8-day trip to the Verdon Gorge in France
Trek the UNESCO-listed Verdon Gorge in France, with UIMLA-certified leader Emma taking you through breathtaking landscapes and medieval villages.
Not specified
Alps
8 Days
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Fit
Beginner
Description
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 8-day trip includes 7 nights in hotels and 6 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.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Transport during the trip
- Luggage transfer
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Price details
This is the price to join one of our Group Tours.
Accommodation is on a twin-share basis.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Saint André les Alpes
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.
Day 2: Saint André les Alpes to Castellane
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.
Day 3: Castellane to Point Sublime
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.
Day 4: Point Sublime to La Palud
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.
Day 5: La Palud to Moustiers Sainte-Marie
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.
Day 6: Moustiers Sainte-Marie to Riez
Leaving Moustiers, heading through low lying meadows, we continue until we reach a higher plateau. From here we have a stunning view of beautiful lavender fields with the Alps in the background. We follow our trail past a truffle farm and on through orchards of apple and oak trees. We then drop down to our hotel in the ancient Roman riverside town of Riez – also known as the ‘Lavender Capital’.
Day 7: Riez to Gréoux-les-Bains
On the last day of trekking, and the longest, we start on quiet lanes, which turn into ancient mule tracks and paths linking rolling fields of wheat, lavender, poppies and coriander. We reach the village of Saint-Martin-de-Brômes, with its thirteenth-century tower built by the Knights Templar. Then we head for our final destination. Gréoux is a Roman hilltop town, with a popular hot mineral spa, narrow streets, and a “Templier” chateau. We should arrive at our hotel with enough time left over to explore or just relax and soak up the atmosphere, before enjoying our final meal together.
Day 8: Departure Day
Our trip ends after breakfast!
Details
Accommodation 7 nights in hotels. |
Meeting point Our hotel in Saint André Les Alpes. |
About the guide
I'm a qualified International Mountain Leader (IML) and I have been leading expeditions for the last 15 years. I have led the Tour du Mont Blanc over 40 times, the Everest Base Camp trek 27 times, Kilimanjaro 10 times, and I have also led trips in Nepal, Peru, Cuba, India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand, the Alps, the Pyrenees, Russia, Uzbekistan and Madagascar, amongst others.
I'm a passionate skier, in 2009 I made the first ski descent of Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world (8156m).
Fluent in French, Russian and Spanish, I also work as an interpreter and love to chat.
What people are saying about -Emma Jack
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