Trekking, bivouacking and canyoning in the Verdon Gorges
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationVerdon Gorges / French Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions49.36 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Spend five days hiking almost the entire length of the Verdon Gorge, a breathtaking emerald green! Experience its spectacular canyons and the exceptional landscapes of the Regional Natural Park. Discover exceptional biodiversity and explore a breathtaking scenery along magnificent trails along the ridges and at the bottom of the gorges. Savor local products from the valley, enjoying classic regional cuisine in an authentic setting. Immerse yourself in nature and get up close to the flora and fauna for an adventure rich in contemplation, emotion, and wonder.
The highlights
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Discover the authentic village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
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Explore one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region: the Imbut Trail
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Walk the legendary Blanc-Martel trail
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 213 m
- Average daily descent: 279 m
Management
Program
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From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to the Venascle guesthouse
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your stay begins at 2 pm with an easy day. First, you visit one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Then, you begin your hike with a climb to the Gîte de Venascle, located at an altitude of 950 meters. Surrounded by nature, this authentic Provençal farmhouse sits on a small, arid plateau, in the heart of a 500-hectare estate, in a renownedly peaceful setting.
Day 1 -
Ourbes ridge, Plein Voir pass & Saint-Maurin nature reserve
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 855 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Get ready for an exceptional day of hiking to the Crête de l'Ourbes ridge to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Sainte-Croix, Provence, and the Alps. You'll first descend to a small, dry canyon that flows into a stream, which you'll ford. Next, you'll hike up to the highest point of the trip: the Col de Plein Voir, where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards, you'll descend through the Saint-Maurin Regional Nature Reserve, a magical place renowned for its numerous caves and waterfalls. There, a shuttle will take you to the Chalet de la Maline (890 m) where you'll spend the night.
Day 2 -
The path of the imbut
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Accommodation Private chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You'll hike one of the most beautiful trails in the region: the Imbut. In the heart of the rocks and boxwood forests, in a damp and shady atmosphere, you'll follow the Verdon riverbed to the secluded beach of Baou Béni. After lunch, you'll return to the Chalet de la Maline to spend your second night.
Day 3 -
The White-Martel Trail
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 515 m
- Negative elevation 540 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The Blanc-Martel trail, a highlight of the Verdon Gorge, takes its name from two historical explorers of Europe's largest canyon: Alfred-Édouard Martel and Isidore Blanc. From the Chalet de la Maline, you descend to the bottom of the Gorge, down to the river. In the heart of a landscape marked by spectacular geology and a river of captivating color, you explore the superb Mescla beach. You then take the dizzying stairs of the Brèche Imbert and pass through two dark tunnels before climbing to the Auberge du Point Sublime (785 m), renowned for its breathtaking view. You spend the night there.
Day 4 -
Tusset bridge, rancoumas & trigance belvedere
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To end your stay in style, you'll descend to the magnificent Tusset Bridge. Once across the Verdon River, you'll ascend to one of the most beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Grand Canyon: Rancoumas. You'll have the chance to spot vultures there! You'll then climb to the charming hamlet of Entreverges before descending to the small, characterful village of Trigance. There, you'll enjoy a drink with your group to conclude your stay in a convivial atmosphere before departing by taxi.
Day 5
Note
What if the weather is bad or the conditions are unsuitable for practicing the activity?
The activities you will undertake are dependent on the Verdon River's water flow and weather conditions. Your guide may therefore decide to cancel or modify part of the activity. These cancellations are rare. Similarly, unexpected strong winds may lead the guide to cancel the activity for safety reasons.
In this case, we will offer an alternative activity depending on the weather or water flow conditions. If, however, no alternative activity is possible, we will compensate you for part of the cost of your stay. This compensation will not exceed 50% of the price charged, as accommodation and meals are non-refundable.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation
- Full board (except for the first and last day)
- Guided by a state-certified mountain guide
- Luggage transfer
- 2 taxi pickups
The price does not include
- Insurance
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Local transportation
- Drinks
- Tips
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Hiking poles (as you wish)
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Hat/cap for sun protection
- Water bladder or standard water bottle, minimum 1.5L
- Tissues and toilet paper
- Toiletries (such as Marseille soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, wipes)
- Bath towel
- Survival blanket
- Headlamp
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight hiking shoes & trekking socks
- Silk or cotton sleeping bag liner; Plastic flip-flops or slippers
- Lightweight trousers or shorts
- Underwear
- technical T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece jacket
- Gore-Tex jacket or rain jacket in case of rain
- Bonnet (depending on the season)
- Lightweight gloves (depending on the season)