Day 1 - Castellane, a charming town in the heart of the Verdon
You start your trip from Nice. Direct bus to Castellane or you take the "train des pignes" from Nice to Saint André les Alpes ( train not included). The famous picturesque line of the " train des Pignes" connects the city of Nice to Digne - via the Verdon Gorges region - 4 times a day. You leave the French Riviera and cross the hinterland of Nice and the Alpes-de-Haute Provence, in an uninterrupted parade of rivers, mountains and gorges.
Depending on your arrival time, you have the possibility of taking a short walk today. A walk along the paths and vegetation with the typical aromas of the South of France, to reach the wonderful little" Chapel of Notre Dame du Roc", dating from the 13th century, that protects and overlooks the village of Castellane, passing by the ruins of the ancient city of Petra Castellana and finishing the loop by the Pentagonal Tower. Atop this majestic block of limestone overlooking the village, you will be amply rewarded for your climbing efforts with an orientation table and incredible 360° view of the gorges, a glimpse of the backwaters of the Verdon and the emerald colours of Lake Castillon.
Walk : Castellane > Notre dame du Roc > Castellane | 2h | 5km - 3 miles | Elevation : +250m / -250m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Castellane
Morning market every Wednesday & Saturday morning in Castellane
Transfer to to the small shepherds village of Chasteuil (20 mn). You walk on the GR4 on an old Roman road on the heights of the deep Verdon valley. The path descends towards Rougon perched on a rocky spur above the famous gorges before reaching the famous Sublime Point.
You hike along old mule tracks at the bottom of the gorges as far as the Pont de Tusset before rising to the "Belvédère de Rancoumas": the belvedere is located at the edge of the big canyon of the Verdon. The view is exceptional ! You walk back to Point Sublime
Today, you can start with an
Have an extra night in La Palud and ride with an Ebike along the unmissable "route des crêtes" ( Crest road). The loop ride is a 24km panoramic road starting in La Palud sur Verdon. It takes you on a circuit covering the crests of the Grand Canyon on heights up to 700 meters ! During your bike ride you will discover 14 Belvederes which will reveal the mythical cliffs of the Verdon and offer unforgettable viewpoints on the Grand Canyon.
