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Verdon Gorge

Verdon Gorge Hiking

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The **Verdon Gorge** (Gorges du Verdon) is an impressive 25-kilometer long and 700-meter deep, narrow limestone canyon located in the **Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur** **region**, in the southeast of France. It was formed by the 166-kilometer long Verdon River, which flows southwest between the departments of the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, blending the Mediterranean and alpine ecosystems.

Protected by the **Verdon Natural Regional Park** (180,000ha), the Verdon Gorge is one of the most scenic river valleys in Europe. The brilliant turquoise-green narrow Verdon River runs between massive, high limestone walls, creating a stunning colourful contrast. The canyon was formed over millions of years, when the river, flowing down the snowy Alps peaks, carved the hills and created the deepest gorge in the country.

**Considered “France’s Grand Canyon”**, the Verdon Gorge is one of the must-see natural attractions of Provence. Just 2 to 3 hours away from the main cities in the French Riviera (also known as Côte d’Azur or Blue Coast), the gorge is a top touristic destination, especially during the summer.

Our tour’s meeting point will be the village of **Rougon**, at the heart of the Verdon Gorge. We will take the **Blanc-Martel trail** (Sentier Blanc-Martel), one of the most popular hiking routes in France, named after the two explorers who discovered the area in 1905, traveling on wooden canoes. The track runs 15 kilometers along the right side of the river, offering probably the most impressive gorge views in Europe. We will trek along ancient oak trees and 1,000-meter (3,000ft) limestone cliffs, where we will glimpse the tiny silhouettes of climbers, as well as griffon vultures soaring over natural thermal baths.

The trail features quite varied and **challenging terrain**, with good climbs and steep – although short – descents, and a final stretch that requires climbing some ladders and a steel staircase. **We will trek for about 5 hours, with a total 450-meter (1,480ft) ascent.**

If you suffer from vertigo or would prefer an easier hiking option, we can take the **Pecheur Trail** (which means the Fishermen Trail). This loop path will also take us along the right bank of the river, without having to climb any ladder or staircase. Along the way, we will visit some cave men ancient farms built close to some hot springs. The hike’s total duration is of 4 hours, involving also a 450-meter (1,480ft) ascent.

I usually hold this tour in **April, May and early June**, or then **from September to mid-November**, given that it is too hot during the summer. If you are looking for a summer outing, I recommend the [hike in the Mercantour National Park](https://www.explore-share.com/trip/mercantour-national-park-france-guided-hiking/).

**Don’t miss this fascinating hiking outing in one of Europe’s most unique natural sites! Send me your booking request now.**

If you are looking for other similar activities in the area, check out the [Saorge perched village trek](https://www.explore-share.com/trip/saorge-perched-village-hiking-french-riviera-southern-alps/) and the [Calern Plateau hike near Cannes and the French Riviera](https://www.explore-share.com/trip/calern-plateau-hike-cannes-french-riviera/).

Rougon village. You can get to Rougon from the east via Castellane (Digne – Cannes – Nice) and from the west through Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (Marseille – Lyon). If you travel from the neighboring department of Var, in the south, you can go through Comps-sur-Artuby or via Trigance.

Explore the stunning Verdon Gorge in a hiking day trip along the Blanc-Martel Trail, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, in southeastern France. Join UIMLA-certified mountain guide Fabrice on this fascinating outing across one of Europe’s most beautiful canyons!

Martel Verdon Gorge hiking day, in Provence. 1-day trip. UIMLA guide

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ltCehFndTBFrVOEy88B1J4YzE5sTtnEN00r_lsav4w8/edit#gid=1735397981

Martel Verdon Gorge Hike, in Provence

**Join me among the spectacular mixture of sparkling rivers, rugged rock formations and stunning hiking trails.** The Verdon Gorge is a stunning area packed with medieval history.

Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Europe, the gorge is in its own national park. This UNESCO site is also the largest geological reserve in Europe.

The trek takes us through medieval villages scattered across the valley, where we’ll be resting along the way.

Highlights include a spectacular river, nestled between the two ancient towns of Castellane and Moustiers Sainte-Marie, that has cut a ravine into the limestone rock. Other wonders along the way include hidden tunnels carved into the rock, and beautiful lavender fields stretching into the distance.

And of course, the stunning scenery is accompanied by some of the most fabulous food and wine in the world.

This 7-day trip **includes 6 nights in hotels and 5 days of trekking through breathtaking scenery.**

Although moderately paced, **each day consists of around 7-8 hours of hiking**, so be sure you have a good level of fitness to join me in Verdon Gorge.

**Reserve your place now at this UNESCO site and tread along the trails past lavender fields, dramatic cliff edges, and medieval villages.**

**I also propose embarking on a**  famous hiking route in the Alps. If you're interested, consider joining a group on\*\*\*\* [**the** **Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt**.](https://www.explore-share.com/trip/classic-haute-route-hiking-traverse/)

Our group meets at the hotel in a village resting on a 12th-century castle. I will brief you about the days to come and answer any questions.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access

Arrival in Saint André les Alpes

We begin with a steady ascent through beautiful woodland, enjoying views of Lac de Castillon. Climbing the limestone plateau (1,412m) we then descend and join the Voie Impériale. This trail was used by Napoleon on his return from Elba in 1815. Then we reach the village of Castellane.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Walking: approx 6 hours
Distance: 24km
Altitude gain / loss: +750m / -950m

Saint André les Alpes to Castellane

We join the famous GR4, which follows the route used by the Romans to reach Lyon. We continue along the Verdon valley, stopping for lunch at the beautiful Chasteuil, where we can buy soaps, balms and oils, all made with locally-grown lavender. A further ascent takes us to the village of Rougon. From here we have a short descent to the village of Point Sublime, and our base for the night.

Accommodation : Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Walking: approx 6-7 hours
Distance: 23km
Altitude gain / loss: +700m / -650m

Castellane to Point Sublime

Today is more challenging as we enter the gorge! We drop towards the river, along the steep walls of the gorge, and join the ‘Martel Trail’. Our trail leads us along the gorge, past stunning limestone walls and dramatic cliffs. Highlights today include a 650 metre tunnel through the rock, and an impressive stairway. A final ascent takes us out of the gorge. Further on, we may stop at the Chalet de la Maline bar, and enjoy its breathtaking panoramic view. Then we take a short transfer to our hotel in the village of La Palud.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Walking: approx 7 hours
Distance: 16km
Altitude gain / loss: +550m / -600m

Point Sublime to La Palud

Hiking through the pine tree forest of Col de Plein Voir gives us spectacular views over the turquoise lake of Sainte-Croix. We continue past huge limestone crags and rock towers, reaching 1,213 metres. A fairly steep descent takes us down to the pretty village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie, a gem steeped in the history of the Knights Templar. It has an authentic Provençal character, with lovely cafes, art workshops and galleries.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Walking: approx 6-7 hours
Distance: 19km
Altitude gain / loss: +750m / -1000m

 La Palud to Moustiers Sainte-Marie

Today's our last day of trekking. After a 35-minute transfer, we’ll arrive in the old village of Quinson to begin our exploration of the Basses Gorges du Verdon, the lower gorges of the Verdon River. In prehistoric times, humans settled in the caves here and the town’s museum (which claims to be Europe’s largest prehistoric museum) details their history. We’ll also trek some of the routes of the Verdon Canal path, made in 1865 and used until recently to channel water to Aix-en-Provence. The oak trees en route are used in the region’s charcoal industry. Back in the valley, expect dreamy pools with aquamarine water and peaceful little coves before we head up to the day’s high point, the ancient chapel of St Maxime. In the evening, we’ll transfer from Quinson to the picturesque village of Gréoux-les-Bains. Brimming with shops, cafes, and life, this is the perfect place to end our memorable traverse of the Verdon Gorge.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included
Luggage access
Walking: approx 5 hours
Distance: 12km
Altitude gain / loss: +300m / -420m

Les Basses Gorges hike then transfer to Gréoux-les-Bains

Departure day

Trek the UNESCO-listed Verdon Gorge in France, with UIMLA-certified leader Emma taking you through breathtaking landscapes and medieval villages.

7-day trip to the Verdon Gorge in France. 7-day trip. UIMLA guide

https://www.cloud9adventure.com/verdon-gorge-trek

Trekking Tour in the Verdon Gorge in France

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