Packrafting from Pont du Galetas

We’ve had a lovely packraft paddle up the Verdon Gorge today. The gorge is 25 kilometres long and we just did the 2.5 kilometres that is allowed where the Verdon River empties into the man-made lake, Lac du Sainte-Croix. Much of the rest of the river is too scary for me to paddle, being deep within the gorge with rapids well outside of my comfort zone. Where it isn’t, finding a shuttle back to the start was difficult.

Although the paddle we’ve done today was very tame, it was also very beautiful and relaxing. The Verdon Gorge has turquoise-green water, which is completely natural and apparently caused by the reaction between algae and fluoride.

We set off early to Pont du Galetas to make sure we could park Bertie. Once there, we had breakfast before blowing up and launching the packrafts into the lake. The sun was coming up above the cliffs as we paddled under the bridge and upstream into the gorge.

The river was quiet when we set off but gradually got busier. There were lots of sit on top kayaks, pedaloes, motorised cruisers and even the occasional stand up paddle board and inflatable canoe. However, we were the only packrafts 😊

When we’d gone as far as boats are allowed, we stopped for a snack (more excellent pain au raisin from the bakery in Palud!) on top of a rock under a tree. We then took our time paddling back, enjoying exploring small caves and looking up at interesting rock formations. We also spent some time watching climbers high above us on the cliff walls like ants.

It was easier and faster getting back to the lake because we were no longer paddling against the river’s flow. Thankfully, it still wasn’t too busy and, except where the gorge got narrow, we had plenty of river to ourselves. We’re grateful everyday that we can now go away outside of school holidays!

Back at the place where we’d parked Bertie, we contemplated having a swim but instead decided to visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. However, that wasn’t to be. It seems they don’t welcome people in campervans. There was only room for 6 to park, and all spaces were taken, with lots of vans driving through, unable to find anywhere to stop safely. We made our way back up the gorge to the campsite stopping at a couple of viewpoints looking out over the lake and gorge.

Once back at the campsite John put all the paddling kit out to dry while I got lunch ready. Then we did a bit of housekeeping… sweeping out and defrosting the fridge… who knew we’d still have chores like this on holiday?! 😆

By now it was about 5 o’clock when we’d planned to drive Route des Crêtes again so I could take photos of vultures with my camera. Typically, the vultures weren’t playing out today. We saw a few but they were a long way away… nothing like the displays we’d seen yesterday. Oh well… this is why I’ll never be a wildlife photographer 😆 We won’t have another chance to see them because tomorrow we move back to the coast. It was a pleasant drive anyway and, as John pointed out, at least we were very lucky to see them at all 😃