Georges Du Verdon, France

The Georges Du Verdon is a river canyon in south – eastern France. It is considered as one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is a twenty five km long and seven hundred meters deep. It was  formed by Verdon River and it was named by its blue – green color. It is a equivalent to Grand Canyon. Its wonderful view is seen when travelling between Riviera and central province. The most incredible view is between he towns Castellane and Moustiers – Sainte – Marie where a crowd of tourists can be seen. At the end the Verdon River joins an artificial lake of Sainte – Croix – Du – Verdon. Because of its beauty, the George is popular with tourist, travelling along its rim and  by enjoying the river flow by boats. The limestone wall all around the river, attract many rock climbers. The total length of river is 40 km, including the 20 km reign of the canyon from the Point de Soleis to the town of Aiguines. The most amazing experience is driving along N85, a lovely forested road. The Georges Du Verdon  is a continental Europe’s largest canyon with vertical limestone  cliffs with heights up to 600 – 700 meters. It can be easily accessible from Nice or Cannes by car and a drive through takes a couple of hours depending on how stops one makes. It contains steep slopes, bath in fresh water, great views throughout the whole journey and a small dark to go through at the end of the hike.

During the Triassic period this region subsided ad was covered by the sea, that deposited a thick layer of limestone. Many million years later during the Jurassic period this area was covered by a warm shallow sea in which  various coral grow. Due to large – scale geographical activity  the limestone deposits during Jurassic period fractured, creating relief with valleys and other beautiful parts which can be seen now. The Verdon  canyon is mainly originated from this era. The river verdon originated from Col d’ Allos hill in the Trois Eveches and after travelling a distance of 175 km it joins the river Curance near Vinon – Sur – Verdon. The river passes between        Castellane and the Pont du Galetas. Earlier the village Les  Salles – Sur – Verdon in that area was evacuated to construct the dam before flooding the area in 1973. A modern and much better settlement was reconstructed higher up the valley called les Salles – Sur – Verdon and it is known as the youngest village in France. The Verdon George is narrow and quite deep, with a depth of 250 – 270 meters and width 6 – 100 meters. It is constructed on the Verdon river from Castellane tand Greoux – les – Bains.

The Verdon is one of the most beautiful canyon in Europe an intense tourist spot during summer days. The river sparkling turquoise color originated from the glacial source and minerals of the rock floor suspended in water give touching view. It is easily to reach on its right bank from the north and to its left bank when moved from south . the southern route offer a great view of Col d’Illore, summits of Plein Voir le Pavillon, la crime de Barbin, le Mourre de Chaniem and the Saint  – Croix reservoir.