7 French gorges for a nature-filled family holiday

From the deep canyons of the Verdon to the carved gorges of the Tarn, France is full of magnificent natural sites. Hiking, canoeing, swimming, canyoning: each gorge has its own way of being discovered. We’ve selected 7 of the most beautiful gorges in France, spread from the Massif Central to the Alps and from the Basque Country to Corsica.

Near each one you’ll find a selection of low-price campsites to extend the adventure without blowing your budget!

Gorges du Verdon: Provence’s grand canyon

Carved over more than 25 km, the Gorges du Verdon form Europe’s largest canyon, with cliffs up to 700 metres high. The Route des Crêtes strings together vertigo-inducing viewpoints, while canoes and pedal boats let you paddle up the canyon from Lac de Sainte-Croix.

Visitors’ favourite: the Point Sublime, a balcony overlooking the entire gorge.

Practical info:

• The gorges lie between Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var.
• Main access is via La Palud-sur-Verdon or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
• Spring and autumn remain the most pleasant seasons.
• Hiking, canoeing and canyoning dominate the on-site activities.

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Gorges du Tarn: limestone cliffs and characterful villages

Carved into the limestone plateau over some fifty kilometres, the Gorges du Tarn form a beautiful canyon dotted with perched hamlets. Canoeing, hiking or a scenic drive: there are many ways to explore it. Listed by UNESCO as part of the Causses and Cévennes, the site attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Visitors’ favourite: the Cirque des Baumes, between the Détroits and the Pas de Soucy.

Practical info:

• The gorges link Ispagnac to Le Rozier, between Lozère and Aveyron.
• Canoeing is mainly practised in July and August, when water levels are sufficient.
• The D907 road runs alongside the entire route.
• Several villages line the route, including Sainte-Enimie and Castelbouc.

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Gorges de Kakuetta: the Basque Country’s tropical canyon

Smaller than their Provençal cousins, the Gorges de Kakuetta are no less striking. This narrow chasm in the Basque Country is explored on foot via footbridges and overhanging passages. The tropical vegetation covering the walls creates a rare, almost Amazonian atmosphere.

Visitors’ favourite: the great waterfall at the end of the trail, several metres high.

Practical info:

• The gorges are located in Sainte-Engrâce, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
• Entry to the site is paid and only accessible in season.
• The trail takes around 2 to 3 hours there and back.
• The best period runs from spring to autumn.

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Gorges de Galamus: the hermitage perched between the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales

Between the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales, the Gorges de Galamus unfurl a vertiginous road carved into the cliff face. Only 2 km separate Cubières-sur-Cinoble from Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, but what a road! Clinging to the rock face, the Saint-Antoine chapel completes the picture.

Visitors’ favourite: the Saint-Antoine hermitage carved into a natural cave on the gorge’s flank.

Practical info:

• The gorges link Cubières-sur-Cinoble to Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet.
• The narrow road should be driven carefully in a standard car.
• The hermitage is visited on foot, a 20-minute walk down.
• In summer, pebble beaches welcome bathers along the Agly river.

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Gorges de Daluis: the “Colorado” of Nice

Nicknamed the “Colorado of Nice”, the Gorges de Daluis impress with the red colour of their rocks, caused by the presence of iron oxide. The clifftop road, clinging 400 metres above the Var river, strings together viewpoints and tunnels. Down below, a path follows the river for a more immersive experience.

Visitors’ favourite: the Belvédère de la Mariée viewpoint, with a dramatic view over a unique rock formation.

Practical info:

• The gorges are located in the upper Var, in the Alpes-Maritimes.
• The D2202 road runs alongside the whole canyon on the right bank.
• Summer allows for the occasional swim in the Var.
• Several hiking loops set off from the neighbouring villages.

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Gorges du Chassezac: the Ardèche’s nature corner

Less visited than their famous neighbours, the Gorges du Chassezac appeal to lovers of wild nature. The canyon is perfectly suited to canyoning, swimming and climbing. The natural beaches along the river remain free to access, a real bonus for tight budgets.

Visitors’ favourite: Les Vans, the small gateway village to the gorges, with its preserved charm.

Practical info:

• The gorges link Les Vans to the confluence with the Ardèche.
• Access is from the villages of Les Vans or Grospierres.
• Summer remains the best season for swimming and canyoning.
• Several local operators run guided canyoning trips.

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Gorges de la Restonica: turquoise water at the heart of Corsica

Known for their natural pools of rare clarity, the Gorges de la Restonica cut through the mountains around Corte. The trail to the lakes of Melo and Capitello attracts seasoned hikers, while the turquoise pools further down delight families.

Visitors’ favourite: the climb to the lakes of Melo and Capitello, in a grandiose mountain bowl.

Practical info:

• The gorges are located in Haute-Corse, above Corte.
• The D623 road leads to the Grotelle car park, the starting point for hikes.
• The best season runs from June to September, outside snow periods.

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Fancy discovering France’s most beautiful gorges at your own pace, without breaking the bank? On our site, you’ll find low-price campsites near each site, from Provence to the Basque Country! Compare the deals and set off on your next canyon adventure!