Best French hiking trails: Discover the Grand Canyon during 6 days

Experience trekking in the Gorges du Verdon in complete freedom!

DAY 1 – FROM MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE TO THE GRAND CANYON

After a taxi transfer from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France), you’ll start your trek with a short walk. This is a relatively easy route to get you started, departing from Mairestre. You’ll take the Bastidon path, a ledge path that follows the top of the cliffs, offering constantly changing views of the gorges and numerous lookouts. This path will take you to La Maline, where you can spend the night in the heart of the Grand Canyon.

Distance: 10 km

Duration: 4 hours

Elevation: + 360 m / – 280 m

An alternative route is available via the Saint-Maurin Regional Nature Reserve, a magical place renowned for its many caves and waterfalls. This route is suitable for experienced hikers.

DAY 2 – THE BLANC-MARTEL TRAIL

The flagship trail of the Gorges du Verdon, named after two historic explorers of Europe’s largest canyon: Alfred-Edouard Martel and Isidore Blanc. From the Chalet de la Maline, you’ll descend to the bottom of the Gorges down to the river. In the heart of a setting marked by spectacular geology and a river of stunning colour, you will explore the superb Mescla beach. You’ll then climb the dizzying stairs of the Brèche Imbert and pass through two dark tunnels before ascending to the Point Sublime (785 m). Then it’s just another kilometre to Rougon, a small village with breathtaking views, where you’ll spend the night.

Distance: 14 km

Duration: 7 hours

Elevation: + 780 m / – 700 m

DAY 3 – WATCHING GRIFFON VULTURES AT RANCOUMAS

You’ll cross the Verdon at the Tusset bridge and head for the heights along a shady, quiet path to discover a unique biotope. Be sure to observe the flora and fauna endemic to the Verdon. At the top of the path, you can overlook the Verdon (a few hundred metres below) for a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks. The Rancoumas lookout is one of the few not to be bordered by a road, making it a peaceful spot for observation. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the vultures circling overhead. Vultures can have a wingspan of over 2.5 metres… something to impress you! After your hike, you will return to your lodge in Rougon for your second night.

Distance: 10.5 km

Duration: 6 hours

Elevation: + 750 m / – 750 m

DAY 4 – THE GRAND MOURRE RIDGES

Prepare yourself for a long, splendid trekking day and a close-up view of the highest points of the Verdon Regional Nature Park. You’ll cross a unique site, wild and marked by pastoralism, in real contrast to the busy routes of the Gorges du Verdon: the Suech plateau hilltop at an altitude of over 1,200 m and overlooking the village of Rougon, before contemplating the Mourre de Chanier (1,930 m). Finally, you’ll spend the night in a house full of character set in the heart of a vast agricultural estate, amidst pastures home to Angora goats, dairy goats and donkeys.

Distance: 13.5 km

Duration: 7.5 hours

Elevation: + 970 m / – 780 m

An alternative route is available, offering an exceptional panorama of the great massifs of the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. This route is more challenging and therefore an option for experienced hikers only.

DAY 5 – THE CHAMOIS OF MONTDENIER

On this day you will climb to the top of the Pavillon, the eastern end of the Serre de Montdenier. This large grassy ridge offers exceptional views of the Ventoux, Lure, Sainte-Victoire, Luberon, Sainte-Baume, Mercantour and Écrins peaks, and of course the Lac de Sainte-Croix! You’ll then continue your descent to Venascle at an altitude of 950 m. You’ll spend the night in a Provençal farmhouse set on a small, arid plateau in the heart of a 500-hectare estate.

Distance: 14 km

Duration: 6 hours

Elevation: + 370 m / – 620 m

DAY 6 – PLEIN VOIR AND THE OURBES RIDGE

Get ready for what will be an exceptional last day. You’ll hike up to the Col de Plein Voir, the Col de l’âne and venture the Ourbes ridge. Make the most of these last few moments up hills to enjoy another breathtaking view. On the way back down, you’ll reach the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for a well-deserved rest.

Distance: 15.5 km

Duration: 7.5 hours

Elevation: + 650 m / – 1030 m

Elevation: + 370 m / – 620 m

DAY 7 – IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO STAY AN EXTRA NIGHT

To round off your adventure, we suggest a swim and a visit to the magnificent village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie. After a nice breakfast, you pack your bags before leaving your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to explore the surrounding area, including the charming village of Moustiers-Ste-Marie, renowned for its beauty and picturesque character. Soak up the local atmosphere, visit its sightseeing spots and discover its hidden treasures. You can also take advantage of this time to swim in the Sainte-Croix lake, an ideal opportunity to end up your stay.

Included

• 1 taxi pick-up on day 1 from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
• Accommodation
• Breakfasts
• Picnics (optional)
• Dinners (optional)
• Detailed roadbook to enable you to explore this trek in complete freedom
• Luggage transfer (optional: contact us to get a quote)

Excluded

• Additional night in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie the day before and/or after the Trek (contact us if you wish to add that option)
• Trekking equipment
• Travel insurance
• Medical insurance

Trekking equipment to bring with you

• Light trekking boots
• Trekking socks
• Silk or cotton rucksack
• Flip-flops
• Light trousers and/or shorts
• Technical T-shirts
• Light fleece jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket or k-way in case of rain
• Winter hat (depending on the season)
• Gloves (depending on the season)
• Hiking poles (according to your preference)
• Sun cream, lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Hat/cap for sun protection
• Water pouches or water bottles – 3L per person
• Mini-pharmacy to prevent or fight blisters (second skin, plasters, bandages)
• Tissues and toilet paper
• Toiletries (Marseille soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)
• Survival blanket
• Headlamp
• Compass
• Whistle
• Snacks (dried fruit, cereal bars) for energy downs

Do I need a car for this tour?

You do not need a car for this tour. Meeting point on day 1 can be reached by bus or taxi. If you have a car, we will indicate a place where you may park it during the tour in the village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie. Everyday you will be staying at a different place. Should you need an english speaking hiking Guide, contact us on the chat.

Which fitness level is required to take part to the Trek ?

This is a hiking trail of which some sections can be demanding, and which you will have to complete with a backpack* containing everything you need (clothes, picnic, water, survival kit, etc.). You must be fit and healthy to take part in this trip.

*We recommend a medium-sized backpack (30 to 40 litres) weighing no more than 12 kg for the duration of the trek.

How is luggage transportation arranged?

Luggage transfer (available as an option) includes transport for one piece of luggage of reasonable size and weight. You will have access to your luggage to refresh the equipment you will be carrying in your backpack for your daily walks. Contact Verdon Voyages for a quote.

What kind of accommodation will you have during your trek through the Gorges du Verdon?

We organise your accommodation in cottages, lodges and hostels located in the heart of the nature. We do our utmost to ensure that you have a private room, but in cases where this is not possible, we provide comfortable dormitories adapted to your group. For people travelling alone, we group participants together in shared rooms. Sheets and blankets are provided, but please bring your own towels and toiletries.

Meals during your stay?

The cottages, lodegs, and hostels offer a half-board option, which means that breakfast and dinner are included in the price of your stay. You can start your day with a delicious breakfast prepared for you, and finish it with a nice dinner. Picnics for lunch are also included in the price and will be distributed to you each morning.

How do I register?

You can register online by paying a deposit of 30% of the total cost of your stay. Our teams will send you a payment link for the balance on D-15.

You choose the luggage transfer option at time of paying the deposit.

Extra night on departure and/or on arrival in Moustiers Sainte-Marie ?

You choose this option when you make your booking at time of paying the deposit. We will contact you to offer you the best deal according to your budget and the season.

What are the safety conditions for this holiday?

When you register, you must confirm your age, fitness and sport level. The Verdon Voyages team will be reachable to assist you if necessary.

What to do in the event of bad weather conditions?

The activities you are going to undertake depend on the weather risks. Verdon Voyages may therefore decide to cancel or modify part of the activity. Such cancellations are rare. In this case, we will propose an alternative route depending on the weather conditions.

Will there be network during the trek?

The accommodations on your itinerary have Wi-Fi. Your roadbook will give you information on the network available at the various stages. This service is not under our control and may be unpredictable in mountainous areas. We can therefore not guarantee it.

What are the cancellation conditions?

Before D-60: a handling fee of 50 euros will be deducted.
Between D-60 and D-8: the deposit paid at the time of booking will be retained.
After D-7: no refund will be made in the event of cancellation.

We therefore encourage you to plan your trip carefully and take all the necessary precautions to avoid any unforeseen cancellations.

Experience Hiking in the Gorges du Verdon! Contact us on + 33 4 92 71 01 33 or by using the “chat” (bottom right of your screen).