Hiking in the Gorges du Verdon

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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