š£ Kayaking in the Gorges de Baudinard: the hidden gem of the Verdon
- Jul 2
- 5 min read
We are leaving the article online, however please take note of this decree:
"For environmental protection reasons, activities are prohibited around the Esparron de Verdon Bat Cave located in the Basses du Verdon on the Esparron reservoir. For safety reasons, access to the Baudinard Gorges is prohibited for stand-up paddleboarders . July 29, 2024"
Arrested:
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The Baudinard Gorges, perched between Lake Sainte-Croix and the village of Montpezat, are one of the Verdon's best-kept secrets. Less well-known than the "classic" Verdon Gorges, they offer a wild, intimate, and unspoiled setting, perfect for a kayaking adventure. Sculpted rocks, narrow passages, turquoise waters, and absolute silence: here, nature speaks in hushed tones.
š£ Kayaking in the Gorges de Baudinard: the hidden gem of the Verdon
š Why kayak in the Gorges de Baudinard?
š§ A unique atmosphere: narrower, more shaded, calmer than the great gorges.š A hidden treasure: little frequented, even in summer, it is a corner of paradise away from mass tourism.š£āļø Privileged access: most of the wonders are accessible only by kayak.šæ Unspoiled nature: here, no crowded beach, just the lapping of the paddle and the birds of the Verdon.
š Where are the Gorges de Baudinard?
The Gorges de Baudinard stretch between Lake Sainte-Croix and Lake Montpezat , to the south-east of the Verdon Regional Natural Park.
They form a narrow 8-kilometer canyon carved by the Verdon, bordered by high limestone cliffs, caves, natural tunnels and lush vegetation.
Easy access from:
Montpezat (rental and launching)
Quinson (going down the river)
Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon (a little further, but doable in a day)
š¶ How to explore the gorges by kayak?
ā Practical information
Duration : 2 to 3 hours for a leisurely round trip
Required level : beginners welcome, no dangerous currents
Best time : May to September (avoid July 2pm-5pm for busy times)
Equipment : single, double kayak or paddle (available for hire on site)
Safety : life jacket required, watch out for the wind when exiting the canyon
šÆ Navigation tips
Take your time: it's not a race here. Explore the small caves and take swimming breaks.
Keep your eyes open: fish, dragonflies, and sometimesā¦ a buzzard or a heron around a bend.
Respect the peace and quiet: this is a fragile area. No music, no shouting.
šŗļø Recommended routes
Round trip Montpezat ā Baudinard Gorges (3 hours) The easiest way: you leave directly from the entrance to the canyon from the Montpezat bridge. In 10 minutes, you'll be in the gorges.
Quinson ā Baudinard Gorges (4 hours round trip) A little longer, but very wild. You first paddle on a peaceful river, then you enter the gorges. Very pretty at sunrise.
Full day from Sainte-Croix (6-hour round trip) Reserved for the motivated: a great challenge with open and narrow passages, perfect for a micro-adventure. Plan a picnic in the cool of the gorges.
š£ Where to rent a kayak in the Gorges de Baudinard?
š£ Kayaking in the Gorges de Baudinard: the hidden gem of the Verdon
Several providers offer kayak and canoe rentals in the area. Here are the main ones:
Aquattitude: Departure from Montpezat, direct access to the gorges. Friendly team, varied equipment (single kayaks, double kayaks, paddleboards). š www.aquattitude.com
Verdon Canoe (Quinson) Ideal for leisurely departures from the bottom of the canyon. Gradual ride to the gorges.
Montpezat Watersports Center. Less well-known, but well-located for quick access. Reservations recommended in summer.
š” Tip: Book online or by phone in July and August. Space is limited, and the best times go quickly (9 a.m. to 11 a.m. recommended).
š Our local tips
Best time to go? Early morning (8:30-10:00 a.m.) to be alone in the world. Or in the evening for the sunset and the echo of the cicadas.
Picnic in the gorges? Yes, but discreetly. Bring a waterproof bag and take all your trash home with you.
Where to stay in the area? Camping in Montpezat, or a lodge near Quinson. A natural atmosphere is guaranteed.
What else to do?
Visit to the Prehistory Museum in Quinson
Water Trail Hike
Swimming in Lake Sainte-Croix
š· In summary: kayaking in Baudinard, a pearl of the Verdon to discover
If you're looking for a peaceful, nature-filled adventure away from the crowds, the Baudinard Gorges are for you. Kayaking takes you into a mineral, wild, and intimate worldāfar removed from the classic tourist hotspots. A secret spot to be preserved, savored... and shared with respect.
ā FAQ ā Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Gorges de Baudinard (Verdon)
š¶ 1. Where to go kayaking in the Gorges de Baudinard?
The nearest boat launch is located at the Montpezat bridge, in the town of the same name, just at the entrance to the Baudinard Gorges. You can also leave from Quinson or the Sainte-Croix lake, but it's a longer journey.
š 2. What is the best starting point for exploring the Gorges de Baudinard by paddleboard or kayak?
The best starting point is the Montpezat bridge (04500), a 5-minute walk from the village. This is the most direct access to the gorges, ideal for a 2- to 3-hour outing.
šļø 3. Can you rent a kayak in Montpezat to go to the Gorges de Baudinard?
Yes, several water sports centers and rental companies like Aquattitude offer kayak and paddleboard rentals directly in Montpezat, on the banks of the Verdon.
š 4. Are the Baudinard Gorges accessible by paddleboard?
Yes, the Baudinard Gorges are accessible by paddleboard (SUP), especially in the morning when the water is calm. Be careful of the wind at the end of the day, however.
ā±ļø 5. How long does it take to visit the Gorges de Baudinard by kayak?
Allow between 2.5 and 3 hours for a leisurely loop from Montpezat. From Quinson, allow 4 hours.
š¶ 6. Can you kayak in the Verdon without experience?
Yes, the Baudinard Gorges area is perfect for beginners: low currents, calm waters, and a safe environment. Children can also embark with an adult.
šļø 7. Can you kayak in the Verdon without experience?
The Gorges du Verdon are larger and very touristy. The Gorges de Baudinard are narrower, shaded, less well-known , and much quieter , ideal for nature and contemplative kayaking.
š¦ 8. Can you swim in the Baudinard Gorges during a kayak trip?
Yes, swimming is permitted. There are several small coves and wild nooks where you can discreetly stop to cool off.
š¤ļø 9. When is the best time to kayak in Baudinard?
From May to September , with a preference for June or September to avoid the high season. The morning remains the best time to enjoy the calm and light.
š§š« 10. Are there guided kayak tours in the Gorges de Baudinard?
Some water sports centers, such as Aquatitude, offer guided excursions to discover the natural attractions and local wildlife of the Verdon.
š¶ 11. Can we go kayaking from Quinson to Baudinard?
Yes, it's possible. From the Quinson water sports center (04500) , you go up the Verdon for 3 to 4 km before entering the gorges. It's a slightly longer outing, but very beautiful and wild.
š æļø 12. Where to park your car for kayaking in the Gorges de Baudinard?
Free parking is available in Montpezat, near the bridge and the water sports centers. Arrive early to secure a space during peak season.
šØš©š§ 13. Are the Baudinard Gorges suitable for children in kayaks?
Yes, it's a very gentle route, with no rapids or dangerous areas. Children ages 6 and up can paddle in a double kayak with an adult.
š² 14. Do you need to book a kayak in advance in the Gorges de Baudinard?
Yes, in July and August , booking is strongly recommended, especially in the morning. Some bases, such as Aquatitude, allow you to book online.
šļø 15. Which villages to visit around the Gorges de Baudinard?
Montpezat : a small hilltop village just a stone's throw from the gorges
Baudinard-sur-Verdon : charming ProvenƧal village with a view of the canyon
Quinson : famous for its Prehistory Museum and its access to the lower Verdon River
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