The 13 most beautiful villages in Verdon

Are you in the Gorges du Verdon and want to explore the area? Discover our selection of the most beautiful villages in Verdon!

The Verdon is a Provencal river that owes its fame to the Gorges du même nom. They form a canyon dug by the river and separate the Castellane Prealpes from that of Digne. Described with precision at the end of the 19th century, this magnificent natural site becomes a tourist destination from that time. Originally very complex, access is facilitated a few decades later and hydraulic dams are built to, in particular, allow for river navigation and the creation of reservoirs. The tourist development of the Verdon also allowed the small villages around to make a name. Want to discover some? Here is our selection of the 13 most beautiful villages in Verdon!

1. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix and its beaches. As soon as we arrive, the view of the village, built against a rocky escarpment, is absolutely sublime, day and night. With its star suspended in the void, some compare even Moustiers to a Christmas nursery!

On the spot, we discover with pleasure a place where time stopped. With its roofs in tiles, its paved alleys, its imposing aqueduct and its old bridge, the walk in one of the most beautiful villages in Verdon is in a relaxing atmosphere, apart from the noisy days of market! By climbing the staircase leading to the church, the view of the lake is impressive.

2. Valensole

If you like lavender, then Valensole will be your dream place! This village of Verdon is known for its feast and Lavender Museum. The plateaus around the area are bloomed in July and violet is at a loss of sight. Of course, the scent of the flower is more pregnant in summer than in winter.

But Valensole is not just lavender. It is also a beautiful perched village typical of Provencal, protected from the strong summer heat. The rest is classic in the area with paved alleys, the fountain in the center of the main square, the old houses, the terraces to no longer finish... We love it! Do not forget to take a look at the beautiful castle of the Grand Jardin, dating from the 17th century.

3. Castellane

For the anecdote, the village, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, is, with 1,600 inhabitants, the least populated subprefecture of France. Another perched village, Castellane appears to the visitors during the crossing of the Roc bridge. From here we see a fortified city with a belfry, which is usually found in the North of France.

This village of Verdon is remarkably preserved with the majority of buildings dating from the 12th-century. Typically Provencal, the places are animated in summer with the terraces of restaurants that can block the passage! Also Castellane enjoys the Verdon passage and it is possible to make canyoning or hiking from the village.

4. Esparron-de-Verdon

This wonderful village of Verdon owes its fame to its lake of the same offering sublime beaches where water is green-blue. From the city it is possible to sail on the lake for a beautiful getaway by admiring the beauties of the region.

Although the village merged with Albiosc in 1973, it has less than four hundred inhabitants and the visit is quite rapid. We appreciate the castle dating from the 13th century, its small church and its beautifully restored old quarter.

5. Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon

On the shores of the Lac de Sainte-Croix facing Moustiers, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon enjoys all the activities offered by the lake: beaches, water sports practice... There is something to do and we have time to immerse ourselves in splendid landscapes around.

Located 513 meters above sea level, this village of Verdon offers a beautiful walk, begun from the lake, between stone houses, uphill and downhill alleys. Some buildings deserve a detour like the church, the house of the lavender and the exhibition showing the history of the village in pictures. The highlight of the show is the panoramic view of the lake.

6. La Verdière

Located at the edge of the natural park, in the heart of Provence Verte, La Verdière is a charming village of Verdon with steep alleys and colourful houses with wooden shutters. The places are calm and relaxing, even if the heat can hit hard in the summer.

The Verdière is known for its castle, built by the Castellane family in 980, along with the fortress. Slightly falling in the state of ruins, the castle is restored in the early 2000s and is now inhabited. It is open to the visit and offers the most beautiful heritage of the castles of Provence.

7. Artignosc-sur-Verdon

Beautiful village of Verdon, Artignosc-sur-Verdon is located on a hill 515 meters above sea level. Its paved alleys, recently restored, and its old houses, very well preserved, offer a beautiful walk for visitors.

The remarkable buildings of the place are the castle of the Thoron, dating from the 14th century and the church of the 11th century. Also, we appreciate the presence of a covered wash that recalls how the linen was washed before and the fountain of the village where the water flowing there is drinking. Finally, if you are there in Pentecost, don’t miss the Bread Festival that takes place in the old bread oven.

8. Comps-sur-Artuby

Comps-sur-Artuby is one of the most charming villages in the Verdon known for its many hamlets and numerous chapels, with its church located on a hill that you can see in the distance. And for cause, with its typical Provencal charm, we let ourselves be carried away by stone houses and narrow alleys.

In the time of the Templars, in the 12th century, the city is fortified and is an important point of passage. The majority of the chapels dates from that time. There is also a circuit of chapels for people who love these beautiful buildings of time.

9. Entrevaux

When you begin to see Entrevaux, the image is striking. In the foreground is the village and its two imposing towers. In the background, we discover this path that shears the rock to reach the citadel at the top of the hill. Surrounded by the Var River, Entrevaux is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Verdon.

Its majestic setting transports us and we are perished of admiration for this wonderfully preserved fortified city. In addition to its location, the village presents some originalities such as its two fortification towers and its small bridge. Downstairs, we like to get lost in the alleys. At the top, it is the view that prevents us from descending on Earth. A wonderful discovery!

10. Saint-Martin de Brômes

If Saint-Martin is not as expressive as Entrevaux, this charming village of Verdon has no less qualities and the discovery of the places is more than friendly. Of course, it is towards the clock tower, the emblem of the place, that we are headed first.

Walking through the alleys, we appreciate the quiet of the village, its simplicity and surprises here and there as a small fountain. The architecture of the place, resting almost exclusively on the stone, is superb and worth a visit if you are in the corner.

11. Rougon

Rougon is a typical village of the region, with narrow streets and stone houses. Very charming, like the other villages of Verdon, Rougon houses beautiful residences and the ruins of the castle offer a beautiful walk.

But Rougon is best known to house many remarkable places, such as the view of the Sublime Point, perhaps the most beautiful view of the Gorges du Verdon. For walkers, the village also offers beautiful hikes.

12. Bauduen

Located in front of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, on the shores of the lake, Banduen sees its streets overlapping each other, offering an idyllic (and sporty) setting for a walk. There are also beautiful beaches and stunning views of the lake.

Moreover, it is in this village of Verdon that one finds an astronomical observatory and a museum dedicated to toys, two visits that one can do only here and that are highly advised.

13. Beynes

We finish our selection with this small village of Verdon located north of the natural park. The places offer a beautiful view of the mountain and are mainly for people looking for a little rest away from the urban tumult.

Finally, know that Beynes is the starting point of small hikes that can lead to the mountain of Beynes.

So, by which villages will you pass during your stay in Verdon?