Are you visiting the Gorges du Verdon and hesitating between the Route des Crêtes and the Route de la Corniche sublime? Here is the route which allows you to discover the Gorges du Verdon from the left bank along the sublime Corniche.

As impressive and fascinating as the ridge route on the right bank of the Verdon, the route de la Sublime cornice is another great way to discover the Gorges du Verdon by car.

Distance and travel time of the Corniche road

The sublime Corniche road which dates from 1947 represents approximately the same distance as the Crêtes road: around 24 km.

Perhaps a little less busy than the Route des Crêtes, the Route de la Corniche sublime can be done in 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace of visit.

Sublime Corniche Route - Departure

This scenic route starts from the pretty little village of Aiguines and follow the D71 departmental towards Comps sur Artuby via the Illoire pass.

Itinerary of the sublime Corniche road by car

The magnificent Corniche Sublime road allows you to discover the Gorges du Verdon by car from the left bank of the river. The route of this road is punctuated by belvederes which offer remarkable points of view on the Verdon and its Canyon.

Here are the main stages of this tour:

• Needles
• Pass of Illoire
• Circus of Vaumale
• Baucher cliff
• Cliff the Riders
• Fayet tunnel
• Artuby Bridge
• Balcony of the Mescla

Note that this route can be done in the opposite direction (see a user's comment at the bottom of the page).

The sublime Corniche by car - Map

To switch to GPS mode, click on "More options" inside the map.

Left bank of the Verdon by car - Stages

Left bank of the Verdon - Aiguines

Airguines is the starting point for my tour along the Corniche Sublime. This charming little village is located at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon, above the magnificent Lac de Sainte Croix. I recommend that you take a short tour of the village and its Renaissance castle. Dominating the lake of Sainte Croix, from the castle you will have a nice point of view up to the plateau of Valensole.

Left bank of the Verdon - Col d'Illoire

It is the 1st belvedere of the circuit which is 967 meters high. It offers a view of the turquoise Verdon below and, in the background, of the Sainte-Croix lake.

Left bank of the Verdon - Cirque de Vaumale

This circus was naturally dug over thousands of years with the erosion of the waters of the Verdon river. In the shape of a semicircle, the Vaumale circus is 700 meters high and 250 meters wide.

Left bank of the Verdon - Falaise de Baucher

Another belvedere from which the view is impressive!

Left bank of the Verdon - Falaise des Cavaliers

The Cavaliers cliff is a stopover that you could schedule for the lunch break. In fact, in this exceptional setting, there is a restaurant whose panoramic terrace offers a spectacular view of the Verdon.

Left bank of the Verdon - Fayet tunnel

The sublime Corniche road passes through the Fayet Tunnel. You will enjoy a splendid panorama on the curve of the Canyon with the view of the Verdon below.

Left bank of the Verdon - Le Pont de l'Artuby

The Artuby bridge overlooks the Artuby river 180 meters high. It is known to be the highest bridge in Europe where people practice bungee jumping.

Left bank of the Verdon - Balcon de la Mescla

The belvedere from the balcony of the Mescla is the most beautiful stage of this circuit. This is where the Verdon and Artuby rivers meet. The view is breathtaking, spectacular, impressive….

Another circuit to do the Gorges du Verdon by car?

The sublime Corniche allows you to discover the Gorges by following the left bank of the Verdon.

But it is also possible to visit the Gorges from the right bank of the Verdon. So it will be the superb scenic ridge route which will offer you other equally splendid panoramas!

And to make the most beautiful hike in the heart of the Gorges du Verdon, plan to do the White Martel Trail !

And if you have a little time, why not a road trip around the Gorges du Verdon ?

Where to sleep to do this panoramic route?

You will find accommodation in Aiguines, the starting point for the sublime Corniche route, but I have another address to offer you.

Indeed, in Salles-sur-Verdon is the Auberge des Salles that I particularly recommend. Indeed, you can enjoy a nice hotel but above all a terrace offering panoramic views of Lake Sainte-Croix.

See this hotel on the Sainte Croix lake

Ideas for visits to France? Discover Where to go to France on vacation?, The Lot and its beautiful villages, Saint Guilhem le Désert and the Gorges de l'Hérault, Circuit around Carcassonne