to rent a catamaran — ideally for 3 hours, which allows about 1.5 hours to reach the far side and some time to relax there. If you go by canoe, you can reach it faster. Two hours is usually enough, but you can paddle further, though the views aren’t as impressive as at the beginning. I highly recommend bringing water shoes, as there are many small stones, and a sun umbrella.

We are visiting this place for the second time. Last time we arrived after 3 PM and had no problem renting a boat or catamaran. This time, we arrived at 12 PM and had to wait about an hour in line. In 2025, the cost was €100 for 2 hours and €140 for 3 hours.

During the high season, there are many boats on the lake, and not everyone handles them skillfully, so be careful.

There is only one restaurant nearby, but I wouldn’t rely on it. Two years ago it was run by local French owners and was excellent in quality and price. Now it’s owned by immigrants, prices are high, there’s no printed menu (everything is verbal), and the staff are rude. It’s better to bring your own food. There are some separate fast-food tents, but the quality is average, prices are not low, and seating can be a problem — takeaway is easier.

In the area, there are several rental points. On the restaurant side, I couldn’t find any place renting motorboats, though I saw some on the water.

I also recommend walking onto the bridge — the view from there is stunning.

Locals told me that swimming is prohibited in winter because the dam is released. The lake is artificial, formed in the 1970s when the dam was built. Before that, it was...

The Verdon is just the most beautiful canyon in Europe, by far. So it is a must-do to have a trip on the river, either in canoe or pedalo or on small electric boats that you can easily rent on the fly.

The region is also worth a few days, for instance there are great walks in the forests and nice cascades here and there. It is much greener than the French...

I was here about 20 years ago, it's the deepest canyon in Europe carved out of the bedrock by a river. The whole surrounding area is an amazing natural creation. We also swam in some...