Hiking Trails in the Verdon
Walks and Hikes in the Verdon
Whether you have an adventurous spirit or simply want to take a leisurely stroll while discovering magnificent landscapes, the Verdon and the campground are the ideal spots for enjoyable walks and hikes. From short sightseeing walks to much more challenging hikes on long-distance trails, there’s something here for every taste and every level of hiker.
- One example is the Trigance to Carajuan Bridge trail, which is suitable for everyone with its 3-hour hike, 225-meter elevation gain, and total length of 8.5 kilometers.
- The Sentier Blanc-Martel trail is longer and will take you on a hike estimated to last 6 hours, with 350 meters of elevation gain over 15 kilometers of exploration on foot
- The Samson Corridor Trail is open to the general public and offers a 2-hour hike with an elevation gain of 80 meters over a total distance of 5 kilometers
- The Sentier de l’Imbut trail takes 5 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of 600 meters and a distance of 13 kilometers. (Temporarily closed)
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You’re sure to find what you’re looking for among the many walking and hiking trails available, which let you explore a regional nature park, cliffs, ridges, and even a dam in Haute Provence on the Valensole Plateau, all while taking in breathtaking panoramic views and observing the local flora and fauna.
Discover the Most Beautiful Hikes in the Verdon Gorges
The Easiest Hikes
- If you’re the adventurous type looking for a fairly easy hiking getaway, try the trail from Trigance to the Carajuan Bridge— an 8.5-kilometer hike that takes you right to the bridge overlooking the Verdon River. Allow 3 hours for this round-trip hike.
- The Samson Gorge Trail is another interesting route; the trail starts at the Point Sublime parking lot and winds through the Verdon. Enjoy the area’s flora, fauna, and history. It’s the perfect route for hikes with family or friends.
The Path to the Bastidon
The Bastidon Trail is recommended primarily for adults and children ages 10 and up. The trail follows a series of ledges overlooking the Verdon River in a secluded section.
Get ready for this 3-hour hike and be dazzled by the scenery along this wild “balcony” trail with magnificent views. The Bastidon Trail is a fairly easy route technically; the difficult sections are equipped with cables.
To get there, simply follow the yellow trail markers from the dirt parking lot on Route du Chalet Maline before the road reaches the gorges.
Challenging Hikes
- The climb up the Grand Margès is reserved for the bravest. If you enjoy challenging hikes, you’ll create a memorable experience by reaching the summit of Margès at an elevation of 1,577 meters. The trail overlooks the Gorges du Verdon and offers magnificent views of the Verdon River itself.
There are two trails leading to the summit:
– The first trail climbs toward the Haut du Puits, with several steep slopes leading to the summit of Margès.
– A second trail climbs through the woods before reaching the Colle plateau, passing through a series of ridges that lead to the majestic summit. This trail offers the unique opportunity to traverse a section of the vast, still-untouched gorges. - Once you arrive, you can explore the Imbut Trail down to the Verdon Riverbed. (temporarily closed) Several ledge and vertical sections are secured with metal cables. Discover the chaos of the Imbut, a vast funnel where you’ll see the Verdon disappear.
- Be sure to check out the Martel Trail —also known as the Blanc-Martel Trail —for a unique experience and a whole new hiking adventure. It’s a short but beautiful hike—try it with a guide and set off on a half-day adventure.
Hiking Trails Around Lake Sainte-Croix
Hiking is a must around Lake Sainte-Croix. Start with the “Circuit des Muletiers” trail, which begins in the village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Then head to the beautiful coves and have fun with the whole family—these trails are designed for everyone. Take a break at the lake and enjoy water activities with the whole family.
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Next, continue on to the Defens Tower loop trail, starting from the church in Bauduen and heading toward the Defens Plateau. It will take you 4 hours to complete the loop, and this is the perfect opportunity to explore the village of Baudinard. Finally, to wrap up your family hikes, enjoy a short stroll from Baudinard up to the chapel and its orientation table. It’s time to admire Lake Sainte-Croix in all its splendor. In short, let’s admit it: this is the easiest hike around Lake Sainte-Croix.
