The Baudinard Gorges from Artignosc-sur-Verdon

A magnificent and spectacular canyon lined with sheer or overhanging cliffs 100 to 150 metres high, with gaps of around ten metres. This very wild canyon forms the first part of the Lower Verdon Gorges.
The rock faces are pierced by numerous caves, the entrances to which can be seen from the bed of the Verdon, where the water flows out at a temperature of between 8 and 10°C from the dam (see § Practical Information).

Details

n°2634883

Creation:
06 Oct 2019

Last update:
18 May 2026

Last review:
06 Jul 2025

Activity: Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking
Distance: 10.38 mi
Duration according to the author: 4 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 164 ft
Descent: - 161 ft
Highest point: 1,421 ft
Lowest point: 1,319 ft

Country: France
Area: Basses Gorges du Verdon
City: Artignosc-sur-Verdon (83630)
Start/End: N 43.722198° / E 6.09038°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3342ET, 3343OT, 3442OT, 3442OTR
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Description of the walk

Launch point at the Artignosc Water Sports Centre, right next to the swimming pool. Car park, boat trailers, easy access.

(S/E) Facing Lake Artignosc, head up the Verdon on the right to reach the first part of Lake Montpezat.

(1) Continue along the right-hand side of the lake, heading north, until you reach the end.

(2) Follow the Verdon to the right until you reach the second part of Lake Montpezat. Pass under the Sylvestre Bridge.

(3) Cross the lake from west to east and reach the entrance to the Gorges de Baudinard.

(4) Paddle to the boundary buoys. It is forbidden to cross them to get closer to the dam (danger).
(5) From the buoys, return in the opposite direction as you wish and depending on your availability (time): the right or left banks of the lakes, or a tour of the lakes. Return to the Water Sports Centre (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,322 ft - Artignosc Water Sports Centre
1 : mi 1.18 - alt. 1,325 ft - Montpezat Lake (Part 1)
2 : mi 2.13 - alt. 1,325 ft - Entrance to the Verdon, on the right
3 : mi 3 - alt. 1,319 ft - Lake Montpezat (Part 2)
4 : mi 3.24 - alt. 1,319 ft - Entrance to the Baudinard Gorges - Verdon (rivière)
5 : mi 4.68 - alt. 1,319 ft - Closure by buoys, turn back
S/E : mi 10.38 - alt. 1,322 ft - Lac d'Artignosc Water Sports Centre

Notes

Best avoided in July/August, as this splendid site is overcrowded due to its popularity and beauty.
Please note: water levels and current direction are subject to change depending on dam operations.
In strong winds, navigation can become difficult or even be prohibited for safety reasons.
Pack appropriate clothing: cold water, steep-sided canyon, cool as there is little sunshine.
Regulations in the Baudinard Gorges.
The following are prohibited (among other things): swimming, mooring and camping; wearing a life jacket is compulsory.
Sites that may be useful for those without their own boat:
the first and the second

Worth a visit

villages of Artignosc, Montpezat and Baudinard.
Quinson: Museum of Prehistory

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5

Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5

Route interest
5 / 5

User 26430164

06 Jul 2025 at 08:42 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The route is difficult to follow because it is also marked in yellow or red and white, and the latter are not really visible at the relatively numerous intersections. Fortunately, your information sheet with some other indicators (altitude) enabled us to avoid turning back too often.
P
Very beautiful views of the valley, a lovely hike that wasn't too long (which was fortunate because it was very hot).

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aimagnes

29 Nov 2021 at 11:44 3600

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 29, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

It’s a lovely walk, with a good stretch along the banks of the Verdon. You never get tired of it!

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Machoto83

16 Aug 2021 at 23:18 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 15, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The Baudinard Gorges on the Verdon from Montpezat (04)

A magnificent and spectacular canyon flanked by sheer or overhanging cliffs 100 to 150 metres
, with gaps of around ten metres. This very wild canyon forms the first
part of the Lower Gorges of the Verdon.
The rock faces are pierced by numerous caves, the entrances to which can be seen from
the bed of the Verdon, whose water emerges from the dam at a temperature of between 8 and 10°C.
If setting off from one of the Montpezat (04) water sports centres, allow an average of 2½ hours for the return canoe trip to explore the Gorges de Baudinard. Paddle as far as the boundary buoys. It is forbidden to cross them to get closer to the dam (danger).
After returning to the centre, you can enjoy a meal on site (featuring regional specialities), then set off again to travel downstream to Artignosc-sur-Verdon, making a round trip.
The total distance of this canoe trip is approximately 17 km.
Practical information:
Best avoided in July/August, as this splendid site is overcrowded due to its popularity and beauty. (It was a veritable waterway motorway during our trip on 15 August, with a huge number of electric motorboats that didn’t always make the effort to give way to the canoes!)
Please note: water levels and the direction of the current may vary depending on dam operations (rare in summer)
In strong winds, navigation can become difficult or even be prohibited for safety reasons.
Pack appropriate clothing: cold water, very steep-sided gorge, cool as there is little sunshine. (Not a major issue in summer provided you don’t fall in the water!)
Regulations in the Baudinard Gorges:
The following are prohibited: swimming, mooring and camping; wearing a life jacket is compulsory.
Very attractive rates: one of the water sports centres in Montpezat offers a day pass for €30 to hire a two-seater canoe (9.30 am to 7.00 pm). Electric boats are also available at higher rates.
This centre is open until October, subject to prior booking after the summer season.
I highly recommend it.