The 3 Closest Airports to verdon gorge

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The 3 Closest Airports to Verdon Gorge

Planning a trip to the stunning Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) in Provence, France? Reaching this natural wonder requires flying into a nearby airport and then driving. As the gorge itself is a large natural area without its own airport, choosing the right arrival point can save you time and hassle. A rental car is essential for exploring the region regardless of which airport you choose.

Here are the three airports generally considered closest and most practical for accessing the Verdon Gorge:

1. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE)

Nice Airport is a major international hub located on the French Riviera. It offers a vast range of flight connections from across Europe and internationally. While not always the absolute closest in mileage depending on your specific destination within the large Verdon area, it’s often considered the closest major airport and a very popular choice due to its flight availability and relatively straightforward, albeit potentially winding, scenic drive to the eastern side of the gorge.

  • Distance to Verdon Gorge: Approximately 130-150 km (80-95 miles) to central points like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, typically taking 2 to 2.5 hours driving.

  • Address: Rue Costes et Bellonte, 06206 Nice, France

  • Pros, Cons, Airlines, Car Rental:

    • Pros: Huge selection of international and domestic flights, many amenities, scenic coastal location. Cons: Can be very busy, car rentals might be slightly pricier, the final part of the drive involves mountain roads. Airlines: Serviced by numerous major carriers (Air France, easyJet, British Airways, Lufthansa, Delta, Emirates, etc.) and low-cost airlines. Car Rental: All major international and local car rental agencies are present (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, etc.).

  • Official Website: https://www.nice.aeroport.fr/en

  • Phone: +33 4 89 88 98 89

  • Rating: Generally rated highly (Approx. 4.0/5 on Google Maps)

2. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Marseille Airport is another major international airport serving the south of France. It’s located northwest of Marseille city and provides excellent connectivity, particularly within France and Europe. It’s a strong alternative to Nice, often competing closely in terms of driving time to the western or southern parts of the Verdon Gorge region, like Lac de Sainte-Croix.

  • Distance to Verdon Gorge: Approximately 130-160 km (80-100 miles) to central/western points, typically taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours driving.

  • Address: 13727 Marignane, France

  • Pros, Cons, Airlines, Car Rental:

    • Pros: Major airport with good flight options (especially low-cost), often good motorway access for the initial part of the drive. Cons: Can also be busy, the drive might be slightly less scenic initially compared to the coastal route from Nice. Airlines: Served by many carriers including Air France, Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, Lufthansa, British Airways etc. Car Rental: All major car rental companies are available.

  • Official Website: https://www.marseille.aeroport.fr/en

  • Phone: +33 4 42 14 14 14

  • Rating: Generally well-rated (Approx. 3.9/5 on Google Maps)

3. Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN)

Toulon-Hyères is a smaller regional airport located further south, near the coast between Marseille and Nice. Geographically, it can often be the closest airport, particularly if you are heading towards the southern end of Lac de Sainte-Croix or areas like Aups. However, it has significantly fewer flight options compared to Nice or Marseille.

  • Distance to Verdon Gorge: Approximately 110-140 km (70-85 miles) to southern/central points, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours driving.

  • Address: Boulevard de la Marine, 83400 Hyères, France

  • Pros, Cons, Airlines, Car Rental:

    • Pros: Often the shortest driving distance, smaller airport means potentially quicker exit and car pickup. Cons: Far fewer flight routes (mainly domestic and seasonal European, often low-cost), may require connecting flights for international travelers. Airlines: Primarily served by low-cost and regional carriers (e.g., Transavia, easyJet (seasonal), Air Corsica). Car Rental: Major rental companies are present, but perhaps with slightly less inventory than at NCE/MRS.

  • Official Website: https://www.toulon-hyeres.aeroport.fr/en

  • Phone: +33 4 94 00 83 83

  • Rating: Generally decent for its size (Approx. 3.8/5 on Google Maps)

Conclusion:

While Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN) is frequently the geographically closest airport to parts of the Verdon Gorge, especially the southern areas, its limited flight schedule makes it less practical for many international visitors. The closest major airports with extensive flight connections are Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) and Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). Both offer comparable driving times (around 1.5 to 2.5 hours) depending on your exact destination within the Verdon region and traffic conditions. Nice is often slightly preferred for its flight volume and access to the eastern side, while Marseille provides excellent access to the western side. Your choice between Nice and Marseille may ultimately depend on flight availability, cost, and your specific itinerary within Provence.

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