Set to the extreme North of the Var region, the Verdon Canyon is second only in the world to Colorado's Grand Canyon. Carved out by the bubbling Verdon River, its stark white cliffs and deep green waters are truly breathtaking.

Situated around 2 hours from Toulon, the Canyon stretches 13 miles from the Pont-de-Soleils to Sainte-Croix Lake and varies from 820 to 2,300 feet in height. The Corniche Sublime road, leading along the left bank from the village of Comps to Aiguines, offers thrilling viewpoints such as "Pont de l'Artuby" bridge, spanning the canyon with its single 360-foot arch, and the immense "Falaise des Cavaliers" cliff - an international rock-climbing venue.

The narrowest section of the canyon is great for white-water rafting, while the "Cirque de Vaumale" features an extraordinary panorama over the vast Sainte-Croix Lake, bordered by beautiful little lakeside villages such as Bauduen, Baudinard or Sainte-Croix.

This particular area of the Var region is also famed for its age-old craft traditions. The turner's museum in Aiguines retraces the history of wood turning up to the early 20th century, including the studded balls formerly used to play Boules. Cruise guests will particularly enjoy a stop-off at the village of Moustiers, world-renowned since the 17th century for its beautiful enamelware.

Fragrant blue lavender fields stretch westward on the "Plateau de Valensole" as far as the eye can see…