France can be different. On the one hand, this is the romance of its bright streets, the smell of baked goods, and on the other, the splendor of nature, in comparison with which even the most significant human buildings seem like toys. White limestone mountains and an azure river that runs so fast along their banks - all this is Verdon, a place where your idea of Europe will turn upside down.
Small sunny provinces, where friendly and cooing locals live - all this is invariably associated with France. However, there are other places in this amazing country that can be called remarkable. For example, the Verdon Gorge, the wild beauty of which makes you forget that you are in Europe.
Where is
Our planet is rich in a long chain of canyons and rocks, striking in their grandeur. However, in France, or rather in Haute Provence, there is a place where sheer cliffs and wonderful landscapes with clear water and fresh greenery are successfully combined - the Verdon Gorge. The biggest attraction of this unique place is the Grand Verdon Canyon. It should be noted that Haute Provence is not in vain proud of its gorge, because it is not only the most beautiful place in the vicinity, but also the deepest in all of Europe.
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The Verdon Gorge is located in the upper reaches of the Verdon River. It slowly flows down from the Alps, from a height of over 2000 meters. A little later, she hurriedly rushes to the Mediterranean Sea, merging with another river on the way. And now, turning to the west, Verdon forms an amazing gorge. Gradually, the river enters the territory of the Canyon, which is so famous for its steep and high banks that climbers from all over the world have chosen.
The Verdon Gorge stretches for 19 km, its depth is 701 meters, and its width varies from almost 200 meters to one and a half kilometers. Although many climbers may not be surprised by such figures, in their country the gorge rightfully deserves the status of the longest and deepest place in the country. And the beauty of the slopes, strewn with fresh greenery, overshadows many similar places.
History
The age of the Verdon Gorge ranges from 200 to 250 million years. Previously, the entire territory, which today is called Provence, was at the bottom of the sea. Millions of marine organisms lived here. Gradually, the sea dried up, and its former invertebrates formed huge layers of limestone from their shells. Then water was connected to the process of forming a new area.
For several hundred years, the river has painstakingly and carefully washed out the local limestone. Its fast-flowing azure waters have created the most beautiful gorge with many caves of the most unusual shapes.
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Why is it worth coming here
It is not for nothing that Nature has worked so much time on the appearance of this amazing place. The sheer limestone cliffs, the emerald blue river and the striking views of the entire gorge attract a wide variety of people. This place is located close to the French Riviera, so both extreme tourists and just romantics who want to take their breath away from the greatness of nature come here. However, there are some special reasons why you shouldn't forget about the Verdon Gorge if you happen to find yourself in France.
An unforgettable road. Especially the gorge will be remembered by those who like to travel by car. Even if everything is on the roads here, and the most beautiful views are from the roads, but a trip by car is guaranteed to bring you an unforgettable experience.
The fact is that the roads here are arranged in such a way that often mesmerizing views of the sheer cliffs of the canyon will open up in front of you. Another time, blocks of limestone appear directly above the road, which will make it seem as if you are moving under a huge natural canopy. Therefore, driving a car is a decision that not everyone dares to.
However, after a few minutes, the views of the cliffs overgrown with greenery, and their reflection in the smooth surface of the sparkling river, will completely displace even the slightest feeling of fear from any tourist.
Leisure
Year after year, the Verdon Gorge continues to attract all lovers of extreme and just active recreation. No wonder there are dozens of hiking trails here. They pass along the banks of the river, hide in natural caves and rise to the tops of the gorge.
True, to complete such a route, you need to be patient, because such a walk takes up to 5-6 hours. But it will be the best watch in your life: here you will feel how harmonious, all-consuming and beautiful nature can be.
For those who like to conquer heights, there is also something special: several rocks of the Verdon Canyon are equipped for climbers. In addition, there is an opportunity to rent kayaks, kayaks and even pedal boats to visit the very middle of the gorge and make your way along the azure river. So the main thing is to stock up on time and energy in order to get as much pleasure from this place as possible.
An archaeologist's dream
In places, the rocks of the Verdon Gorge have an extraordinary cut, as if a giant had walked along them with his sharpest knife. That is why those who are interested in fossils invariably come here. There are many places here where collapsed limestone makes it possible to find the remains of ancient mollusks. Feel like a pioneer archaeologist, because rarely anyone gets the opportunity to touch the centuries-old history.
Amazing landscape combinations. Amazingly, the Verdon Gorge is known not only for its steep cliffs and fast river that cheerfully catches the sun's rays. On the other side of the canyon, there are stunning lavender fields that seem to take you to a magical land where peace and beauty reign.
Another famous attraction of the place is Lake Saint-Croix, which was formed thanks to a dam located further down the river.
On it, you can not only make breathtaking shots that emphasize the height of the limestone mountains behind your back, but also just swim. Traveling on the water of the Verdon Gorge is one of the brightest and most memorable water routes in Europe.
Waterfalls, large and small, that flow down from the coastal cliffs, spray of the purest water from the oar, so fervently shining in the sun - all these are the very emotions that cannot be conveyed, but it is so necessary to feel.
Verdon is a place in France where centuries-old reliefs of nature are perfectly combined with an amazingly caring attitude of a person to them. Here, from a height of several tens of meters, you can hear the sound of your voice repelling from the light rocks.
You will remember this place for how the soul quiveringly here freezes from the majestic view of nature. In any case, after visiting Verdon, you will have to give a corner of your heart to this place, so that, at least in memories and dreams, you will continue to return here to meet with real majestic Nature.
Use the services of kiwitaxi and at the airport, at the specified time, the driver will be waiting for you, help with the luggage and promptly take you to the hotel. Several car classes are available - from economy to Minibus with 19 seats. The price is fixed and does not depend on the number of passengers and the address within Nice.A taxi from / to the airport is a convenient and comfortable way to get to your destination.
