Gorges du Verdon hiking trails galore!
Hiking enthusiasts will find a plethora of trails to explore, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Each trail offers a unique perspective of the gorges, ensuring there's something for everyone. Here are a couple of highlights:
- The Blanc-Martel Trail: This is the most famous trail in the Gorges du Verdon hiking landscape. Stretching about 15 kilometers, it typically takes 6-8 hours to complete. The trail offers dramatic views, tunnels, ladders, and plenty of opportunities to marvel at the canyon's depth and the river below. Named after Edouard-Alfred Martel, the pioneer of speleology, and Isidore Blanc, a local schoolteacher who accompanied Martel on his explorations, the trail commemorates their incredible feat of navigating the entire length of the Verdon Gorges for the first time in 1905. This exploration marked the beginning of modern speleology and opened the way for further studies of the region’s unique geology and ecosystems.
- Not for the faint hearted: walking to the Rancoumas belvedere, nestled at an altitude of 981 metres, you will discover a natural ramp overlooking the Verdon River, allowing you to fully enjoy a plunging view of the turquoise water flowing several hundred metres below. If you suffer from a fear of heights, it is best not to approach the edge.
The Gorges du Verdon hiking trails, ranging from 500m to 1,400m in altitude, lead you through forest and scrubland, along cliffs and at the bottom of the gorges. Your hiking day ends in a small and charming village with a typical Provencal charm and stunning views!
Exploring the villages of the Verdon
Hiking the gorges wouldn’t be complete without visiting the charming surrounding villages. Each village has its own unique charm and offers a different experience of the region.
- Castellane: Nestled at the beginning of the Verdon Gorges, Castellane is a quaint town known for its medieval history and the towering limestone cliff, Roc, which overlooks it. The town is a great starting point for exploring the gorges and offers plenty of outdoor activities, from rafting on the Verdon River to exploring the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel perched high above the town. You can easily plan a day pre-tour to explore this pretty town.
- La Palud-sur-Verdon: This is the gateway to the heart of the gorges. La Palud is a small village that has become a hub for hikers and rock climbers. The village is home to the start of the Blanc-Martel trail and offers breathtaking views from the Route des Crêtes, a scenic road that winds around the cliffs of the gorge.
- Trigance: If you’re a fan of history and architecture, Trigance is the place for you. This medieval village is dominated by a castle that has been converted into a hotel. Strolling through the narrow streets of Trigance feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved stone houses and ancient ramparts.
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is in the Natural Regional Parc of the Verdon: Often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled at the foot of a cliff with a star-suspended between the two peaks above the village. Enjoy walking through the village known for its faience pottery, charming streets, delightful shops, and breathtaking views. Don’t miss the climb up to the chapel of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the village and the surrounding countryside.
Gorges du Verdon hiking: A nature lover’s paradise
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or just someone who loves being surrounded by natural beauty, the Verdon Gorges has something to offer. The blend of rugged landscapes, rich history, and charming villages makes this region a must-visit destination in France. A Gorges du Verdon hiking tour is more than just a series of cliffs and a river; it is testament to the power of nature and the enduring spirit of exploration. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful places on Earth. You won’t be disappointed!
