Nice – Grass – Gourdon – Castellan – Verdon Gorge
Distance: 151 km
Travel time without stopping – 3 hours one way. With full stops – 6 hours.
On the route there will be a paid highway A8 -2.9 euros for the fare Nice-Kannah. You can lay the way along free roads along the coast (+40 minutes of the journey).
When you can go. At any time of the year. The cool mountains of the upper Provence always contrast perfectly with the warm azure shore. In June and July, lavender fields bloom, but in winter there are almost no tourists and the prices for housing and food are much lower, while the fabulous nature and cozy villages and towns are no less beautiful. The temperature in December-February is from 0 to +10. Until late autumn, nature here pleases the eye with yellow-red colors, and poppies bloom in the spring. In any case, at any time of the year, to travel along this route, you will need warm non -proceeding clothes: the region is famous for the cold winds – mistrals.
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Most of this route runs through Préalpes d’Azur reserve (Azure predilections). The road will invariably delight you with beautiful views. In June and July, the flowering of lavender fields can be observed throughout the way. Lavender in Provence is also used in cooking. Look and try local dishes with its addition. For example, a very tasty dessert-a cream brown with lavender flowers.
The first stop on the way from Nice The city will become Grassa well -known perfume center. This industry for a long time has been the basis of the city’s economy. It is in Grasse The action of the well -known book “Perfumer” took place. By the way, here Ivan Bunin lived for almost ten years.
In Grasse, we advise you to visit:
1. One of the perfume factories (for example, Fragonard).
2. The Cathedral of Notre Dame-Du-Puy (Notre-Dame-Du-Puy),
Built in the XII century, which will interest all lovers of history.
3. International Museum of Perfumery (Musée International de la Parfumerie),
Where various samples of spirits await you, including ancient. In addition to the main exposition, temporary exhibitions are periodically held. The input ticket costs 4 euros. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:30.
It is unlikely that you will find such a huge selection of local perfume products somewhere else. Therefore, from Grasse It is worth bringing for yourself perfumes, toilet water, aromatic oils, aromatic soaps, creams, sasha, candles, and much more. In addition to perfumes, lavender honey and olive oil will be an excellent souvenir.
Photo: Angystaroom
The next destination is small Dryushka Gourdonlocated on the top of the mountain, at an altitude of 758 meters. She is included in the list of the most beautiful villages of France, so she definitely deserves attention. Population Gurdona There are about 400 people in total, and this place immediately fascinates with its silence and calm. Be sure to admire the panorama of the surroundings, which opens from the observation deck. The main attraction of the village is a small medieval castle, which is open to visits, but in fact it is quite enough for them to admire the outside, if you are limited in time. In addition to the castle, c Gurdone There are several art galleries, a restaurant with excellent views and good souvenir shops.
The next point of the route is a small medieval town Castellanlocated on a rocky plateau. It can be bypassed along and across less than one hour. Be sure to go up to the chapel of Notre Dame Dame du Roc),
located on a steep cliff and take a picture on a charming arched bridge of Pont du Roc at the foot of this rock.
North of Castellan5 km from the city, is located Lake Castieon (LAC de Castillon) with pure turquoise water. The recreational center Le Sirocko (Base de Loisir Nautique Sirocco, the GPS coordinates: 43.875096, 6.516996) has a good way to water with parking and renting catamarans. But if time permits, ride for an hour along the eastern shore of the lake. The road is laid there (D955),
with which beautiful views open. You can get to it to the fishing village Saint-Zhulien-Du-Verdon (Saint-Julien-Du-Werdon),
There is a very beautiful sandy beach and a great opportunity to urinate the legs in the cold water of the mountain lake.
30 km southwest of Castellan spread out Verdon gorge. This is a giant gorge in limestone cliffs, 700 meters deep (one of the deepest in Europe). A great panorama of the terrain is visible from the observation deck near the arched bridge Artyubi (Pont de l’Artuby). Artyubi – This is an arched bridge 182 meters high, which is beautiful in itself. From this bridge you can jump with a tarzank for about 100 euros (the cost depends on the number of people in the assembled group). If you decide on this adventure, be sure to reserve the place in advance here. Jumps are performed from April to November on weekends, in July and August – also on Fridays. After the jump, you will be given a certificate that you have committed it.
Breathtaking views of the mountain running in the gorge River Verdon They open from the parking lot of Balcons de la Mescla (GPS coordinates: 43.739704, 6.381789).
You can finish the auto travel by staying at night in one of the hotels in the vicinity Castellanand the next day to continue with the route #2 (Verdon Gorge-Lake Saint Crua du Verdon-Mutier-Sent-Marie-Silase waterfall). Another option is to go down on the coast to the A8 highway and go to Marseilles (about 3 hours) or back to Nice (about 2 hours).
Search for a hotel, booking a room is convenient on the site or in the OneTwotrip application.
