For many visitors, the Gorges du Verdon are a destination in themselves. Vast limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and dramatic viewpoints leave a lasting impression. It is often a highlight of a stay in southern France — sometimes even the reason for the trip. Yet for those who take the time to look beyond the gorge itself, the Verdon reveals something deeper: it acts as a gateway to a quieter, more discreet Provence, far from the well-trodden routes of mass tourism. Contents