Boating in the Gorges du Verdon, France (Monina C. Ancheta)

Photos submitted by Monina C. Ancheta

The milky turquoise water flowing through the Gorges du Verdon, or Verdon Gorge, in southeastern France contains minerals from the surrounding limestone and lends a tropical island vibe to this special destination. Carved by the Verdon River, the 25-kilometer-long gorge has sections up to 700 meters deep. It empties into the Lake of Sainte-Croix, which was created by the construction of a hydroelectric dam in 1974.

The gorge is popular in the summer. Visitors come to rent paddleboats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and motorboats for leisurely treks up the gorge. Small beaches dot the inner gorge and lake, which make wonderful spots for long picnic lunches and dips in the water to cool off. Motorboats are not typically allowed at the beaches, so those with fast-paced craft just drop anchor and swim off their boat.

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Enjoying the water in the Gorges du Verdon, France (Monina C. Ancheta)