Trail Running in the Verdon: 4 Routes to Try!

Lace up your shoes! This is the region home to the largest canyon in Europe, ready to challenge you. To take on this exceptional terrain during a trail run in the Verdon, discover 4 routes that will satisfy your desire for off-road running in the heart of nature. These routes are located close to our camping in the Verdon, nestled in the heart of the Regional Natural Park.

To help you visualise your next adventure, here is a summary table of the options available to you.

Trail running in the Verdon is not just about running, it is about fully immersing yourself in the surroundings of the Gorges du Verdon.

Here, every stride feels like an adventure. The limestone cliffs rise up to 700 metres high, shaping a terrain where verticality reigns supreme. This breathtaking landscape sets the rules: steep climbs, technical descents, and rocky trails.

It pushes your technical skills and your endurance to the limit. For trail runners seeking a challenge, the Verdon is a true performance laboratory.

Beyond being an outstanding playground, the Verdon offers runners a unique sensory experience.
Between pine forests, scents of thyme and lavender, and sun-drenched arid plateaus, the area radiates a raw yet soothing energy. Here, nature truly becomes your running partner.

After the effort, the magic begins. Lake Sainte-Croix reveals itself around a bend on your trail run in the Verdon. Its turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the pale stone of the gorges, offering a panorama that instantly wipes away fatigue.

The Verdon is part of the Challenge des Trails de Provence and hosts flagship events such as the Var Verdon Trail Canyon and the Roc’n Trail Verdon. It is a respected trail running destination, where demanding terrain meets breathtaking scenery.

The Verdon offers a wide range of trail routes designed to meet the expectations of even the most demanding runners, from vertical challenges to fast escapes along the lake. Get ready to test your strength.

If you are looking for a serious test of power and endurance, Trail No. 5 Plein Voir is the route for you.

The start is at the Maïre car park, 32 km from the campsite. The route begins near the roundabout by the Maison du Parc, before a major ascent towards the Col de l’Âne and Plein Voir. After this first climb, you descend towards Saint-Maurin and the Bois de Félines. Expect high-mountain-like conditions, including:

• Sections with very steep gradients, both uphill and downhill.
• Rocky and root-filled stretches typical of the Verdon, increasing technical difficulty.
• The final return features a steep descent of over 3.5 km back to the Maison du Parc.

The technical nature of the terrain requires a cautious pace.

Distance: 23 km – Duration: around 4 hours – Elevation gain: +1,650 m – Difficulty: hard.

Set off to conquer the Roman road and Venascle, a loop that also starts from the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, 30 km from your accommodation.

You begin with a fairly demanding climb. The panorama then opens up over Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon cliffs. After this rewarding ascent, the descent begins with a series of flowing switchbacks leading you back to the village. This playful route skilfully combines climbs, pace changes and descents, making it perfect for discovering the Verdon, a stunning adventure playground in Provence.

Distance: 13 km – Duration: around 2 hours 30 minutes – Elevation gain: +388 m – Level: moderate.

The Tour de Bauduen is the perfect loop to loosen up your legs while keeping a spirit of adventure.

The start is 16.8 km from the campsite, in the picturesque village of Bauduen, perched on the southern shore of Lake Sainte-Croix. From the very first steps, the setting takes hold: stone alleyways and garrigue scents. The trail soon rises gently through holm oaks and pine forests, offering stunning views over the lake.

Along the way, you follow the Defens ridges, pass near lavender fields, and enjoy open panoramas across the Upper Var plateaus. The smooth, rolling terrain invites a sustained pace. This is a trail run in the Verdon that promises breathing space, performance, and contemplation.

Distance: 15.55 km – Duration: around 5 hours – Elevation gain: +437 m – Level: moderate.

Get ready for a real adrenaline rush with the Cirque de Vaumale Trail, starting from the village of Aiguines, 21 km from our campsite.

You begin by crossing the Provençal streets, then a path leads you to the first refreshment point at the Col d’Iloire. Next comes the descent. Technical and committed, it plunges you into the Cirque de Vaumale, with secured yet demanding sections.

Then it is back to the climb, heading towards the summit of Grand Margès at 1,565 metres above sea level. The panorama over the Mediterranean and the Alps is worth every effort. The final descent brings you back to Aiguines, quadriceps fully awake and eyes filled with unforgettable memories.

Distance: 17 km – Duration: around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours – Elevation gain: approx. +1,200 m – Level: hard.

Do you feel the powerful call of trail running in the Verdon? Then book your stay today at Camping L’Oasis du Verdon in Aups, your ideal partner for combining physical challenge with 3-star comfort.

*Images generated by AI