Planning a Trip in Grand Canyon du Verdon

Arriving -- There are no passenger rail services to the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon. Regional buses run from Marseille and Aix-en-Provence (30 min. later) to Castellane (www.info-ler.fr; [tel] 08-21-20-22-03; trip time: 3.5 hr.; 25.80€ one-way), stopping at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (trip time: 2 hr. 20 min.; 18.30€ one-way) en route. Buses from Nice (www.phoceens-cars.com; [tel] 08-10-00-40-08) also serve Castellane (trip time: 2 hr. 10 min.; 14.60€ one-way). But if you want to explore the region, you’ll really need a car. If you opt to drive from Marseille, take A51 northeast to exit 20, then N85 and D4085 southeast to Castellane. If you're driving from Nice, take E80 southwest to Le Cannet, then D6185 northwest to Grasse, followed by D6085 and D4085 north to Castellane. From Cannes, follow the A8 west towards Fréjus. Take exit 36 for Le Muy, and continue on D54 and then D955 for Montferrat. From there, continue on D955 past Comps-sur-Artuby north to Castellane. Or keep an eye out for D71: Heading west here will take you directly to the canyon.

Visitor Information -- The Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon’s Maison du Parc is Domaine de Valx, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (www.parcduverdon.fr; [tel] 04-92-74-68-00). Castellane’s Office de Tourisme (www.castellane.org; [tel] 04-92-83-61-14) can also provide a wealth of information about the region.

ATMs/Banks -- Crédit Agricole, place Marcel Sauvaine, Castellane ([tel] 32-35); Crédit Agricole Provence Côte d'Azur, avenue Lérins, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ([tel] 08-26-27-06-73).

Doctors & Hospitals -- Hôpital Local, quartier Notre Dame, Castellane ([tel] 04-92-83-98-00).

Mail & Postage -- La Poste, place Marcel Sauvaire, Castellane ([tel] 36-31); La Poste, rue Seigneur de la Clue, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ([tel] 36-31).

Pharmacies -- Pharmacie Léocard, 18 rue Nationale, Castellane ([tel] 04-92-83-61-01); Pharmacie du Verdon, avenue Lérins, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ([tel] 04-92-74-60-61).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.