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-   -   Gorges du Verdon for chickens (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/gorges-du-verdon-for-chickens-1096329/)

frenchaucoeur Apr 22nd, 2016 09:22 AM

Gorges du Verdon for chickens
 
We'll be in Cotignac for a couple of weeks in June, and of course we'd like to see the Gorges du Verdon. Although we've driven in Europe dozens of times, we're a bit leery of the vertiginous drops and what appear to be essentially one-car-width roads. So here's my question: is there a way to see some of it, maybe drive a bit and then turn around, or is it once you've started you're in it for the whole 25-km length? Is perhaps one cliff (north or south) easier or a bit wider than the other?

For reference, we've driven the narrow road opposite Mont Ventoux that goes from Malaucene past Brantes to Montbrun numerous times and have been just fine. We've also driven narrow roads all through Tuscany and parts of Umbria.

Seems a shame to be in the Var and miss this spectacular place. But I'd also like to avoid freaking out if possible.

Thanks.

hetismij2 Apr 22nd, 2016 09:48 AM

We drove the Gorges du Verdon last year in the camper. It was no problem at all. Not particularly narrow or scary. It does get very busy.

StuDudley Apr 22nd, 2016 09:49 AM

The narrow section is the most scenic section - the "Route des Cretes". It is a one-way road so not turning around allowed.

Stu Dudley

StuDudley Apr 22nd, 2016 10:37 AM

hetismij - did you drive the "Route des Cretes" loop?. It is separate route off the D952, on the northern side of the Gorges.

Stu Dudley

PalenQ Apr 22nd, 2016 10:42 AM

I've biked along the Gorge twice and never saw anything really bad for

PalenQ Apr 22nd, 2016 10:43 AM

Nervous Nellies... got cut off somehow! remember a wide well-paved road which should be even better by now. don't miss this drive!

historytraveler Apr 22nd, 2016 11:33 AM

As Stu said, the Route des Cretes is quite different from the usual route along the gorge. It's one way, narrow and has few or no guard rails, however it's not necessary to drive it in order to see the gorge.

frenchaucoeur Apr 23rd, 2016 11:24 AM

Thanks, all. Think we'll give it a go.

hetismij2 Apr 23rd, 2016 12:32 PM

Stu, yes we did. We only have a little camper.

StCirq Apr 23rd, 2016 01:00 PM

I've done it. No issues unless you encounter a convie exceptionelle, in which case call yourt insurance agent and pray to God.

PalenQ Apr 23rd, 2016 01:50 PM

Me and my stopped and took a canoe ride thru part of the canyon - was fine even though we tipped over - in August it were and water was low. Nice break and great way to experience the canyon - get saw signs and stopped- no reservations needed.

Whathello Apr 24th, 2016 12:54 AM

I didn't do the scenic way last time and stil lhad a great time and nice views.

We were stopped at a bridge for some time since half the bridge was taken by some guys doing elastic jumps... quite scary btw. What a view from that bridge...

kerouac Apr 24th, 2016 09:07 AM

I was looking for the best place to eat chicken at the Gorges du Verdon.

I have driven through there and did not find any of the drive scary.


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