The longest and deepest gorge in Europe, a slash in the surrounding limestone plateau, the Grand Canyon du Verdon is easily accessible from Castellane, some 12 km to the east. If you have time, make for Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, strikingly situated at the bottom of a ravine, and known for its faïence (pottery), via the D952 and the D23 Route des Crêtes, with plenty of viewpoints overlooking the gorges. Returning from Moustiers via the southern Corniche Sublime (D71), there are more wonderful views, the best of all being at the Balcons de la Mescla: here the Verdon and Artuby rivers meet, hundreds of feet below.

It’s best to make the trip in the direction suggested, if only to avoid being the car nearest the sheer drop as you negociate the none-too-wide cliff-top roads.

The Verdon Gorges attract various forms of dare-devil ‘leisure activities’ such as rock climbing, canoeing, rafting and canyoning (whatever that is). Contact the tourist office at Castellane, or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for details.

A tough eight-hour walk on the GR4 can be made along the cliff face from Pointe Sublime to Châlet de Maline – for experienced hikers only, unafraid of heights, tunnels, ladders and adders.