Exploring the Gorges du Verdon in France via Paddleboat

I know what you're thinking.

"That picture is fa-AKE! Altered, photoshopped, enhanced! There's no way that's the real color of that water."

And I'm here to tell you...



YOU are correct, sir!

Alongside my typical tweaks (aka my deconstructed filter), almost all of these photos were unsaturated by about -15. So yes, these photos were altered, but they were altered to bring DOWN the vibrancy of the water because heaven forbid I mix bright and colorful photographs with my attempted minimalistic and neutral blog palette. . . *eye roll*

Moving on!

Do you remember me talking about 'roadtripping around the Grand Canyon of France'?

I know. It was a really long time ago. . .

Well, J and I obviously had intentions of checking out the "French Grand Canyon" from wayyy up top, but what we didn't know was that we would have the opportunity to experience the Gorges du Verdon from a way more intimate setting.




On our way down the mountain, both our eyes caught a glimmer of the bright teal waters of the Lac de Sainte-Croix, and we knew we had to stop.

"Just a quick stop—just to see the water up close," we said, "and then back on the road to our next adventure in Provence."

And thennn...



SURPRISE! Paddleboat rentals!

Done and done! All other plans (and destinations) would be put on hold for one hour and thirty minutes, which is exactly the amount of time that we had to have the boat back by.



Eagerly, we hopped on board, threw our life-jackets on the floorboard and started paddling out. We were going to have to hustle if we wanted to make the most of our time and these babies didn't go very fast...






It's also worth noting— you can also rent kayaks and little, motorized boats.




Being the **NOT** most fit couple in surrounding area, our legs quickly felt the burn of our paddleboating eagerness. #charliehorse

Getting into the "meat and potatoes" of the Verdon Gorge was absolutely stunning. IMO, the fish have a better view than the birds.




It wasn't long before we hit our halfway mark and needed to head back. At this point, we were actually taking turns paddling the boat because our thighs were cramping so bad...





I would have very much enjoyed seeing more—going further in—but that will have to be reserved for another day. IF and WHEN we revisit the Gorges du Verdon, I also want to sneak-a-peek around Moustiers-Sainte-Marie because it looks super cute and is apparently right in the area... I'm sad that we didn't get to see it, but I guess that's what happens when you don't know something—or somewhere—exists. :-/





James and I both agree that this impromptu "detour" is one of the most memorable and enjoyable times that we've shared together (and I think we have a pretty long list to compare to!) PLUS—the hour and a half delay set us up for a perfect sunset experience in the commune of Gordes. A win win if you ask me.




Ahh, absolutely stunning! Visiting the Gorges du Verdon is a MUST DO if you are in the Provence or Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region!