Gorges du Verdon is a balcony road in France

# Gorges du Verdon: Europe's Answer to the Grand Canyon

Ready for one of Europe's most jaw-dropping drives? The Gorges du Verdon, nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France, is where adventure meets stunning natural beauty. This narrow canyon stretches for 21 kilometres between the charming towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, sitting right in the heart of Provence's Verdon Natural Regional Park.

The numbers alone are staggering: we're talking about a 725-meter-deep chasm (that's twice the height of the Eiffel Tower!), which is why locals proudly call it the "Grand Canyon of Europe." The turquoise river snaking through below is absolutely mesmerizing.

## The Road Itself

The D23, also known as Route des Crêtes, is a completely paved 22.2-kilometre loop carved dramatically into the cliff face above the river—and it's genuinely one of Europe's most beautiful roads. But here's the catch: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. You're looking at sheer 700-meter drops with barely a foot-high guard wall between you and the abyss. Hairpin turns, blind curves, craggy rock overhangs, and narrow sections that only allow one-way traffic make this a thrilling (and slightly white-knuckle) experience. The good news? Locals insist accidents are actually rare here.

Plan for 45 to 60 minutes of driving, but honestly, you'll want to stop constantly. The viewpoints are phenomenal, and if you're lucky, you might spot griffon vultures soaring overhead.

**Pro tip:** Skip the summer months when tourist caravans create traffic jams. If you're nervous about those hairpin turns, tackle the route anti-clockwise so you're hugging the cliff rather than perched on the edge. And start early to beat both the heat and the crowds.