The Guide to the Verdon Ridge Route

Would you like to be transported to a world where the cliffs seem to reach for the sky? About 50 km from our campground near the Gorges du Verdon, the Route des Crêtes can be the setting for your most thrilling vertical adventures! By the way, did you know that some of the lookouts along this loop trail overlook a drop of more than 700 meters? This is where the adventure truly begins for lovers of wild Provence. Don’t just look at the photos—come and live the experience!

The Route des Crêtes: At a Glance

A 24-km scenic route perched high above the Verdon Gorges.
A scenic road with about fifteen overlooks overlooking the canyon.
Starts in La Palud-sur-Verdon; partially one-way loop.
You may be able to spot griffon vultures in flight.
It’s easily accessible by car or bike, preferably early in the morning.

What is the Route des Crêtes des Gorges du Verdon?

Departmental Road D23 is not just a regular road. It’s an engineering marvel that winds its way along the contours of the Verdon Gorge, one of Europe’s most spectacular canyons!

A scenic tour through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

The Route des Crêtes winds through the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon. Built in 1972, it takes you to the tops of the limestone cliffs, where the silence is broken only by the whistling of the wind.

According to data from the Verdon Tourist Office, this trail features about fifteen designated overlooks. Each stop offers a unique view of the emerald ribbon of the river below. You’re sure to love this complete immersion in the Mediterranean’s flora and fauna!

Route Details

Length: 24 kilometers.
Elevation: The route reaches an altitude of over 700 meters.
Direction of travel: Much of the route is one-way. To complete the loop without any problems, you must start from La Palud-sur-Verdon heading toward Rougon / Castellane (clockwise). This will allow you to travel the regulated section between Jas de l’Aire and Chalet de la Maline in the correct direction.

By car, bike, or on foot: How should you travel along the road?

Each mode of transportation offers you a different perspective on the abyss:

By car or motorcycle: This is the easiest way to cover the 24 km. However, we recommend setting out before 9 a.m. in the summer to avoid parking difficulties at the narrow overlooks.
By bike (e-bike recommended): With slopes reaching 10%, renting an e-bike is the best option for enjoying the scenery without too much effort.
On foot: Hiking along the road itself is not recommended because the road is narrow.

What awaits you on the Route des Crêtes?

Leave our hotel in Aups and head to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This historic village, the gateway to the canyon, is an ideal stop before hitting the road. Then follow the signs for La Palud-sur-Verdon via the D952, a road that’s already spectacular.

The starting point of the tour

The legendary Route des Crêtes begins just outside the village of La Palud. You’ll experience your first breathtaking view when you reach the Carelle or Dent d’Aire lookout points. From there, you’ll look down on the legendary cliffs of the Escalès.

Our advice: Don’t try to see everything in 30 minutes. Take your time! The Verdon Ridge Road calls for a leisurely pace so you can appreciate the complexity of the rock strata and the beauty of the scenery.

Viewpoints: Balconies Over the Abyss

Each rest area along the Route des Crêtes des Gorges du Verdon has its own unique character. The Escalès lookout is undoubtedly the most spectacular for rock-climbing enthusiasts. You’ll often see climbers hanging from the rock faces there.

Continue on to the Carelle rest area to enjoy a particularly impressive panoramic view of the entire canyon. Then, continue on to the Trescaire lookout, which is popular for its play of light at the end of the day.

Bonus tip: Bring a pair of binoculars! You might spot some chamois.
Good to know: Parking is limited in certain narrow areas.

The Chalet de la Maline, the gateway to the canyon

The Chalet de la Maline is a strategic stop along this loop. It’s the starting point of the famous Blanc-Martel Trail, one of the best-known hikes in the Gorges du Verdon. That said, even if you don’t hike for hours, be sure to walk a few meters! You’ll immediately feel the isolation and grandeur of the canyon.

Exceptional biodiversity on the mountaintops

The Verdon Regional Nature Park protects a fragile ecosystem. On the ridges, the vegetation is sparse. Juniper, thyme, and unique rock-dwelling plants cling to the rocks.

But the true kings of the area are the large birds of prey. Indeed, the reintroduction of griffon vultures has been a resounding success. The Verdon Gorges are now home to several hundred of them, making the area one of the best spots for birdwatching in France. It’s not uncommon to see them flying just a few meters from the lookout points! Look up to watch these birds glide with a wingspan that can exceed 2.50 meters.

A Practical Guide to Safe Shipping

You shouldn’t set out on this route without preparing thoroughly! Here’s what you need to know before tackling this mountainous route:

The circuit is partially closed in winter, generally from late November to late March, depending on weather conditions. For the best experience, visit in May, June, or September!
The Route des Crêtes du Verdon is accessible to RVs, but caution is advised if you’re not comfortable driving large vehicles.
Check the condition of your brakes, especially before the descent to La Palud.
When you’re with children, always be careful near the low walls at the lookout points.
Obey traffic signs and use only authorized parking areas.

Traveling along the Route des Crêtes du Verdon means coming face-to-face with the raw power of Provence. After so many exciting experiences, nothing beats the refreshing feel of a dip in Lake Sainte-Croix and some quality downtime at our campground. Don’t wait—book your stay at L’Oasis du Verdon campground today! We look forward to seeing you!

Verdon Markets Lower Verdon Gorges