Exploring the Verdon in a motorhome is an adventure everyone should experience at least once. With winding roads that run along the Verdon Gorgeand fields of lavender and olive trees, the trip promises to be unforgettable.
But to enjoy it without any stress, it’s best to plan your route carefully and know where to stop for the night. Choosing the wrong route or parking spot can quickly ruin your trip.
In this guide, our campground in the Verdon region helps you plan your motorhome road trip: itineraries, practical tips, and solutions for a good night’s sleep, whether you’re going for a few days or several weeks.
Is it possible to drive through the Gorges du Verdon in a motorhome?
Yes, the Gorges du Verdon are best explored by motorhome, provided you plan your route carefully. Some roads offer exceptional views, but they also require careful driving.
The Canyon Road stretches nearly 25 km between La Palud-sur-Verdon and Lake Sainte-Croix. The most famous scenic routes, such as the D952 or the Route des Crêtes (D23), pass through narrow, winding sections with numerous turns and a few more challengingstretches.
Camper vans and compact motorhomes generally travel without difficulty. Vehicles longer than 7 or 8 meters can use most routes, but certain sections require extra caution, especially when passing other vehicles during the high season.
Before you leave, please keep one important point in mind: wild camping is prohibited in the Verdon Regional Nature Park. To spend the night, you must use a motorhome park or a campground. Inspections are conducted regularly, and penalties may be imposed for violations.
When is the best time to go on a motorhome trip in the Verdon?
To fully enjoy the Gorges du Verdon in a motorhome, the best time to visit is from May through September. The weather is pleasant, the roads are accessible, and most campgrounds and service areas are open.
July and August: the peak season
In July and August, the Verdon offers ideal conditions for outdoor recreation, swimming, and water sports around the Verdon lakes. Temperatures are pleasant, but this is also the busiest time of year. The parking lots at the main overlooks and Lake Sainte-Croix often start filling up as early as 9 a.m. Traffic becomes heavier on the roads through the gorges. To park easily and enjoy the peace and quiet, it’s best to arrive before 8:30 a. m.
June and September: the best compromise
In June and September, visitor numbers remain moderate, allowing you to explore the Verdon in a more peaceful atmosphere. Traffic is lighter, parking lots are less crowded, and the main viewpoints are easier to reach. You can admire the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau starting in mid-June.
Verdon Itinerary: Recommended Route for RV Travelers
The Verdon Regional Nature Park covers more than 188,000 hectares between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var departments. It’s a destination best explored over several days to fully enjoy the scenery and the roads through the gorges. Depending on the length of your motorhome trip, you can tailor your itinerary to explore the Verdon’s main attractions at a leisurely pace.
A weekend in the Verdon in a motorhome: 2–3-day itinerary
For a weekend in the Verdon in a motorhome, a 2- to 3-day itinerary lets you explore the natural park’s must-see attractions.
Day 1: Lake Sainte-Croix and the villages of Provence
Head toward Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Aiguines, and Les Salles-sur-Verdon. Lake Sainte-Croix offers an iconic view of the Verdon. The route continues toward La Palud-sur-Verdon via the D952 (about 60 km, 1 hour and 30 minutes by RV).
Day 2: Verdon Gorge and Route des Crêtes
From La Palud, the Route des Crêtes (D23) takes you to the most beautiful viewpoints in the Gorges du Verdon. Then head toward Rougon and the Point Sublime before returning via Trigance and Castellane (about 76 km, 1 hour 40 minutes).
Day 3: Valensole Plateau and the lakes
On the last day, you’ll explore the Valensole Plateau, Lake Esparron, and the gentler landscapes of the Verdon before heading back (about 100 km).
A week in a motorhome to tour the Verdon
In 7 days, you can experience the Verdon in a whole new way. The relaxed pace allows you to explore villages, lakes, and cultural sites without rushing from one place to the next.
- Day 1: Start with Quinson and its Museum of Prehistory.
- Day 2: Drive to Gréoux-les-Bains, a spa town famous for its medieval castle.
- Day 3: Aiguines and Lake Sainte-Croix, with its turquoise waters framed by white cliffs.
- Day 4: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a historic village renowned for its earthenware. Head up to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir Chapel for a breathtaking view.
- Day 5: The Route des Crêtes, 24 km, 14 lookout points, and a bird’s-eye view of Europe’s largest canyon.
- Day 6: Left Bank, featuring the Artuby Bridge and the Balcon de la Mescla.
- Day 7: Castellane, facing the 184-meter Roc, returning via Rougon and the Point Sublime.
Rest areas are available in Regusse, Moustiers, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, and Gréoux-les-Bains.
Verdon Routes by Motorhome: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Traveling through the Verdon requires a bit of planning. You can’t just drive through the area like you would a typical region, especially in a motorhome.
The area is mainly accessible viathe A51 andA8, but once inside the Verdon Regional Nature Park, the roads become narrower and more challenging.
Route 952 runs along the Verdon River at the bottom of the gorges. It’s passable, but requires caution: there are narrow sections, tunnels, and tight passing spots with tour buses during peak season. Drive slowly and stay in your lane.
The Route des Crêtes is the most spectacular and challenging. The hairpin turns over the precipice leave no room for improvisation. In a short vehicle, it’s no problem. In a long A-class motorhome, certain turning points require precision. Part of the road is one-way. Certain restrictions in the tunnels apply to tall vehicles (> 3.6 m).
Please note that the Route des Crêtes is also closed during the winter.
The parking lots at the scenic overlooks are often small and full by 10 a.m. in July and August. Leave early, before 9 a.m., or be prepared to view them from the road while driving slowly.
Where can you stay in the Verdon in a motorhome? Parking areas
There are approximately 26 RV service areas in the Verdon region, located in Aups, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Bauduen, Aiguines, and Artignosc. These areas allow visitors to park and spend the night near the gorges and lakes.
Rates generally range from €6 to €22 per night, depending on the amenities available (water, electricity, waste disposal, restrooms).
Some of the main RV parks in the Verdon region include:
- Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon: about €8, with showers, restrooms, and waste disposal services
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: €16–17, including water, electricity, and full services
- Aiguines (Camping du Galetas): approx. €18, fully equipped campground
- Les Salles-sur-Verdon: €5.50 to €10.50, with restrooms and electricity
- Castellane (Boudousque Parking Lot): service area
There are also accommodations further away from the gorges in Aups, Bauduen, Puimoisson, and La Roquebrussanne.
During peak season, it’s best to arrive before 4 p.m. to secure a spot. Turnover is quick: travelers on the go usually stay just one night before hitting the road again.
Campground or rest stop: Which should you choose for your trip?
It all depends on how you’re traveling. If you’re on a road trip and moving to a new location every day, rest stops are convenient. They let you stop for a break easily and get back on the road the next day without wasting any time.
If you’re staying in the Verdon for several days, camping is often a more enjoyable option. You’ll be more settled, and you’ll be able to better enjoy the scenery and activities without having to move your RV every day.
La Pinède Campground welcomes RVs
In Gréoux-les-Bains, the 4-star Camping La Pinède offers equipped RV sites in the Verdon region, complete with all the necessary amenities:
- 10A power supply
- Water fountain,
- Emptying station for campers.
- 2 heated sanitary blocks in off-season, including 1 block with baby area (bathtub, changing table), disabled access.
- Laundry room with washing machines, dryers, and an ironing board (irons available upon request).
- Dogs accepted (max. 2) except category 1 and 2, with up-to-date vaccinations and on a leash.
You are 35 km from Moustiers and 30 km from Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.
In the morning, you set out to explore the Verdon. In the evening, you return to a quiet, comfortable, and safe place to rest and plan the rest of your trip. Less unnecessary driving, less stress about finding a place to park at night, and more peace of mind to enjoy van life in the Verdon.
FAQ: Exploring the Verdon by Motorhome
Yes, on the main roads (D952, D23). Standard-sized vehicles can pass without difficulty, provided they drive carefully. For very large vehicles (over 8 m), certain sections of the Route des Crêtes require extra caution when maneuvering.
At least three days to see the highlights: Lake Sainte-Croix, the gorges, and a village. A week to explore the entire park and its surroundings at a leisurely pace (Valensole, Luberon, and the Var hinterland).
Combine a stable base at a campground (Gréoux-les-Bains is ideally located) with stops at rest areas for overnight stays along the route. Be sure to book in advance during July and August.
No. But camping in the wild is prohibited in the park. If you are not staying at a campground, you must use an authorized rest area.
Gréoux-les-Bains, at the southwest entrance to the park, offers the best of both worlds: quick access to Lake Sainte-Croix and Moustiers, guaranteed peace and quiet, and well-equipped campsites for RVs.
