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The Verdon Gorge

Gorges du Verdon

Hiking in France’s Grand Canyon

7 Days / 6 Nights
Mountain Hiking
The Verdon Gorge

Over thousands of years, the turquoise waters of the Verdon have made their way through the mighty limestone massif between the foothills of the Provence Alps and the foothills of the Western Alps. The resulting river landscape offers a unique hiking experience. Starting from the medieval village of Castellane, you will discover the magnificent Verdon National Park step by step: via the world-famous Blanc-Martel trail, you will penetrate further and further into the rocky gorge, which can be up to 700 meters deep; via countless stairs, tunnels, ladders and bridges, steep limestone cliffs and breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged mountain peaks of Provence will grace your path. In the evening, the picturesque villages of Provence welcome you with their unique charm and magically round off an unforgettable hiking trip.

More information and details for hiking holidays in the South of France.

Gorges du Verdon, also known as the Verdon Gorge or Grand Canyon du Verdon, is a particularly impressive gorge in French Provence. Starting from Castellane, the route takes you along ancient Roman paths to the small village of Chasteuil and up to the famous Point Sublime, one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the Verdon Gorge. Look forward to the next day, since today features a very special stage – the hike along the “Sentier Blanc-Martel”. Surrounded by rocky sceneries, this impressive hiking path takes you via ladders and tunnels through the Veron Gorge to the Day Finish of La Palud-sur-Verdon. The following day is just as spectacular. The route takes you in form of a circular hike over the “Sentier du Bastidon” – including great views of the gorges of Belevedere de Mayreste. The next two stages initially take you to the town of Point Sublime and finally to medieval Trigance.

  • Village with a view: On the fifth day of your hiking tour, the route takes you to the mountain village of Rougon. From here you enjoy a unique panorama of the Grand Canyon du Verdon.
  • The taste of Provence: When hiking in Provence, you can be sure of one thing – the wonderful cuisine of Provence. From the excellent wine, the tasty onion tart, the delicious niçoise salad, or the popular aioli – have a good time and try the delicacies of the region.
  • Pure nature & tranquility: This hiking tour takes you through the wonderful nature of France’s Grand Canyon and provides soothing moments of tranquillity. On the final day you reach Trigance, where you can look back on your hiking holiday in a wonderful location on a hill and with a view of the valley.  

This hiking holiday is assigned our level of hiking ‚Mountain Hiking’. With a good fitness level, surefootedness and a head for heights, the daily stages become an unforgettable adventure in the so-called Grand Canyon du Verdon. The stages are scheduled to last around 5 to 6.5 hours and the route runs on nice, but somewhat rocky hiking trails through the impressive gorges.

Itinerary at a glance

In Provence, France's Grand Canyon awaits you - in the Verdon Gorge you will hike through crevices and over bridges. Enjoy outstanding views in the mountain village of Rougon and in the stage town of Trigance.

Discover the remains of the historic fortress and the picturesque historic centre. Alternatively take a circular hike to the Notre Dame du Roc chapel, towering over the town on a 184-metre-high limestone cliff. 

Leaving Castellane, you will follow ancient Roman paths to the small pastoral village of Chasteuil. Treat yourself to a short rest before the trail takes you further to the higher limestone moors and pastures. On the rocky descent towards Rougon, you will cross dense forests with centuries-old oaks and majestic gorges, and at the famous Point Sublime, the destination of your stage awaits you with a stunning view.

Today a real hiking classic is on the program: The "Sentier Blanc-Martel", named after Edouard Alfred Martel, the discoverer of the Grand Canyon of Verdon. Spectacularly, the path leads over countless ladders and through twisted tunnels deeper and deeper into the unique rocky landscape. Marvel at the steep limestone walls around you, as well as the turquoise green waters of the Verdon River below you at the base of the canyon. A truly unforgettable experience! A Short transfer to the pretty village of La Palud-sur-Verdon.

In the morning a transfer to La Maline, where the hike along the "Sentier du Bastidon" begins. Repeatedly you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the gorges of Belevedere de Mayreste. In countless twists and turns, the path winds along the slope above the Verdon, experience the contrast of rugged rocks, the garrigue and the pine trees.

First you hike through beautiful oak and beech forest with a view of the village La Palud, before following the Baou trail through rocks and gorges to Rougon. The small village is located high up between the mountain peaks on a viewing platform. Enjoy the panorama and the breathtaking distant view at your leisure before continuing your hike to Point Sublime.

You will cross an old Roman bridge consisting of a single arch and follow an old shepherd's path uphill through the forest to the Belvédère de Rancoumas. This is a rocky cliff with a fantastic view far into the valley of the Verdon Gorge and onto the 500 m high rock face of Escalès. From the Plateau d'Entrevergues, hike along shady forest paths and green pastures to the medieval village of Trigance. Enjoy the evening in absolute tranquility and surrounded by idyllic nature.

After breakfast an organized transfer back to Castellane.

Itinerary at a glance

In Provence, France's Grand Canyon awaits you - in the Verdon Gorge you will hike through crevices and over bridges. Enjoy outstanding views in the mountain village of Rougon and in the stage town of Trigance.

Discover the remains of the historic fortress and the picturesque historic centre. Alternatively take a circular hike to the Notre Dame du Roc chapel, towering over the town on a 184-metre-high limestone cliff. 

Leaving Castellane, you will follow ancient Roman paths to the small pastoral village of Chasteuil. Treat yourself to a short rest before the trail takes you further to the higher limestone moors and pastures. On the rocky descent towards Rougon, you will cross dense forests with centuries-old oaks and majestic gorges, and at the famous Point Sublime, the destination of your stage awaits you with a stunning view.

Today a real hiking classic is on the program: The "Sentier Blanc-Martel", named after Edouard Alfred Martel, the discoverer of the Grand Canyon of Verdon. Spectacularly, the path leads over countless ladders and through twisted tunnels deeper and deeper into the unique rocky landscape. Marvel at the steep limestone walls around you, as well as the turquoise green waters of the Verdon River below you at the base of the canyon. A truly unforgettable experience! A Short transfer to the pretty village of La Palud-sur-Verdon.

In the morning a transfer to La Maline, where the hike along the "Sentier du Bastidon" begins. Repeatedly you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the gorges of Belevedere de Mayreste. In countless twists and turns, the path winds along the slope above the Verdon, experience the contrast of rugged rocks, the garrigue and the pine trees.

First you hike through beautiful oak and beech forest with a view of the village La Palud, before following the Baou trail through rocks and gorges to Rougon. The small village is located high up between the mountain peaks on a viewing platform. Enjoy the panorama and the breathtaking distant view at your leisure before continuing your hike to Point Sublime.

You will cross an old Roman bridge consisting of a single arch and follow an old shepherd's path uphill through the forest to the Belvédère de Rancoumas. This is a rocky cliff with a fantastic view far into the valley of the Verdon Gorge and onto the 500 m high rock face of Escalès. From the Plateau d'Entrevergues, hike along shady forest paths and green pastures to the medieval village of Trigance. Enjoy the evening in absolute tranquility and surrounded by idyllic nature.

After breakfast an organized transfer back to Castellane.

Route information

Mountain Hiking

You will hike mainly on good, rocky paths through a unique gorge landscape. Surefootedness and a head for heights are required along the limestone cliffs and when crossing the many ladders and bridges. For the individual stages up to 6.5 hours you need good physical conditions.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Mountain Hiking

You will hike mainly on good, rocky paths through a unique gorge landscape. Surefootedness and a head for heights are required along the limestone cliffs and when crossing the many ladders and bridges. For the individual stages up to 6.5 hours you need good physical conditions.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in nice 2**-hotels and traditional country houses (French classification)
  • Breakfast
  • 2 Dinner (Point Sublime)
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person)
  • Transfers according to program

 

  • 1 Return transfer Trigance – Castellane
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Arrival by train via Paris to Marseille and from there by bus in approx. 4.5 hours to Castellane (www.ter.sncf.com).
  • Nice-Airport and from there by bus or train in approx. 2 hours to Castellane.
  • Parking: public parking spaces free of charge near the hotel, no reservation possible.
  • Organised return transfer from Trigance to Castellane, included in the tour price.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Number of participants: min. 2 persons
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in nice 2**-hotels and traditional country houses (French classification)
  • Breakfast
  • 2 Dinner (Point Sublime)
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person)
  • Transfers according to program

 

  • 1 Return transfer Trigance – Castellane
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Train journey via Paris to Marseille and from there in about 4.5 hours by bus to Castellane (www.ter.sncf.com/paca).
  • Nice airport and from there by bus or train in about 2 hours to Castellane.
  • Parking: Free public parking spaces near the hotel.
  • Organized return transfer from Trigance to Castellane, included in the price.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Number of participants: min. 2 persons
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Tanja Haring

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Tanja Haring
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