Gorges du Verdon

Europe's largest canyon, up to 700 m deep, carved by the turquoise Verdon river through the limestone of Provence. The Route des Crêtes, a loop road from La Palud-sur-Verdon, gives the most dramatic views from lookouts on the rim.

At the bottom end, at the Pont du Galetas, hire a kayak or electric pedal boat to paddle into the gorge from the Lac de Sainte-Croix, where you can swim. Experienced walkers can follow the Sentier Blanc-Martel along the bottom of the canyon. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a beautiful village of faience pottery, is close by.