Verdon Gorge Hiking: Europe’s Grand Canyon in Provence

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 8-day hiking adventure in the Verdon Gorge and Provence
    • Accommodation in authentic hotels in small villages for 7 nights (double occupancy)
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (all breakfasts and dinners)
    • Transport during the duration of the adventure 
    • Daily luggage delivery 

  Add-ons:

  • • Single supplement

  Not included:

  • • Flights to France (keep in mind that the starting and ending point are different)
    • Arrival and departure transfers
    • Lunches, drinks, and snacks
    • Travel and medical/rescue insurance — mandatory
    • Guide gratuities — optional

  Should you need to make any changes to your booking after confirmation, please be aware that a 100 GBP administrative fee applies to each modification.

• How fit do I need to be?

  To participate in this Verdon Gorge and Provence guided hiking tour, you need to have a very good level of fitness. The daily hiking will be moderately paced and your group will take many breaks, but you can expect an average of 7-8 hours spent walking every day, crossing between 7 and 15 miles. You will gain up to 800 m (2,625 ft) of elevation in a day. Day-by-day distances and elevation changes can be found in the itinerary.

  Keep in mind that you will always have a guide by your side who can help you with the gear and pacing. They will notice if hikes get too strenuous for you or somebody else in your group and adjust the hike accordingly.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
    • Hiking poles — optional
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
    • Spare clothes for layering
    • Waterproof rain jacket
    • Waterproof pants 
    • Base layers (top and bottom)
    • Mid layer—usually a fleece 
    • Hiking pants (shorts as well if you want)
    • Sunhat
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. 
    • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
    • The price of the tour is based on double occupancy, but single supplement can be added upon checkout.

  Hiking in the Verdon Gorge and Provence can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the village of Saint André les Alpes, your starting point, most people fly into Marseille International Airport, two hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. Keep in mind that transfers take more time with public transit options. 

  You will meet your Verdon Gorge and Provence hiking guide in your accommodation in the village on day 1—the exact location will be given to you once your trip has been confirmed. 

  Your Verdon Gorge hiking holidays will finish in a different location—Gréoux-les-Bains. There is a bus line connecting the town to Marseille, which is little over 1 hour away. 

• Safety measures and insurance

  Travel and medical/rescue insurance is mandatory on this tour. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

  Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

  Basic

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Super Flexible

  • • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
    • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.