Verdon Gorge: Europe's Grand Canyon Carved in Turquoise
The Gorges du Verdon in southeastern France claim the title of Europe's largest canyon system— a 25-kilometre (15.5-mile) limestone chasm reaching depths of 700 meters (2,296 feet) carved by the impossibly turquoise Verdon River. The river's distinctive colour, which gives the gorge its name, results from glacial sources and suspended minerals creating shades that seem impossibly photoshopped.
This geological wonder began 250 million years ago during the Triassic era, when the entire area lay beneath tropical seas—millions of years of compressed sea floor, shells, and corals built limestone layers that plate movements eventually thrust upward to form the Alps. Ice age glaciation carved the valleys—glaciers wearing away soft limestone as they moved and melted, creating the dramatic rock formations visible today.
The canyon's dimensions are staggering: while the gorge bottom measures just 8-90 meters (26 295 feet) wide, the rims stretch 200-1,500 meters (656-4,920 feet) apart, creating vertical walls that attract rock climbers from around the world. Over 1,500 climbing routes ranging from 20 meters to over 400 meters make this one of Europe's premier multi-pitch climbing destinations.
The Sentier Martel, the gorge's most famous hiking trail, was laid out in 1928 by the Touring Club de France, in honour of explorer Édouard-Alfred Martel, who led the first expedition through the canyon in 1905. Martel and his team—including the local schoolteacher— accomplished the first complete survey of the river, overcoming numerous obstacles that threatened to halt their progress. The gorge terminates at the artificial Lake of Sainte-Croix, created by a dam in 1974, where the turquoise waters deepen into a reservoir perfect for kayaking.
In 1997, the Verdon Regional Natural Park was established to protect this environment that evolved over two million years. UNESCO recognises it as Europe's largest geological reserve.
