Hiking in Provence - Gorges du Verdon

Arrival in Castellane where you receive roadbook and maps at check-in at the hotel. If you arrive early, you have the opportunity to do a shorter hike of about 1.5 hours to visit the Notre Dame du Roc chapel and the remains of Petra Castellane (the abandoned city), from the top you have a breathtaking view over the valley.

Accommodation in Castellane

Today you follow GR4 from Castellane, an old Roman road that is now a small country road on the heights of the deep Verdon valley, the path rises gradually with views over Verdon to the small village of Chasteuil. An idealistic place for your picnic. You descend towards Rougon on a rocky path above the famous gorge before reaching Point Sublime.

Accommodation & dinner Le Point Sublime.
Sometimes the accommodation at Point Sublime is fully booked, then the alternative is to stay in La Palud with extra transfer.

Transfer after breakfast to the start of today's hike. Today you venture out among the cliffs of Grand Canyon du Verdon, named after Edouard Alfred Martel, who was the first to explore it in 1905. Le sentier Blanc-Martel is probably the most famous hiking trail in Verdon. You descend into the Gorges and follow the river's course to Point Sublime. Along the way you will encounter Brèche Imbert, six metal ladders with a total of 252 steps that facilitate the steep descent of this slightly more difficult part of the trail. You end today's hike by walking through the tunnels of Trescaire and Baou.

Accommodation & dinner Le Point Sublime

After a short transfer to Refuge de la Maline you walk along the Bastidon trail where you look out over the higher and narrower parts of Verdon Gorges up to the Bastidon gorge, before finally reaching the small village of La Palud.

Accommodation in La Palud-sur-Verdon

Today you have two options. Those who want to can hike two loops. Start with the Tour de Barbin tour and discover hundred-year-old oaks and beech trees, then after that add the second hike from La Palud to Point Sublime. In both cases you follow the Baou trail between cliffs and gorges to Rougon, a balcony above the gorge cliffs, the perfect location to observe the vultures' feeding area, don't forget your binoculars!

Accommodation & dinner Le Point Sublime (NOTE the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays).
Sometimes the accommodation at Point Sublime is fully booked, then the alternative is to stay in La Palud with extra transfer.

Today's hike takes you across Verdon's riverbed via an old Roman bridge. When you pass the left bank you go up to the village of Entreverges. Then you come to Rancoumas viewpoint at an altitude of 981 meters with views over Verdon. You follow the cliff to Trigance, a typical Provençal village dominated by a beautiful feudal building with four towers, dating from the 11th century. The building contains historical treasures and can be visited. You can also take a tour on the botanical trail and discover the flora and fauna of this highland.

Accommodation in Trigance

Today you hike in the Jabron gorge where you pass the Verdon river at Pont de Carajuan. You follow the river before you start heading upward to reach Col du Pertuis de la Colle (1151m), an ideal place for your picnic with 360° views over the region.

The hike ends in Castellane, where you find your luggage.