Another Gorge-ous Day

Friday, April 15, 2011 Road Junkies 0 Comments

3 MONTHS IN EUROPE, Day 46:

Gorges du Verdon, France.

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Standing around in the Moustiers hotel lobby yesterday while Ken checked in, I was struck by an array of brochures in multiple languages about Gorges du Verdon. Having never heard of it, I picked up the English copy: 'Europe's deepest canyon' 'Second largest gorge in the world' 'Fluorescent green river'

"Wait!" I told Ken. "Let's stay two days. We need to see this." Convincing him was not difficult, and today we set out to explore the rugged Grand Canyon du Verdon in southeastern France. Virtually unknown outside Provence before 1905 when an electrical company employee was sent to conduct a geological survey of the Verdon River, the canyon is popular with tourists who day trip from the French Riviera. space space space space space space

Like Arizona's Grand Canyon, the Verdon Gorge is a river canyon, formed by the Verdon River, which originates in the French Alps at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet. As the river plunges below, it has carved out fantastic gorges from the Jurassic period limestone. The canyon is about 30 miles long and up to 2,300 feet deep.

The rugged terrain of Verdon Gorge

The most dramatic part of the river's course is between the towns of Moustiers Saint-Marie and Castellane, and the legendary highway D952 tracks this northern rim. Driving along this route provided more than a few excuses for nail biting as the narrow two-lane road chiseled into the rocky cliffs carried us along steep precipices, often with only intermittent guardrails.

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Would not want to meet another car here

When we passed spots where there seemed barely room for a car or maybe a small camper to fit under the craggy overhang, we became convinced that the big tour buses must not use this route. Of course, we were later proved wrong, as we met one of the behemoths on a narrow curve. (The photo isn't the best because the photographer was in the midst of screaming, "We can't get past that bus!")

Yikes! Where can we go?

Hair-raising excitement aside, the drive provided some spectacular views of the canyon and the startlingly green ribbon of the Verdon River tracing through its depths. The green color is caused by naturally occurring elements in the water.

Pont de l'Artuby

After discovery of the canyon led to an influx of visitors, officials determined that a road should be constructed to accommodate them and ease the way for tourism francs to make their way into the local coffers. The final segment of the road to be completed was the bridge over the Artuby River. Construction was begun in 1938 but was delayed by World War II, and the span did not open until 1946. At 360 feet above the canyon floor, the Artuby today is a popular spot for bungee jumping, which is permitted on certain days of the year.

The color contrast makes it easy to spot the river far below.

Returning on the south rim, the Route de la Corniche Sublime, we continued to enjoy one breath-taking view after another of this stunningly beautiful landscape. As we neared the end of the route approaching Moustiers again, we noticed that we were no longer stopping to photograph the incredible views. We had clearly reached an astonishment overload.

The Galetas Bridge, completed in 1970, connects the two shores of Lake Sainte-Croix.

At the end of the canyon near Moustiers is the emerald green Lake Sainte-Croix, the largest reservoir in France. Between 1929 and 1975, five hydroelectric dams were built along the Verdon to harness the power of the mighty river for human needs.

Lake Sainte-Croix

The Verdon Gorge area is a popular spot for sporting types, with hiking, rock climbing, boating, fishing and horseback riding among the promoted activities. Guides are available or even required for some of the more treacherous ventures. With only one day for our visit and rain threatening or falling, we did not have any opportunity to hike at this gorgeous place. A little rock-skipping at the lake had to suffice.