In the Occitan language, mescal signifies "mixture", and these balconies tower 250m above the spot where the waters of the Verdon River mingle with those of its tributary, the Artuby. In this wild, grandiose setting, the river's crystal waters rush past a narrow knife-edged ridge. Note the depth of the north-south facing gorges upstream, which are between 400 and 500m in places. The view is best from the upper belvedere.

This magnificent beech-lined Cirque Vaumale lies around 700m above Verdon. The best views of it are from the stretch of road running between the Balcons de la Mescla and Moustiers-Ste-Marie since here it reaches a peak height of 1 204m. You can also enjoy unobstructed views of the Vaumale springs, Lac de Sainte Croix and, in the distance, the Luberon, the Montagne de Lure and Mt Ventoux.

This pass marks the end of the gorge and gives you a final chance to admire the Grand Canyon stretching uphill as far as the eye can see. The view below takes in a stunning horizon of blue-tinged mountain tops, including the ridge of the Mt Sainte Victoire. In the foreground is the Plateau de Valensole, which runs down to the Lac de Sainte Croix.

This lake created at the edge of the Gorges du Verdon in 1975 covers 2 200ha. Its 10km of intensely blue-green waters are ideal for water sports. Lined with typical Provence villages and beaches, it also affords lovely views of the surrounding landscape, including the Plateau de Valensole. The best views, however, are from the Pont de Galetas, a bridge spanning the Verdon. From one side you can see the first section of the canyon and on the other there is a broad panorama over the lake.