Self-guided trekking in the heart of the Verdon Gorges
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVerdon Gorges / French Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions39.79 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a 6-day hiking adventure through the Verdon Gorge , an exceptional site with breathtaking canyons and stunning panoramas. The route alternates between spectacular ridges and trails at the bottom of the gorge , offering unique viewpoints at every stage.
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife , from the most common to the rarest species. This adventure is also an invitation to culinary discovery , with local specialties to savor in an authentic setting.
The highlights
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The Verdon Gorges via the most beautiful trails in 6 days
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The option of partial or full luggage transport
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High-quality Provençal cuisine and swimming opportunities along the trek
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
The expert's opinion
This is a hiking route with some challenging sections, requiring you to carry a backpack containing essentials (clothing, picnic lunch, water, survival kit, etc.). You must be in good physical condition and health to participate in this trip. This trek is suitable for people with hiking experience who can read a map.
We recommend a medium-sized backpack (30 to 40 liters) not exceeding 9 kg for the duration of the trek.
The option of partial or full baggage handling is available: please contact us.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 647 m
- Average daily descent: 694 m
Management
Program
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From Moustiers Sainte-Marie to the Grand Canyon
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 6km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 360 m
- Negative elevation 280 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a taxi transfer from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (one of the most beautiful villages in France), you'll begin your trek with a short day's walk. A relatively easy route, perfect for warming up, starts from Mairestre. You'll follow the Bastidon trail, a cliffside path that hugs the top of the cliff, offering constantly changing views of the gorges and numerous viewpoints. This path will lead you to La Maline, where you'll spend the night in the heart of the Grand Canyon.
Day 1 -
The White-Martel Trail
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 780 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The iconic Verdon Gorge trail, named after 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 Point Sublime (785 m), renowned for its view of the Grand Canyon. Finally, it's just a kilometer to Rougon, a small village with breathtaking views where you'll spend the night.
Day 2 -
Observe the large griffon vultures at Rancoumas
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You'll cross the Verdon River via the Tusset Bridge, ascending a quiet, shaded path to discover a unique ecosystem. Be sure to observe the Verdon's endemic flora and fauna. At the top of the trail, you'll overlook the Verdon (400 meters below) with a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks. The Rancoumas viewpoint is one of the few not bordered by a road, making it a peaceful spot, ideal for birdwatching. If you're lucky, you might see vultures circling overhead. Vultures can have a wingspan of over 2.5 meters—impressive! After your hike, you'll return to the Rougon gîte for your second night.
Day 3 -
The crests of the great mourre
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 970 m
- Negative elevation 780 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Prepare for a long and splendid day of hiking, offering close-up views of the highest peaks in the Verdon Regional Natural Park. You'll traverse a unique, wild landscape shaped by pastoral life, a stark contrast to the busy trails of the Verdon Gorge. The Suech plateau, perched at over 1,200 meters, overlooks the village of Rougon, and crossing it will take you to the foot of the Mourre de Chanier (1,930m). Finally, you'll spend the night in a charming house nestled in the heart of a vast agricultural estate, surrounded by pastures where Angora goats, dairy goats, and donkeys graze.
Day 4 -
The chamois of Montdenier
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 370 m
- Negative elevation 620 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This day will allow you to climb to the summit of the Pavillon located at the eastern end of the Serre de Montdenier. This large grassy ridge offers an exceptional panorama of the peaks of Ventoux, Lure, Sainte-Victoire, Luberon, Sainte-Baume, those of Mercantour and Écrins, and of course of the Sainte-Croix lake!
This is a prime route for observing chamois. You then continue your hike down to Venascle, situated at an altitude of 950 meters. Surrounded by nature, you will spend the night in a Provençal farmhouse, reminiscent of the Wild West, on a 500-hectare estate.
Day 5 -
Full View and the Ourbes ridge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 1030 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Get ready for one last day, but one that will be no less exceptional. You'll hike up to the Col de Plein Voir, the Col de l'Âne, and traverse the Crête de l'Ourbes. These final moments at altitude will reveal a magnificent panorama of the ridge overlooking the Lac de Sainte-Croix. On the descent, you'll reach the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Day 6
Accommodation
Mountain refuge with a magnificent view of the canyon.
You will be accommodated in guesthouses and hostels during your stay.
Access
At the end of the trek, you return to your starting point. If you opted for luggage transfer, your bags will be waiting for you at our partner's agency in the village of Moustiers.
We will help you organize your arrival without a car and will pick you up on arrival: you can opt for the bus or a taxi, which we will book for you (cost approximately €60).
Go to the starting point
🚌 From Marseille TGV station : take bus 67 to Riez, then bus 450 from Riez towards Castellane, stop at Moustiers.
Price details
The price includes
- Taxi pick-up on day 1 from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Accommodation in guesthouses and hostels
- Breakfasts
- The detailed roadbook for exploring this trek independently
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Hiking equipment
- Drinks
- Tips
Options
- Dinners : CHF123.50 / person
- Picnics : CHF59.46 / person
- Partial luggage transport - Flat rate for 1 to 4 people : CHF146.37 / reservation
- Full luggage transport - Flat rate price for 1 to 4 people : CHF411.66 / reservation
- 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 bladders or standard water bottles – 3L per person
- Mini pharmacy kit for treating blisters on the feet (adhesive plasters, bandages)
- Tissues and toilet paper
- Toiletries (such as Marseille soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)
- Survival blanket
- Headlamp
- Compass (not mandatory)
Clothing to bring
- Hiking equipment to take along
- Lightweight hiking shoes
- Trekking socks
- Fitted sheet in silk or cotton
- Lightweight bath towel
- Flip-flops/Flip-flops
- Lightweight trousers and/or shorts
- 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)
