One Of Europe's Largest Canyons Is A Turquoise Water Paradise Perfect For A Soothing Swim

Many waters around the world are described as "turquoise," but nothing quite matches the color of the Verdon River as it approaches the Lake of Sainte-Croix. The tranquil water is a mesmerizing blend of blue and green as if to complement the trees and bushes that cling to surrounding rock faces. In the Gorges du Verdon (or Verdon Gorge), every vantage point is picture-perfect, a 15.6-mile fault of pastel hues and limestone cliffs. A boat ride down this waterway feels less like a nautical jaunt in France than a journey into ancient myth.

The Gorges du Verdon have a maximum depth of around 2,300 feet (700 meters), making this voluminous crack in the Earth the largest canyon system in Europe. Francophones will note that this region takes the plural "Les Gorges du Verdon," because there are actually several gorges along the river, spanning about 60 miles in total length. The most dramatic section is known in English as the "Grand Canyon," where the walls are highest and attract the largest number of boaters and hikers. While it's neither in Provence nor in the Alps, this region is close to both and is known as the "Alpes-de-Haute-Provence." By car, this area is about 2.5 hours northeast of Marseilles, the perfect home base for exploring the French Riviera.

Different sections of the Verdon River are suited to different kinds of recreational boating. Some parts are filled with rapids and make for great whitewater rafting; you can join a group and splash your way through the rocky parts with professional equipment and a skilled guide. Other stretches are quiet and calm, especially where the river feeds into the Lake of Sainte-Croix, which is technically a reservoir created by a dam in 1974. This segment is popular with kayakers, who prefer peaceful vistas and — in certain spots — a dip in the slow-moving current. If you really want to spend time in the water, bring a swimsuit to one of Sainte-Croix's established swimming spots.

Not surprisingly, the river is best to visit in the summer months, when the water is at its warmest. While the gorges are adjacent to well-known regions, it's still surprisingly remote, and you'll have to drive about 100 miles from Nice or 60 miles from Saint Tropez just to get there. While you're road-tripping down here, consider a visit to this quirky, colorful French beach town that makes for a vibrant escape.

You can also savor the Verdon Gorges from firm ground, thanks to a network of hiking trails that parallel the rim. These trails are designed for a range of priorities, from fitness to photography to birding, but by far the most popular route is the Sentier Blanc-Martel. The trail is named after one Édouard-Alfred Martel, a "speleologist" (or cave scientist) who led an expedition into the canyons in 1905; only a century ago, this region remained superficially explored and little understood. The one-way hike is fairly challenging, with narrow paths, dizzying heights, and more than 3,400 feet of elevation gain over the course of 8 miles. There's no technical climbing, but you'll definitely get a workout — plus some envy-inducing landscape photos.

The Gorges du Verdon aren't well known outside of France, especially among Americans, who tend to gravitate toward Paris. The southern region, with its lilac blooms and Mediterranean climate, is full of welcome surprises for newcomers. Here are some other underrated tourist destinations to visit on your next trip to France.