Gorge du Verdon

The Gorge du Verdon is tailor-made for motorcyclists who'd rather count curves than sheep, and grin at the depths instead of gulping. Why it'll hook you - Up to 700-meter deep rock faces, the emerald-green Verdon below, a narrow ribbon of asphalt above – you won't find more Alpine pass-feeling in the south. - The north and south banks wind through Provence as winding mountain roads, constantly revealing new panoramic viewpoints into the void. - Between Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Palud-sur-Verdon, and Castellane, one photo stop follows another, so pack a memory card rather than rain gear. Route des Crêtes: A movie in your head - The Route des Crêtes from La Palud-sur-Verdon is a roughly 23–24 kilometer long panoramic loop where you'll probably say “Wow” more often than you shift gears. - At viewpoints like the Belvédère de la Dent d’Aire, you'll suddenly find yourself 700 meters above the river and realize just how small a motorcycle actually is. - Some hairpin bends daringly cling to the abyss, and the asphalt isn't always perfect – ideal for those who prefer riding to posing. North or South Bank? - The North Route takes you from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie via La Palud-sur-Verdon to Castellane, spiced with spots like the Belvédère de Mayreste and the Col d’Ayen at a good 1,000 meters. - The South Route, the Corniche Sublime, offers highlights like the Balcons de la Mescla and the Pont de l’Artuby, where bungee jumpers plunge 182 meters into the depths. - Whichever side you choose: The Gorge du Verdon isn't just a “nice little ride,” but one of those tours you'll be talking about for months back home. A small warning, big fun - The road surface can be rough, traffic dense in high season – if you want to enjoy the view, it's better to pull over than stare at the panorama mid-corner. - Storm-proof gloves for your camera, respect for the abyss, and a well-maintained motorcycle – that's all you need for one of Europe's most impressive motorcycle days.