10 spectacular hikes in the Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon is Europe's answer to the Grand Canyon. Stretching over 20 kilometres, the river has carved limestone cliffs reaching 700 metres deep, forming one of the most spectacular canyons on the continent. The surreal turquoise water, vertiginous drop-offs and fragrant garrigue create a landscape that leaves every hiker speechless.
But the Verdon is much more than a single viewpoint from the scenic road. It's a vast territory best explored on foot — balcony trails above the void, descents to the water's edge, lakes with lagoon-like colours and perched medieval villages. Each trail reveals a different side of this natural wonder.
Here's our selection of the 10 best hikes, from must-do classics to hidden gems.
1. Sentier Blanc-Martel: the legendary trail
Distance: 19.3 km | Elevation: +422 m | Level: Challenging | Duration: 7h
The Sentier Blanc-Martel is THE iconic Verdon hike. This long-distance trail follows the bottom of the gorges through their most spectacular section, between Chalet de la Maline and Point Sublime. You walk through the heart of the canyon, between walls 300 to 700 metres high, with the river roaring below.
The route passes through tunnels carved into rock (headlamp required), climbs metal ladders and crosses passages where the river has sculpted stone into fantastic shapes. It's a total immersion into the bowels of the canyon.
The highlight: the Styx passage, where the river squeezes through a narrow corridor of turquoise rock. A truly magical moment.
2. Mourre de Chanier and Rougon: the panoramic summit
Distance: 17.1 km | Elevation: +951 m | Level: Challenging | Duration: 7h
For those who want to dominate the canyon rather than walk through it, Mourre de Chanier offers the ultimate panorama over the Gorges du Verdon. From the 1,930 m summit, the view plunges into the turquoise meanders of the Verdon, the vertiginous cliffs and, on clear days, all the way to the snow-capped Southern Alps.
The hike starts from Rougon, a spectacular perched village overlooking the entrance to the gorges. The ascent is demanding but progressive, through alpine meadows and airy ridgelines. It's a complete mountain hike that rewards the effort with a 360° panorama.
The highlight: the contrast between the deep gorges below and the mountain horizon stretching endlessly. You truly grasp the scale of the canyon from above.
3. Lac de Sainte-Croix from Bauduen: the blue hike
Distance: 14.5 km | Elevation: +275 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 4h30
Lac de Sainte-Croix is the Verdon's blue jewel. This vast artificial lake with turquoise waters is bordered by pebble beaches and lavender-covered hills. The hike from Bauduen follows the northern shore via Les Salles-sur-Verdon, offering spectacular views over this surreal expanse of water.
The trail alternates between oak woodland and open viewpoints over the lake. It's an accessible hike, ideal for families or for a relaxed day combining walking and swimming.
The highlight: the lake's colours shift throughout the day, from emerald green in the morning to deep blue in the afternoon. Pack a swimsuit for a swimming break.
4. Gorges de Baudinard: the secret Verdon
Distance: 13.4 km | Elevation: +215 m | Level: Easy to intermediate | Duration: 4h
The Gorges de Baudinard are the Verdon's hidden treasure. Far less crowded than the main gorges, they offer a wild, unspoilt atmosphere. The trail winds between ochre cliffs and the river, through lush Mediterranean vegetation.
This is a peaceful hike, far from the crowds of the Sentier Blanc-Martel, where you can enjoy absolute silence and the sound of the river. The lower gorges of the Verdon have a different charm — more intimate, almost secret.
The highlight: the tranquillity. If you want a Verdon hike without crossing paths with many people, this is it.
5. Pont du Verdon and Notre-Dame-des-Oeufs Chapel
Distance: 12.4 km | Elevation: +359 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 4h
Starting from Greoux-les-Bains, this loop combines heritage and nature. The trail reaches the Pont du Verdon, an ancient bridge spanning the river in a wild setting, then climbs to the Notre-Dame-des-Oeufs chapel, a pilgrimage site perched on a rocky promontory.
The path crosses lavender fields (stunning in June-July), green oak woods and limestone hillsides typical of Haute-Provence. This is the Verdon in its Provencal guise — fragrant and sun-drenched.
The highlight: the Notre-Dame-des-Oeufs chapel, nestled in the rock, with its plunging view over the Verdon valley. A place steeped in history and serenity.
6. Col de Plein Voir and Saint-Maurin waterfall
Distance: 10.5 km | Elevation: +652 m | Level: Challenging | Duration: 5h
This hike is a condensed version of everything the Verdon does best. The trail climbs to Col de Plein Voir, a natural viewpoint that lives up to its name — the view over the gorges is absolutely breathtaking. The descent then leads to the Saint-Maurin waterfall, a cool haven at the bottom of a narrow valley.
The elevation gain is significant for the distance, but the trail is well-marked and the reward is twofold: a grand panorama and a refreshing waterfall.
The highlight: the contrast between the arid limestone ridges and the cool waterfall below. Two worlds in a single hike.
7. Lac d'Esparron-de-Verdon: the Provencal fjord
Distance: 10.3 km | Elevation: +241 m | Level: Easy to intermediate | Duration: 3h30
Esparron-de-Verdon is nicknamed the "Provencal fjord" and it's easy to see why. The lake stretches between steep cliffs and hidden coves, in a landscape reminiscent of Norwegian fjords — Mediterranean style. The loop around the Esparron castle offers stunning views of this unique scenery.
The trail is accessible and varied, moving between pine forests, garrigue scrubland and viewpoints above the lake. The medieval village of Esparron, with its 13th-century castle, is worth a visit before or after the hike.
The highlight: the "Miracle bleu" viewpoint, where the lake water takes on a cobalt blue hue of surreal intensity.
8. Greoux-les-Bains dam: the easy walk
Distance: 11.0 km | Elevation: +169 m | Level: Easy | Duration: 3h
For a relaxed outing with no technical difficulty, this loop from Greoux-les-Bains follows the Verdon to the dam. The trail is flat and shaded, ideal for families or for easing back into hiking.
The dam itself is impressive, and the views over the river upstream are beautiful. This is the peaceful Verdon, far from the vertiginous cliffs of the main gorges, but just as beautiful in its bucolic way.
The highlight: accessibility. This is the perfect hike to discover the Verdon with family or for those who prefer a contemplative walk without difficulty.
9. Sentier de l'Imbut: the waterside adventure
Distance: 15 km | Elevation: +500 m | Level: Challenging to expert | Duration: 7h
The Sentier de l'Imbut is the wildest and most committed hike in the Verdon. The word "imbut" refers to where the river disappears beneath the rocks — a fascinating geological phenomenon. The trail descends to the bottom of the gorges via a steep, technical path, then follows the river along narrow passages, sometimes clinging to the cliff face.
This hike is reserved for experienced walkers. Some sections are exposed and require a sure foot. But for adventurers, it's an unforgettable experience, as close as you can get to the river and the raw rock.
The highlight: the Imbut passage itself, where the river plunges beneath a chaos of giant boulders. A unique natural spectacle.
10. Route des Cretes: the Verdon balcony
Distance: 14 km | Elevation: +350 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 5h
The Route des Cretes is famous as a scenic drive, but it's even better on foot. The hiking trail follows the southern rim of the gorges past a succession of vertiginous viewpoints: the Belvedere de la Carelle, the Balcon de la Mescla, Point Sublime...
Each viewpoint offers a different perspective on the canyon: the river's meanders, the vertical cliffs, the vultures soaring on thermal currents. It's a permanent balcony walk above the void, spectacular from start to finish.
The highlight: the Balcon de la Mescla, where the Verdon and Artuby rivers meet 600 metres below. Vertigo guaranteed.
Practical information for hiking in the Gorges du Verdon
Getting there
- By car: the Verdon is accessible from Aix-en-Provence (1h30), Nice (2h30) or Marseille (2h). Trailhead car parks are often pay-and-display in season
- By bus: the gorges bus (LR-31 line) connects Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie via the main trailheads, June to September
- Main starting points: Rougon, La Palud-sur-Verdon, Castellane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Greoux-les-Bains
When to go
- Best period: April to June and September to October. Temperatures are pleasant and crowds moderate
- Summer (July-August): intense heat at the bottom of the gorges (often 35°C+), heavy crowds, but the lakes are perfect for swimming
- Winter: some high-altitude trails are impassable (snow, ice), but the lower gorges remain accessible
Recommended gear
- Hiking boots with good grip — limestone can be very slippery. Vibram-soled boots are ideal
- Headlamp for the Sentier Blanc-Martel tunnels
- Plenty of water — minimum 2 litres per person, 3 litres in summer
- Sun protection — SPF 50 sunscreen, cap and category 3 sunglasses
- A suitable backpack — a 20-litre pack is enough for a day hike
Ready to explore the Gorges du Verdon?
The Gorges du Verdon are an exceptional playground for hikers of all levels. From the legendary Sentier Blanc-Martel to the turquoise lakes, from airy ridgelines to the secret gorges of Baudinard, each trail tells a different story of this extraordinary canyon.
Find all these routes with GPX files on OpenRando Explorer. Download the track, pack your bag and set off to discover Europe's largest canyon.
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