Gorges du Loup

Anyone who wants to escape the crowds and the heat of the coast for a while drives into the green, cooling hinterland of the Côte d'Azur, to the Gorges du Loup. The river Loup has, over the centuries, carved out a deep, impressive gorge here in the limestone rocks, with steep walls, rushing waterfalls and enchanting emerald-green pools. It is one of the most beautiful nature areas within easy reach of Cannes — a world of shade, water and silence that stands at odds with the fashionable atmosphere of the coast, and yet only a short hour's drive from our apartment in Le Suquet.

A gorge in the limestone

The Gorges du Loup are among the most spectacular gorges in the region. Over a length of several kilometres the river has cut deep into the limestone of the hinterland, with sheer rock walls of tens of metres high in some places. The contrast between the dry, light-coloured stone above and the fresh green of the water and the vegetation in the depths makes the gorge a particularly photogenic whole.

Through the gorge

A narrow, winding road snakes through the Gorges du Loup and offers one spectacular view after another of the rock walls and the river far below. Along the way you pass impressive waterfalls, such as the high Cascade de Courmes and the Saut du Loup, where the water plunges down into a natural cauldron. On warm days both visitors and the inhabitants of the region seek refreshment in the natural swimming holes with their bright-green water. Drive slowly and stop regularly; the finest spots you discover only once you pull the car over for a moment.

The village of Gourdon

High above the gorge, on a rocky point, perches the village of Gourdon — not for nothing included in the official list of the most beautiful villages of France, the Plus Beaux Villages de France. From this eagle's nest you have a truly stunning panorama that on clear days reaches all the way to the sea and the coast. In the narrow streets you will find artisan shops with regional produce, perfumes, soap and sweets, and a medieval castle with gardens. The village is small enough to explore in an hour, but the view easily keeps you there longer.

Nature and activities

The Gorges du Loup and the surrounding hinterland are beloved by lovers of the outdoors. There are beautiful walking routes along and above the river, climbing spots on the limestone walls and opportunities for canyoning, in which you clamber, slide and swim through the gorge under guidance. The peace and the coolness form a welcome change from the fashionable coast. Those who prefer to relax simply find a shady spot by the water and listen to the river.

Picturesque villages nearby

The gorge combines excellently with the art villages nearby. Nearby Tourrettes-sur-Loup, known for its violet cultivation, and the art town of Vence lie a short distance away. The perfume town of Grasse and the picturesque Saint-Paul-de-Vence are also easily included in a tour through the hinterland. In this way you combine nature, panoramas and Provençal village charm in a single day.

Practical

The Gorges du Loup lie about 30 kilometres from Cannes, in the interior above Vence and Grasse. A car is by far the handiest way to explore the gorge and Gourdon; allow half a day to a whole day and bring swimming things, water and good shoes. In the summer months it is pleasantly cool there compared with the coast, which makes the gorge a perfect base on a warm day. Take a look at the apartment and the available dates and plan your outing to the green hinterland.