Things to do in the Gorges du Loup: 8 ideas from Le Pont-du-Loup
Eight ideas, right on the doorstep.
Hilltop villages, waterfalls, a river and craft workshops: the Gorges du Loup make a perfect day out or weekend away.
Guide
The gorges, in eight stops.
In the Gorges du Loup, you can climb up to Gourdon on the chemin du Paradis, follow the river to the Courmes waterfall and the Saut du Loup, go canyoning in summer, and end the day in Tourrettes-sur-Loup or Grasse. Le Pont-du-Loup, home to the auberge, is the starting point for every one of these outings.
Climb up to Gourdon, one of France's most beautiful villages
Gourdon is a medieval stronghold perched high above the Loup valley, listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France. From Place Victoria, the view stretches along some 80 km of coastline, from Nice to Théoule, with the Lérins Islands in the distance.
The village has kept its 12th-century Romanesque church, its lanes of craft shops and its Provençal houses. Allow half a day including lunch, or an hour if you drive up before heading back down to the gorges.
Hike up the chemin du Paradis
The chemin du Paradis is the old mule track linking Le Pont-du-Loup to Gourdon. It zigzags up around 537 m of ascent through the garrigue, with the valley opening up at every bend.
It is the closest hike to the auberge: you set off on foot from the hamlet. Bring good shoes and water, and avoid the hottest hours in summer. If you are staying with us, ask for the route sheet.
Follow the gorge road to the waterfalls
From Le Pont-du-Loup, the road follows the river upstream between limestone cliffs. Along the way you will see the Courmes waterfall, which drops some forty metres, the rock formations of the cascade des Demoiselles and, further up, the Saut du Loup with its water-carved potholes. The full walk is described in our article on the Courmes waterfall and the Saut du Loup.
Go canyoning down the river
From May to September, guides lead canyoning and river-trekking trips in the Loup and its tributaries, from beginner routes to jumps and abseils. When you come out of the water, the auberge serves groups on the terrace: see our article on the canyoning season in the Gorges du Loup.
At the foot of the viaduct
The Confiserie Florian, in Le Pont-du-Loup.
Just a short walk from the auberge, the Confiserie des Gorges du Loup offers free visits: watch crystallised flowers, candied fruit, citrus jams and boiled sweets being made, then enjoy a tasting in the shop.
The fruit and flowers come from the Riviera: Menton lemons, clementines, bitter oranges, and roses, jasmine and violets from the Grasse area.
Wander through Tourrettes-sur-Loup, village of violets
Just 8 km away, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a medieval hilltop village with a 15th-century château, the church of Saint-Grégoire and plenty of artists' studios. Violets have been grown here for over a century and are celebrated every year in March: read Tourrettes-sur-Loup, village of violets.
Visit the perfumeries of Grasse
Grasse is 12 km away. The three historic perfume houses, Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard, open their workshops to visitors, and the Musée international de la Parfumerie tells the story of the craft. Depending on the season, you can see fields of jasmine, May rose or iris, and create your own fragrance.
On the way, the Moulin d'Opio still presses local olives in a 15th-century mill, with a shop in its old rooms.
Walk the trails of the hinterland
The département's Randoxygène guides, 'Pays côtier' and 'Moyen pays', describe dozens of routes around the gorges, from the Caussols plateau to the hilltop villages. Before setting off, check which trails are closed after bad weather.
When you get back, the auberge terrace is waiting for you at dinner, Tuesday to Saturday.
End the day at the table, facing the gorges
The day ends at Le Pont-du-Loup: a 200-seat terrace in the shade of the cypress trees, or the dining room by the fire in winter, with home cooking and Tahitian-style marinated fish as our signature dish. You'll find dishes and prices on our menu page.
Your questions
FAQ
One day is enough for Gourdon, the waterfall road and Tourrettes-sur-Loup. Add a hike or a canyoning trip and you will want a weekend, with a night on site.
Partly. The chemin du Paradis sets off on foot from Le Pont-du-Loup up to Gourdon, but the waterfall road and the nearby villages are easier to explore by car, bike or motorbike.
Spring and autumn for hiking, summer for canyoning and the terrace, winter for peace and quiet and the Tourrettes-sur-Loup violet festival in early March.
At Le Pont-du-Loup, at the mouth of the gorges, the Auberge des Gorges du Loup serves lunch Tuesday to Sunday and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, in the dining room or on its 200-seat terrace.
The auberge hotel has 5 double and triple rooms at Le Pont-du-Loup, with free private parking and the restaurant on the ground floor.
See you soon
A table at the end of the walk.
Lunch Tuesday to Sunday, dinner Tuesday to Saturday, rooms all year round except during our annual closure.