guide
Do you dream of walking through one of Europe’s most beautiful canyons on foot? Hiking in the Gorges du Verdon offers spectacular panoramas, with towering cliffs and turquoise waters. From the famous Blanc-Martel Trail to the lower gorges, discover the routes you shouldn’t miss, our practical advice, and the best times to enjoy this natural wonder of Provence from your camping with water park.
This is the route every hiking enthusiast in the Gorges du Verdon should experience. Stretching 15 km, the Blanc-Martel Trail connects the Maline chalet to Point Sublime, passing through tunnels, metal ladders, and walkways overlooking the Verdon. Plan for 6 to 7 hours of hiking with a 600 m elevation gain. The trail is not recommended for children under 8 or those afraid of heights. Dogs and mountain bikes are prohibited.
Claire’s tip: hike the Blanc-Martel from Maline toward Point Sublime to enjoy the descent. Remember to book the Park shuttle, available from April to November, which drops you off at the start in the morning and picks you up at the finish.
This 13 km route (about 6 hours, 800 m elevation gain) is a more demanding alternative to Blanc-Martel for those seeking a more athletic hike in the Gorges du Verdon. It descends to the canyon floor via the left bank, offering technical sections across varied terrain. It’s recommended for experienced hikers comfortable with steep trails. Less crowded than its neighbor, Bastidon guarantees a wilder immersion in the heart of the Grand Canyon.
Lesser-known, the lower gorges trail runs along the Verdon between Montmeyan and Quinson. More accessible, it’s perfect for families and casual walkers. You’ll discover a landscape of gentle cliffs, caves, and tunnels carved through limestone, far from the summer crowds of the Grand Canyon. It’s an excellent option to explore the Gorges du Verdon as a family, at your own pace.
Point Sublime, on the Rougon commune, is the starting point for a short hike in the Gorges du Verdon via the Samson Corridor. This 3 km round-trip offers a quick immersion into the heart of the canyon with a nice view of the gorges’ entrance. Ideal if you have limited time or want a first taste before tackling longer routes.
Before heading out on the trails, take a few precautions to ensure your Gorges du Verdon hike goes smoothly:
“My favorite tip: start early, before 8am, to enjoy the cool morning and have the trails nearly to yourself. That’s when the light on the canyon is most beautiful.” – Claire
After a day on the trails, what’s better than a dip in a heated pool? Discover our campings with water parks in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur near the Gorges du Verdon and book your next nature getaway!
The most beautiful hike in the Verdon Gorges is the Blanc-Martel trail. This 15 km route crosses the heart of the Grand Canyon, through tunnels, ladders and exceptional panoramas over the cliffs and the Verdon river. It's accessible to hikers in good physical condition and offers an unforgettable way to discover the canyon.
Hiking the Verdon Gorges with children is entirely possible on certain trails. The lower gorges between Quinson and Montmeyan suit families well. Point Sublime also offers a short, accessible walk. The Blanc-Martel trail, on the other hand, isn't recommended for children under 8.
There's no need to book to hike the Verdon Gorges. Access to the trails is free and open. However, it's strongly recommended to book the shuttle run by the Regional Nature Park if you're taking the Blanc-Martel trail, as places are limited in peak season.
The Imbut trail has been partially closed since 2022 due to rockfall risk. The descent from the Hôtel du Grand Canyon, the section between the Estellier footbridge and the Vidal climb, as well as the Vidal climb itself, are closed to the public. Check the park's website before you go.
Yes, campsites in the Verdon and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur offer water parks with heated pools - set amid the garrigue scrubland and lavender of Provence, 20-30 minutes from the Verdon Gorges hikes and Lake Sainte-Croix. These campsites are ideal for exploring the Blanc-Martel trail, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the lower Verdon gorges and Lake Esparron during your travels through the Verdon's regional nature park.
The Blanc-Martel trail hike takes on average 6 to 7 hours to cover the 15 km route. This time includes the technical sections (tunnels, stairs, ladders) but not sightseeing breaks. Allow a full day to enjoy it at a relaxed pace.
