Exploring the Gorges du Verdon with a Motorhome: Road Guide and Map
The Gorges du Verdon, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe', offers a breathtaking driving experience for motorhome and campervan enthusiasts. Here's a guide to navigating this scenic route in France.
For a memorable journey, consider the routes connecting key stops such as Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Vinon-sur-Verdon, Castellane, and the lakes Castillon and Saint Croix. The main roads, while narrow and mountainous, are manageable with caution.
Route D111 near Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, for instance, has some challenging access spots and deteriorated roads, especially on the upper plateaus. It's suitable for stopovers, but drivers should be aware of ongoing maintenance issues.
The road to Col d’Allos, on the other hand, is scenic but narrow and bumpy, particularly on the north side, and not recommended for campervans or inexperienced drivers.
Roads around Vinon-sur-Verdon provide easier driving with shady riverside pitches and access to local amenities. The area around Castellane, including the Domaine du Verdon campsite on road D952, offers well-equipped sites with stunning natural surroundings, making it an ideal spot for motorhomes.
Driving times vary depending on starting points. For example, the drive from Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon to Castellane is approximately 30 minutes under good conditions.
Overnight stops suitable for motorhomes include the Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon stopover area, offering many pitches with basic services; Vinon-sur-Verdon, a charming riverside stopover with shaded pitches; and the Domaine du Verdon Camping at Castellane, which is well-equipped with a swimming pool and surrounded by lakes and mountains, ideal for longer stays and exploring the Verdon area.
When driving the Gorges du Verdon, it's essential to avoid narrow, rough mountain passes like the north side of Col d’Allos if in a campervan. Instead, prefer routes along D952 via Castellane and areas near lakes Castillon and Saint Croix.
Remember to drive carefully and allow extra time for mountainous stretches. The south side route from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Castellane is 70km long. The D71 road, the Gorge Road 'proper' on the southern side of the Gorges du Verdon, is suitable for all vehicles except those that don't like high mountain passes, including motorhomes, buses, motorbikes, cars, and campervans.
The drive down the D71 road is almost over after the viewing platform, which offers a spectacular view of the gorge. The road has many bends, especially on the way up near Aiguilles. Tight hairpin corners are common, but they're manageable with a motorhome.
The road has low overhangs and rock falls that need to be navigated. It's open all year, but this may not always be the case, especially on the north side. As of February 2021, the south side was open, but the north side was closed.
There are no overnight camping spots along the D71 road in the Verdon Gorge national park. However, there are plenty of campsites nearby for motorhomes, camping cars, caravans, and campers.
The D955 road offers incredible photo opportunities, but it also has a dangerous incident history, including a motorhome fire. The road to the Hotel Grand Canyon du Verdon, located right on the edge of the gorge with a huge parking area and a café, is not recommended for caravans or vehicles with trailers due to the sharp bends. However, a 6.7m motorhome with a trailer was able to navigate the road without issues.
In summary, for a balanced and enjoyable motorhome trip through the Gorges du Verdon:
- Prefer routes along D952 via Castellane and areas near lakes Castillon and Saint Croix.
- Avoid narrow, rough mountain passes like the north side of Col d’Allos if in a campervan.
- Plan overnight stays in established stopover areas with services, such as Vinon-sur-Verdon or Domaine du Verdon.
- Drive carefully and allow extra time for mountainous stretches.
This approach balances scenic drives, road safety, and comfortable overnight stops while exploring the Gorges du Verdon region by motorhome. The journey is well worth the experience, offering stunning views and unforgettable memories.
When planning a motorhome trip through the Gorges du Verdon, consider choosing routes along D952 via Castellane and areas near lakes Castillon and Saint Croix for a balanced experience of scenic drives, road safety, and comfortable overnight stops. To ensures a safe and memorable journey, avoid narrow, rough mountain passes like the north side of Col d’Allos if in a campervan and instead opt for well-equipped campsites in areas such as Vinon-sur-Verdon or the Domaine du Verdon.
