Red gorges behind Nice
Two gorges of red rock above the Var, the ski village of Valberg, fortified Entrevaux and the eagle’s nest of Gourdon.
- Distance
- 127 km (79 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 45 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 22, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 127 km (79 mi) with 7 stops, from Nice to Gorges du Loup. About 1 h 45 min of driving in total.
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Route description
Leave Nice up the Var valley on the M6202 and, after Touët-sur-Var, turn onto the D28 through the Gorges du Cians. The road climbs from grey to deep red rock, squeezed between walls so close they almost touch, to the village of Beuil.
Valberg, at 1,700 m, is a ski resort in winter and a cool base in summer. The road then descends to Guillaumes and through the Gorges de Daluis, where the Var has cut into wine-red schist. Back on the main road, Entrevaux is entered by a drawbridge, with a citadel on the rock above reached by a zigzag ramp.
The return runs south over the pre-Alps via Gréolières to Gourdon, a village perched on a cliff edge with views to the coast. From there the road drops into the Gorges du Loup and its waterfalls, and on to Grasse or the coast.
The gorge roads are narrow, with overhangs and tunnels; large motorhomes should check height limits before setting off. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, and snow is possible at Valberg from December.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Nice
France - 252 km
Gorges du Cians
NatureBeuil, FranceA narrow gorge of dark red schist climbing from the Var valley to Beuil, with the road squeezed under overhangs. Motorhome drivers should expect tight passing places.
- 311 km
Valberg
France - 411 km
Gorges de Daluis
NatureDaluis, FranceA second gorge of wine-red rock on the upper Var, with viewpoints over the green river far below. Look for the rock profile known as the Guardian of the Gorges.
- 514 km
Entrevaux
France - 636 km
Gourdon
France - 72 km
Gorges du Loup
NatureGourdon, FranceA wooded limestone gorge with waterfalls beside the road, just below the perched village of Gourdon. Parking is limited to a few lay-bys.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Nice → Gorges du Cians · 52 km · 0 h 43 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping du Brec (17 km); Camping de mon village (18 km).
- Day 2: Gorges du Cians → Entrevaux · 36 km · 0 h 30 minOn the way: Valberg, Gorges de Daluis.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping du Brec (2 km); Camping La Ribière (12 km).
- Day 3: Entrevaux → Gorges du Loup · 39 km · 0 h 32 minOn the way: Gourdon.Overnight nearby, for example: L'Hippodrome (15 km); Parc des Maurettes (16 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Red gorges behind Nice?
3-day road trip of about 127 km (79 mi) with 7 stops, from Nice to Gorges du Loup. About 1 h 45 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Red gorges behind Nice?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 45 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Red gorges behind Nice start and end?
It starts in Nice and ends in Gorges du Loup.
Which countries does Red gorges behind Nice pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Red gorges behind Nice?
OpenStreetMap lists 68 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: L'Hippodrome, Parc des Maurettes and Camping Vieille Ferme.
When is the best time for Red gorges behind Nice?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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