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Highlights

The itinerary starts and ends in the picturesque medieval village of Castellane , nestled in the Alpine foothills of Haute Provence . The most famous part of the itinerary is the Martel trail, 15 km long and including a series of stairs, tunnels, ladders and bridges. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery of the gorges : high jagged peaks, magnificent limestone cliffs, superb panoramic views from the surrounding alpine mountains. And the Verdon: the emerald green river which winds at the bottom of the gorge. You will discover the authentic atmosphere of the Provencal villages: La Palud , Trigance and Castellane where you will be able to taste local products such as truffles,oil, tapenade, lavender honey, wine and goat cheese; enjoy the art of living in Provence!

Please note: This itinerary is not recommended if you are afraid of heights

To see

Spectacular hikes in the Verdon Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Spectacular wild landscapes and picturesque Provencal villages, An ideal spring and autumn hike for sporty and experienced hikers, The famous Martel trail with its breathtaking stairs, A wild and preserved nature with bird watching, especially vultures

Gastronomy

Huile d'olive, Aïoli, Ratatouille, Bouillabaisse, Pissaladière

Wine

Vins Rosés, Cépages (Grenache, la Syrah, le Mourvèdre, le Cinsault, et le Rolle)

Feedbacks


PROGRAM

J-1

Arrival at Nice TGV Train Station & tranfer to Castellane


Arrival at Nice TGV train station where you will meet our guide who will transfer you to Castellane, in the heart of the Gorges du Verdon. Settling in your charming hotel, where you will have an orientation meeting upon arrival.

Depending on your arrival time, you have the possibility of taking a short walk to visit the Notre Dame du Roc chapel and the remains of Petra Castellane (the abandoned city) from the top you’ll have breathtaking views of the valley. (5km 1h45 +/-242m)


Accommodation : Ma petite Auberge** - Castellane show
Included : phone not provided,mobile guidance application,roadbook,travelbook,transfer arrival,luggage transfer,client transfer,orientation by phone with a local guide,bedroom and breakfast

J-2

From Castellane to Point Sublime


Today, you will follow the GR4 from Castellane, an ancient Roman road on the heights of the Verdon Valley. The path climbs gradually over the Verdon to the small shepherds' village of Chasteuil - the ideal place for a picnic - before leaving for the high pastures. You then descend to Rougon, perched on a rocky spur above the famous gorges before reaching the famous Point Sublime.

Distance: 17 km (11 mi)

Elevation : 750 m


Accommodation : Auberge du Point Sublime** - Rougon show
Included : luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)

J-3

From Point Sublime to La Maline Start: Sentier Blanc Martel


Today, you will start the hike in the "Grand Canyon of Verdon". Named after Edouard Alfred Martel who was the first to explore the Grand Canyon in 1905, the Blanc-Martel trail is probably the most famous hiking route in Verdon. You go back to into the Gorges and follow the course of the river to Point Sublime.

On the way, you arrive in Brèche Imbert, six metal ladders with a total of 252 steps that facilitate the steep descent/climb of this difficult part of the trail (difficult for hikers prone to vertigo). You will then pass through the tunnels of Trescaire and Baou (flashlight or headlamp and warm jacket required) by footbridges and stairs. It is a long hike but an amazing and unforgettable experience!

Distance: 17 km (11 mi)

Elevation: 850 m


Accommodation : Auberge du Point Sublime** - Rougon show
Included : taxi,client transfer,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)

J-4

From La Maline to La Palud


After breakfast, you have a short transfer to the start point of your hike in La Maline. Today, you will discover the huge contrast between the gorges, the garrigue and the Barbin Forest. You follow the Bastidon path, overlooking the Grand Canyon du Verdon and the gorges 700 meters below. From the Belvedere of Mayreste, the second part of the route is more sportive and goes up the Brusc ravine to reach the Barbin plateau before going down to the small village of La Palud.

Distance: 17km (11mi)

Elevation: 950m


Accommodation : Hotel le Panoramic** - La Palud-sur-Verdon show
Included : luggage transfer,client transfer,bedroom and breakfast

J-5

From La Palud to Tour de Barbin or Point Sublime


Today you have two options.

After a steep climb, you will walk through hundred-year-old oaks and beeches before admiring the gorges seen from above and the village of La-Palud-sur-Verdon. You continue on the "Chemin du Baou" between cliffs and ravines to Rougon, a balcony overlooking the Gorges, an ideal place for bird-watching, especially vultures.

Distance: 13km

Elevation: 470m

Distance: 6km

Elevation: 260m


Accommodation : Auberge du Point Sublime** - Rougon show
Included : luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)

J-6

From Point Sublime to Trigance


The hike makes you cross the Verdon River bed by an old Roman bridge. Once you have passed the left bank, you head towards the hamlet of Entreverges. When you arrive at the viewpoint of Rancoumas, nestled at 981 meters of altitude, you discover a natural ramp overhanging Verdon, allowing you to fully enjoy a view of the Verdon River which flows several hundred meters below. You follow the cliff to Trigance, a typical Provencal village dominated by a beautiful feudal building with four towers dating from the 11th century. It contains historical treasures and can be visited. You can also take a walk on the botanical path which allows you to discover the flora of the Var highlands.

Distance: 13km

Elevation: 650m


Accommodation : Logis Hotel le Vieil Amandier - Trigance show
Included : luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast

J-7

From Trigance to Castellane


For your last day of hiking, you will cross the gorges and the Jabron Valley with a picnic break at the edge of the green waters of the Verdon at the Carajuan Bridge, gateway to the wonderful Gorges of Verdon. You follow the river before starting a regular and pleasant climb to reach the Col du Pertuis de la Colle at 1151 meters: the ideal place for your picnic with a 360° view. You start the descent to Castellane through a forest. You will pick up your luggage at the hotel in Castellane.

Distance: 19 km (12 mi)

Elevation: 520 m


Accommodation : Ma petite Auberge** - Castellane show
Included : luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast

CUSTOMIZED
TOUR

This is a catalog tour, it can be modified as you wish : add extra nights, extra activities (wine tastings, visits, transfers...).

ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

Arrival at Nice train station where you will meet our guide who will transfer you to Castellane.

Day of departure. After your Itinerary, your stay will end in Castellane. You will be able to recover your luggage at the hotel.

Details

Included


ACCOMODATIONS

- 6 nights in a double room

MEALS

- 6 breakfast
- 3 dinners (drinks not included)
- 3 picnics

SUPPORT

- Our road book with integrated maps
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- Concierge service available to assist you for your requests during your trip (taxi transfer, restaurant, activities...)

TRANSFER

- Day 3 : transfer at the end of the hike from La Maline to La Palud
- Day 4 : transfer from La Palud to La Maline, at the beginning of the hike
- Day 7 : transfer from Trigance to Castellane

Not included


Other questions?

See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.

FAQ

Rates

Tour rates vary based on hotel availability and specific start date

PRICE FROM / PER PERSON
BASIC HOTEL ACCOMODATION
Double occupancy *
1175 €
Single supplement **
340 €
Solo traveler ***
1935 €

* Please contact us for triple hotel rates. ** Traveling with a group. *** Traveling alone.

BASIC HOTEL ACCOMODATION FROM

Ma petite Auberge** - Castellane

Featuring a traditional restaurant, a garden and a terrace, Ma Petite Auberge is located in the Verdon Regional Nature Park, a minute's walk from the Verdon River and 5 km from Lake Castillon. A public swimming pool is 100 meters away. Rooms are heated and equipped with a flat-screen TV. The bathrooms are private and equipped with a bathtub or shower and free toiletries. Some accommodations offer a view of the terrace and the village square. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and you can enjoy lunch and dinner in the park next to a century-old lime tree. Grocery stores are located within 1 km.
https://www.mapetiteauberge.com/fr

Auberge du Point Sublime** - Rougon

Located in Rougon, 36 km from Taulane Castle Golf Course, Auberge du Point Sublime offers a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. This 2-star hotel features free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a bar. Guests can enjoy a drink at the snack bar. All rooms include a desk. Their private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Some have a view of the mountain. Auberge du Point Sublime serves a buffet or continental breakfast.
https://auberge-pointsublime.com/

Auberge du Point Sublime** - Rougon

Located in Rougon, 36 km from Taulane Castle Golf Course, Auberge du Point Sublime offers a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. This 2-star hotel features free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a bar. Guests can enjoy a drink at the snack bar. All rooms include a desk. Their private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Some have a view of the mountain. Auberge du Point Sublime serves a buffet or continental breakfast.
https://auberge-pointsublime.com/

Hotel le Panoramic** - La Palud-sur-Verdon

The Panoramic and its team are waiting for you! Our family establishment is located 700 metres from the village of La Palud sur Verdon. Located in the heart of the Verdon Natural Park (1st Canyon in Europe). You are staying in the centre of a territory that is unique in the world. We welcome you in a warm setting with a magnificent view of the valley that will make your stay an unforgettable experience.
https://www.hotelverdon.com/fr

Auberge du Point Sublime** - Rougon

Located in Rougon, 36 km from Taulane Castle Golf Course, Auberge du Point Sublime offers a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. This 2-star hotel features free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a bar. Guests can enjoy a drink at the snack bar. All rooms include a desk. Their private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Some have a view of the mountain. Auberge du Point Sublime serves a buffet or continental breakfast.
https://auberge-pointsublime.com/

Logis Hotel le Vieil Amandier - Trigance

Le Viel Amandier is located in the village of Trigance, in the Haut Var. This situation gives to this establishment all the charm of the small villages and makes it an ideal place for the rest, but also to discover the beauty and the authenticity of these places. The establishment is on one level with a heated swimming pool, terrace... A large frame decorates the interior room and a corner fireplace welcomes you for the evenings of autumn.
https://www.logishotels.com/fr/hotel/logis-hotel-le-vieil-amandier-2439?partid=661

Ma petite Auberge** - Castellane

Featuring a traditional restaurant, a garden and a terrace, Ma Petite Auberge is located in the Verdon Regional Nature Park, a minute's walk from the Verdon River and 5 km from Lake Castillon. A public swimming pool is 100 meters away. Rooms are heated and equipped with a flat-screen TV. The bathrooms are private and equipped with a bathtub or shower and free toiletries. Some accommodations offer a view of the terrace and the village square. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and you can enjoy lunch and dinner in the park next to a century-old lime tree. Grocery stores are located within 1 km.
https://www.mapetiteauberge.com/fr