The 3 Must-Drive Scenic Routes in the Verdon
To explore the canyon by car, you will mainly travel along three iconic routes. Each offers unique perspectives but requires focus and careful speed management:
- Route des Crêtes (Right Bank - Starts from La Palud-sur-Verdon): A spectacular 23 km loop hugging the highest cliffs of the canyon. Crucial Tip: A significant portion of this loop is strictly one-way. Make sure to follow the directional signs as you enter!
- Corniche Sublime (Left Bank - From Comps-sur-Artuby to Aiguines): This route offers dizzying vertical drops over the river and crosses the famous Artuby Bridge (the local bungee jumping hotspot). Expect tight hairpin turns.
- The Gorge Road (From Castellane to Point Sublime): This is the wild road you will take to visit us. It follows the river bed, cuts through historic rock-carved tunnels, and provides stunning access to the water.
5 Pro Tips for a Smooth Drive in the Canyon
- Choose the Right Vehicle: If you are renting a car for your holiday, a compact model is ideal for navigating the Verdon't tight lanes. If you are driving a campervan or motorhome, take extra care in narrow sections and tunnels.
- Use Passing Places: On narrower road segments, local authorities have created small paved pull-outs. If you see a larger vehicle (like a local bus or motorhome) coming your way, pull into a passing space early to let them through.
- Don't Rely Solely on GPS: Cell service cuts out frequently deep inside the canyon, and GPS apps (Google Maps, Waze) can get confused by the massive stone cliffs. Always download your regional maps offline before hitting the road.
- Keep Your Headlights On: The rock tunnels between Castellane and Point Sublime are dark, narrow, and historic. Turn your headlights on so oncoming drivers can spot you immediately.
- Only Stop at Designated Viewpoints (Belvédères): Never slam on the brakes or stop in the middle of the road to take a picture, no matter how beautiful the view is. Always use the official, secure roadside parking lookouts
The Summer Parking Challenge: Our Solutions in Castellane
In July and August, finding a parking spot near Lake Sainte-Croix or the Point Sublime trailhead can be an absolute nightmare after 10:30 AM.
Parking in Castellane Village
Castellane has several large public parking lots located just a short walk from the historic center (such as the Saint-Michel lot). We highly recommend arriving early in the morning, especially on market days (Wednesday and Saturday), as spaces fill up rapidly.
The Buena Vista Hack: Private & Free Parking!
Have you booked a rafting trip, an aqua trekking tour, or rented an E-MTB with us? You can completely bypass the village parking stress!
- Our outdoor base in Castellane features a large, secure, and completely free private parking lot exclusively for our guests.
- Simply park your car safely at our base, enjoy your day, and our private shuttles will drive you directly to the river entry points and back. No driving stress required!
Article published by Buena Vista Rafting the