At the “Les bords du Verdon” site, riverside walking trails are combined with several leisure activities. Located near the town centre, the site has children’s play areas, a fitness area, a skatepark, a canoe and kayak stadium, and picnic tables. If you’re planning a walk, you’ll find trails along the river here. Another place to exercise is the Parcours de santé, also known as Espace Capriata d’Orba. It is located on the banks of the Verdon and is freely accessible; check access details before your visit.
Paddling, cycling and hiking
Depending on water levels, Ducky-Kayak offers guided canoe and kayak trips on the Durance, as well as rafting. A state-certified guide accompanies the trips, which are suitable for people aged six and over. As the activity is seasonal and depends on water levels, check in advance which trips are running. Ducky-Kayak also offers introductory kayaking lessons in Vinon-sur-Verdon.
Separate from these activities is the whitewater kayak course in Vinon-sur-Verdon: it is 600 metres long and starts below the bridge. It is open to FFCK members; licensing and water conditions apply. Check these requirements before planning to use it.
For mountain bikers, the “Drailles et Bancaus du Verdon” mountain biking area is designated and offers marked routes of all difficulty levels. Check local conditions and markings before choosing a route. The GR99, GR49 and GR4 long-distance hiking trails run through the Haut-Var Verdon sector around Vinon-sur-Verdon. This regional context is important: the trails pass through the wider sector, not necessarily through the town itself. Check current access and trail conditions before setting out on a hike.
Fishing also depends on the time of year. The Bas-Verdon is classified as a first-category fishing area and is open to anglers from the second Saturday in March through the third Sunday in September, inclusive. Check the applicable fishing regulations before setting out.
Discover local history on foot
The “Visite libre de Vinon-sur-Verdon” self-guided tourist route can be explored on foot and offers insights into the town’s past and present. At several notable spots, photos and commentary make it possible to compare each place with its appearance more than a hundred years ago. The walk therefore focuses not just on a single building, but also on how familiar places have changed.
Historic buildings include the Tour de l’Horloge: its tower dates from the 17th century, its campanile from the 18th century, and its bells were cast in 1694 and 1696. The Church of Saint-Sauveur is located in the old quarters of Vinon-sur-Verdon. The Chapelle Saint Nom de Jésus is considered to date from the 17th century; its reconstruction is believed to have taken place in 1856. The Annunciation fresco in the chapel is attributed to Paul Blanc. The artist lived in Vinon-sur-Verdon at the beginning of the 20th century and spent his final years there.
The Calades also reflect a regional building tradition: they are paved with natural stone in the Provençal calade style, a technique that makes walking easier. At the foot of the citadel, only hard-to-recognise old stones remain from the former Hospitaller castle-fortress. By exploring these details on the walk, visitors encounter different traces of local history—from visible buildings to remains that take a closer look to make out.
Market and gliding
A typical Provençal market is held every Sunday morning on the large esplanade. If the market is important to your visit, check the weekly schedule in advance. For a different view of the surrounding area, the Association Aéronautique Verdon Alpilles welcomes visitors who want to learn about, take part in or develop their knowledge of gliding. Check visiting arrangements and availability directly with the association.
Discover more destinations: Rians, Pourrières, Les Mayons, Le Lavandou, Cuers, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Montauroux, Cabasse.
Return to the regional travel overview: Var.
