The Devrent valley

Also known as the Imaginary Valley (or Valley of Imagination), the Devrent Valley lies between the Zelve Open Air Museum and the cities of Avanos, Göreme and Ürgüp. One of the most intriguing places to visit in Cappadocia, this valley is characterised by its unique landscape, shaped by erosion over thousands of years.

Unlike the other valleys of Cappadocia, the Devrent valley has few cave dwellings or rock churches. On the contrary, like the Amur Valley, the majority of the valley is made up of natural rock formations known as fairy chimneys. It is also famous for its camel-shaped rock, naturally sculpted by the elements. Whether in daylight or at sunset, when the panorama is bathed in a thousand colours, the Devrent valley leaves much to the imagination.

The Devrent Valley in Cappadocia

- © Nejdet Duzen / Shutterstock

How do I get to the Devrent valley?

Ideally situated in the heart of Cappadocia, at the gateway to the Göreme National Park, the Devrent Valley is easily accessible by car from neighbouring towns. On the road, simply follow the signs for "Imagination Valley" to reach the small dedicated car park at the side of the road. Whether you're travelling from Ürgüp, Avanos or Göreme, the journey takes just ten minutes.

The Devrent valley is accessible by road from the nearby towns of Avanos, Ürgüp and Göreme.

- © Sergiy Vovk / Shutterstock
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Visit the Devrent valley with a guide

If you don't have a hire car, there are a number of day trips organised by local guides. Departing from the surrounding towns, these group excursions will enable you to visit the Devrent valley and other sites in Cappadocia. In addition to transport to these tourist sites, these guided tours will enable you to learn more about the history of Cappadocia and the special features of this region of Turkey.

Explore the Devrent Valley with a local guide to appreciate all its richness.

- © Thomas Wyness / Shutterstock

When should you visit the Devrent valley?

The Devrent valley, or Vallée de l'Imaginaire, is accessible all year round. In winter, it is not unusual to see snow covering part of the landscape. The red of the rock contrasts with the white of the snow, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

The Devrent valley in Cappadocia is accessible all year round. In winter, snow covers part of the landscape

- © Seckin Ozturk / Shutterstock

In summer, on the other hand, the sun beats down as it does in the rest of Cappadocia. If you don't depend on school holidays, it's best to avoid July and August, both because of the heat and because of the thousands of tourists in the region. If you want to make the most of the valley, May, June and September are the best months to visit. And don't forget to stay in Devrent for the sunset, which illuminates the valley in green, yellow and red.

The Devrent Valley in Cappadocia

- © Yakov Oskanov / Shutterstock

Visiting the Devrent valley with children

The Devrent valley is very popular with tourists and well signposted, making it ideal for walks with children. The main paths are easy to access, although they are not suitable for pushchairs (or wheelchairs, for the disabled).

The main hiking trails in the Devrent valley are very easy to access, even with children or elderly people. However, the ground is not suitable for baby carriages or wheelchairs.

- © Sergey Nemirovsky / Shutterstock

Devrent's camel

The Devrent Camel, also known as "Chameau Rock" or "Camel Rock", is one of the most famous rock formations in the Devrent Valley. It owes its success to its unusual shape, reminiscent of a camel. Naturally sculpted from tuff, the typical volcanic rock of Cappadocia, this giant totem fascinates locals and tourists alike.

Le chameau de Devrent, dans la vallée Imaginaire en Cappadoce

- © gumbao / Shutterstock

Where to eat near the Devrent valley?

Like most of the valleys in Cappadocia, the Devrent Valley has no (or very few) places to eat. If you want to eat, you'll have to go to the neighbouring towns of Ürgüp**, Göreme or Avanos**. The latter two are real tourist hotspots in Cappadocia, with options ranging from traditional restaurants to fast-food chains.

The Devrent Valley in Cappadocia

- © feddypix / Shutterstock
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