Route des Crêtes D23
A breathtaking, winding scenic drive through the Verdon Gorge, offering unparalleled cliffside vistas and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Route des Crêtes D23
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking, winding scenic drive through the Verdon Gorge, offering unparalleled cliffside vistas and natural beauty.
"The long windy road is really beautiful, with exceptional landscapes at each belvedere."
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
The road is narrow with steep drops. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, don't rush!
🔦 Bring Flashlights for Tunnels
Essential for exploring the Couloir Samson hike; it gets dark inside the tunnels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Verdon Gorge Vistas
Numerous belvederes along the D23
Jaw-dropping panoramic views of the turquoise Verdon Gorge, carved deep into the limestone cliffs.
Couloir Samson Hike
Near the start of the D23 from Castellane
An adventurous hike through dark tunnels into the canyon, offering a unique perspective of the gorge.
Vulture Spotting
High above the gorge
Keep an eye on the skies for majestic vultures circling overhead, a common sight in this natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Drive
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
The road is narrow with steep drops. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, don't rush!
🔦 Bring Flashlights for Tunnels
Essential for exploring the Couloir Samson hike; it gets dark inside the tunnels.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll want to stop at many viewpoints. Don't underestimate how long it takes to truly appreciate them.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services along the route, so come prepared for your scenic drive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
The road is narrow with steep drops. Take your time and enjoy the scenery, don't rush!
🔦 Bring Flashlights for Tunnels
Essential for exploring the Couloir Samson hike; it gets dark inside the tunnels.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll want to stop at many viewpoints. Don't underestimate how long it takes to truly appreciate them.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services along the route, so come prepared for your scenic drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Route des Crêtes for its exceptionally beautiful and dramatic landscapes, calling the views 'exceptional' and 'breathtaking.' The drive itself is noted as scenic but requires careful attention due to its narrow, winding nature. Some wish they had more time to stop at every viewpoint.
"Be ready for the long windy road… but really beautiful, exceptional landscapes at each Belvedere. We wanted to stop at each of them but had to skip some as it was becoming too late."
Arnaud de Hennin
"Definitely worth the trip. All views points of Verdon Gorge are on one road except one that shows lake. For that one, you'd have to drive down the mountains and go anti clockwise into the valley."
reptile MK
"This is a public autoroute with beautiful views of the gorge. The road is pretty narrow and with very steep drops in some places so drive slowly and carefully. The views are worth it."
Roii Raz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Route des Crêtes (D23) is a scenic road in the Verdon Gorge region of France. It's typically accessed from the towns of La Palud-sur-Verdon or Castellane. Many visitors drive it as part of a larger tour of the Verdon Gorge.
Yes, the Route des Crêtes is a one-way road, usually driven in a clockwise direction starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon. This ensures a smooth flow of traffic and allows drivers to focus on the views.
Most visitors recommend driving it from La Palud-sur-Verdon towards the Route Touristique des Gorges du Verdon. This direction offers the most dramatic views as you ascend.
While possible, cycling on the Route des Crêtes is challenging due to the steep climbs and narrow, winding road. It's best suited for experienced cyclists who are comfortable with traffic and significant elevation changes.
Public transport is very limited for accessing and traversing the Route des Crêtes. It is primarily a destination for those with private vehicles (cars or motorcycles).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Route des Crêtes (D23) is a public road and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. You can drive it freely during daylight hours.
The Route des Crêtes is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local conditions, especially outside of peak season, as it may be closed due to weather or maintenance.
There are no admission fees for the viewpoints (belvederes) along the Route des Crêtes. They are all publicly accessible points along the road.
It is not recommended to drive the Route des Crêtes at night. The road is narrow, winding, and has steep drops, making it dangerous in the dark. Visibility is also significantly reduced.
The main restriction is for vehicles over a certain size, as the road is narrow. Large RVs or trailers may find it difficult or impossible to navigate. Always drive with caution.
📸 📸 Photography
Every belvedere offers stunning photo opportunities! Look for viewpoints that capture the dramatic curves of the gorge and the vibrant turquoise water. The 'Point Sublime' viewpoint is particularly famous.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and flattering illumination for the gorge. Golden hour can create beautiful contrasts and highlight the textures of the rock.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive vistas.
Always be aware of your surroundings and stay within designated viewing areas. Do not lean over railings or step into unsafe areas for a better shot.
Drone regulations can vary and are often strict in natural parks. It's essential to check current local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the Verdon Gorge area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
🚶 Hikers & Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Scenic Drive
Travelers often recommend dedicating at least 2-3 hours to complete the drive, even without extensive stops, to account for the slow pace and potential for traffic. Some visitors suggest starting the drive from La Palud-sur-Verdon, as this direction is often considered to offer the most breathtaking reveal of the gorge. Be prepared for a sensory experience – the vastness of the landscape, the vibrant colors of the water, and the sheer scale of the cliffs are truly awe-inspiring.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Couloir Samson hike is a must-do. Located near the start of the D23 from Castellane, this trail takes you into the heart of the gorge, involving walking through dark tunnels. Bringing a reliable flashlight is essential for this adventure. The hike offers a different perspective, allowing you to appreciate the geological formations up close and, if you're lucky, spot vultures soaring high above.
Best Times and Crowd Management
Summer mornings can also be a good option to beat the heat and the largest crowds. However, be prepared for more traffic during July and August. If you visit during peak season, aim to start your drive as early as possible to maximize your enjoyment and minimize time spent waiting or in congested areas.
Conversely, visiting during the midday sun in summer can be intensely hot, and the light might be harsh for photography. Evenings can offer softer light, but driving in fading light on such a winding road requires extra caution. Always check local weather forecasts and road conditions before you set out, especially if traveling outside of the main tourist season.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit