Join your guide and spend a week exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Verdon Gorge, as well as picturesque Provencal countryside along the way! We will spend your days on hikes in the Verdon Regional Nature Park, part of the UNESCO Global Geopark of Haute Provence. After getting beguiled by the river, lakes, towering cliffs, and pine woods, we will soak in the laid back atmosphere in scenic medieval villages characterized by the irresistible charm of Southeastern France.
The group will meet at a hotel in Saint André Les Alpes, which is a quiet Provençal village resting on a 12th century medieval castle built by the Templar Knights. The guide will give an informal briefing about the days to come, and will answer any questions you may have about the week ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Our first day’s walk begins with a steady ascent through beautiful woodlands and continues into the high meadows. From there, we enjoy stunning views of Lac de Castillon and the peaks of Haute Provence behind us. We climb up and over the limestone plateau, reaching the highest point of our trip at 1,412 m (4,633 ft). Afterward, we descend to join the Voie Impériale—the same trail Napoleon used on his return from Elba in 1815. About an hour later, we will arrive in the village of Castellane. If time allows, we can choose to ascend to the ‘Notre Dame de Roc,’ where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Castellane and the Verdon River.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 24 km (15 miles), 6 hours
Elevation: +750 m (2,460 ft) / -950 m (3,117 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
As we leave Castellane, we join the renowned GR4 trail, which follows the ancient Roman route to Lyon. A short climb brings us to a balcony trail, offering breathtaking views of the path ahead. We continue along the Verdon Valley, surrounded by dramatic rocky outcrops and charming, peaceful hamlets.
Our lunch stop is in the picturesque village of Chasteuil, where we can also browse and purchase locally-made soaps, balms, and oils crafted from lavender grown in the area. Afterward, we tackle another ascent to reach a plateau at 1,228 metres before continuing to the village of Rougon. Here, we can pause for a well-deserved break and enjoy the local specialties, including crêpes and ice cream. If we’re fortunate, we might even catch sight of a Griffon Vulture soaring overhead. From Rougon, it’s a short descent to the village of Point Sublime, where we’ll settle in for the night.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 23 km (14 miles), 6-7 hours
Elevation: +700 m (2,297 ft) / -650 m (2,133 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we enter the gorge itself; otherwise known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’. Our trail today is a little more challenging. At the Couloir Samson, we drop down towards the river, along the steep walls of the gorge, and join what is known as the ‘Martel Trail’. Our trail leads us along the gorge, past stunning limestone walls and dramatic cliffs. Highlights today include a 650-meter (2,135 ft) tunnel through the rock, and an impressive stairway. A final ascent takes us out of the gorge. A little further on, and if we have made good time, we can stop at the Chalet de la Maline bar, and enjoy its breathtaking panoramic view. We then take a short transfer to our hotel in the lovely Provençal village of La Palud.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 16 km (10 miles), 7 hours
Elevation: +550 m (1,804 ft) / -600 m (1,969 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
We begin the day with an ascent through the pine forests of Col de Plein Voir, climbing to a viewpoint that offers spectacular views of the turquoise waters of Lake Sainte-Croix. From there, we continue past towering limestone crags and rock formations, making our way to the Crêtes de l’Ourbès, where we reach an elevation of 1,213 m (3,980 ft).
A fairly steep descent then brings us to the picturesque village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This charming village, steeped in the history of the Knights Templar, is a true gem. With its authentic Provençal character, Moustiers boasts delightful cafés, art workshops, and galleries to explore. This will be our base for the first of two nights.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: : 19 km (12 miles), 6-7 hours
Elevation: +750 m (2,460 ft) / -1000 m (3,280 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, we hike up to Le Grand Margès (1,576 meters). The trail begins with a gradual ascent through forests of pine and oak, providing welcome shade at the beginning. At the summit, we are rewarded with an incredible 360-degree panorama. To the north, the Verdon Gorge unfolds below, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and the meandering Verdon River carving through the landscape. To the south and east, the rolling hills of Provence stretch into the distance, and on a clear day, the Alps are visible on the horizon. This is truly a spectacular hike and well worth the effort. Afterward, we take a transfer back to our hotel in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Alternatively, this can be the perfect day to rest and enjoy Moustiers. The village features narrow, winding streets, charming squares, and picturesque fountains, embodying the quintessential charm of Provence. High above the village, the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir Chapel offers stunning panoramic views and can be reached via a scenic stone path and steps.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 9 km (5.6 miles), 5-6 hours
Elevation: +800 m (2,625 ft) / -800 m (2,625 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Today’s our last day of trekking. After a 35-minute transfer, we’ll arrive in the old village of Quinson to begin our exploration of the Basses Gorges du Verdon, the lower gorges of the Verdon river. In prehistoric times, humans settled in the caves here and the town’s museum (which claims to be Europe’s largest prehistoric museum) details their history. We’ll also trek some of the route of the Verdon Canal path, made in 1865 and used until recently to channel water to Aix-en-Provence.
Back in the valley, expect dreamy pools with aquamarine water and peaceful little coves before we head up to the day’s high point, the ancient chapel of St Maxime. Come evening we’ll transfer from Quinson to the picturesque village of Gréoux-les-Bains. Brimming with shops, cafes and life, this is the perfect place to end our memorable traverse of the Verdon Gorge.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 9 km (5.6 miles), 5-6 hours
Elevation: +800 m (2,625 ft) / -800 m (2,625 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Our adventure comes to an end after out final breakfast. If you’d like to keep on exploring, ask your guide for recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
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.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in the Verdon Gorge and Provence can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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.
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!
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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!