New: Provence Verdon Gorge hiking week, France

Dates: April/May

UNESCO’S Most Beautiful River Canyon In Provence

Walk a section of the G4 route, featuring millennia-old Roman roads “
Explore Europe’s most beautiful river canyon, protected by UNESCO
Enjoy the history and cuisine of medieval Provencal villages

Find your hiking paradise where the airy elegance of Provence meets the staggering panoramas of the Verdon Gorge. During this Provence Verdon gorge hiking week France you will explore the areas around this verdant 15-mile ravine—where the turquoise Verdon river formed 2,000-foot limestone walls. But your week-long hiking escapade is so much more than exploring Europe’s most beautiful river canyon. It’s a walk steeped in history, scented by lavender fields, and adorned by medieval villages. It’s waking up to the chime of church bells, getting tired from hiking among mind- boggling natural wonders, and unwinding with a glass of French wine in Provencal cafes— excited for what tomorrow brings.

The Verdon Gorge is Europe’s most beautiful river canyon, set in its own national park. It is roughly 25km long, 8m to 90m wide at its base, and up to 1500m wide at the rims. In 1997 the national park became a UNESCO world heritage site, and the largest geological reserve in Europe. Our Verdon Gorge Trek takes us on a variety of stunning walks, exploring the gorge and its surrounding villages. One of the highlights of the trip is a section running between the medieval towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where the river has cut a dramatic ravine into the limestone rock that reaches down to a depth of 700 metres in places.

On this fabulous trek we also explore the very best of Provence, with its picturesque villages, sparkling rivers, dramatic rock formations, hidden tunnels, breathtaking
views, and some of the best food and wine in the world. Highlights include the start and end in the famous medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

Did you know ?

The green color of the Verdon is due to fluoride and micro-algae it contains : it’s probably the origin of its name, from Latin viridum, “green place”. Join us on this guided Provence Verdon gorge hiking week France.

HIKING ITINERARY PROVENCE VERDON GORGE HIKING WEEK FRANCE

ARRIVAL DAY

We meet for a welcome dinner and trip orientation in the medieval village of Moustiers- Sainte-Marie. It is the perfect town to start our adventure, Moustiers has narrow, winding streets, small squares, and fountains, exuding the quintessential charm of Provence. Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir Chapel is perched high above the village, the chapel offers panoramic views and can be reached via a stone path and steps.

• Night at Spa Hotel in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

DAY 1: FROM MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE TO THE GRAND CANYON

After a cab transfer from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, we’ll start your trek with a short day’s walk. It’s a relatively easy route to get you started from Mairestre. We’ll take the Bastidon trail, a corniche path that follows the top of the cliffs, with ever-changing views over the gorges and numerous belvederes. This path will take us to La Maline. Short transfer to our Hotel near La Palud.

• Hike: 10 km, +360m, – 280m
• Night at Hotel and Spa Gorges du Verdon

DAY 2: THE BLANC-MARTEL TRAIL FROM LA MALINE TO ROUGON

The famous trail of the Gorges du Verdon, named after two historic explorers of Europe’s largest canyon: Alfred-Edouard Martel and Isidore Blanc. From the Chalet de la Maline, you descend to the river at the bottom of the Gorges. In the heart of a setting marked by spectacular geology and a river of stunning color, you explore the superb Mescla beach. You’ll then climb the dizzying stairs of the Brèche Imbert and pass through two dark tunnels before ascending to Point Sublime (785 m) with its breathtaking view of the Grand Canyon. Then it’s just one kilometer to Rougon, a small village with breathtaking views, where you’ll spend the night.

• Hike: 14 km, +780m, – 700m
• Night at Hotel Pointe Sublime or Rougon

DAY 3: POINT SUBLIME – TRIGANCE

You will cross an old Roman bridge consisting of a single arch and follow an old shepherd’s path uphill through the forest to the Belvédère de Rancoumas. This is a rocky cliff with a fantastic view far into the valley of the Verdon Gorge and onto the 500 m high rock face of Escalès. From the Plateau d’Entrevergues, hike along shady forest paths and green pastures to the medieval village of Trigance. Enjoy the evening in absolute tranquility and surrounded by idyllic nature
approx. 5 hours

• Hike:12 km, +860 m, – 860 m
• Night at Hotel in Trigance

DAY 4: CHASTEUIL TO ROUGON TO POINTE SUBLIME

We take a shuttle to the beautiful Chasteuil, where we can also buy soaps, balms and oils, all made with locally-grown lavender. We join the famous GR4, which follows the route used by the Romans to reach Lyon. After an ascent to a plateau at 1228 metres, then on to the village of Rougon, where we can take a break and sample the local crêpes and ice cream. If we’re lucky we might even be able to spot a Griffon Vulture soaring overhead. From here we have a short descent to the village of Point Sublime, where a Taxi bring us to our Hotel for the night.

• Hike: 8km
• Night at Hotel and Spa Gorges du Verdon

DAY 5: LA PALUD TO MOUSTIERS – SAINT- MARIE

The day starts with an ascent through the pine forest of Col de Plein Voir, and up to a viewpoint with spectacular views over the turquoise lake of Sainte-Croix. Continuing past huge limestone crags and rock towers, reach the Crêtes de l’Ourbès (1213 m / 3,980 ft). Afterward, a fairly steep descent takes us down to the medieval village of Moustiers- Sainte-Marie—steeped in the history of the Knights Templar. Relish its Provencal character with typical architecture, lovely cafes, and art galleries.

• Hike: : 19 km, +750 m, -1000 m (shorter hiking option available)

• Night at Hotel in Moustiers-Saint-Marie

DAY 6: HIKE TO LE GRAND MARGES SUMMIT

Today we hike up from Aiguines to Le Grand Margès (1,576 meters), the trail begins with a gradual climb through forests of pine and oak, offering shade in the early part of the
hike. The reward is an incredible 360-degree view. To the north the Verdon Gorge stretches below, with its deep, limestone cliffs and the meandering Verdon River cutting deep through the landscape. To the south and east, you can see the rolling hills of Provence, and in the distance, the Alps on a clear day. This day is absolutely spectacular and well worth the effort. We then take a transfer back to our hotel in Moustiers-Saint- Marie.

• Hiking: 9km, +800m / -800m (easier loop hike available)

• Night at Hotel in Moustiers-Saint-Marie

DAY 7: END OF THE ADVENTURE

Your Verdon Gorge guided adventure finishes after breakfast. Take a last chance to wander about the lovely Provencal village before heading back to the airport.

What to expect on this Provence Verdon gorges hiking week France

The days are moderately-paced, as we take time to stop and take in the views, but each day will typically be around 5-7 hours of hiking, so you will definitely need a good level of fitness. We have luggage access throughout the week, so we will only need to carry day packs. During the trek we will stay in authentic hotels in or near small villages.

Map Provence Verdon Gorge hiking week France

Costs:

Please get in touch as costs depend on group size

Included

6 nights’ accommodation in private en-suite rooms
Breakfasts & dinners
All transport mentioned in the itinerary
Fully qualified & experienced International Mountain Leader
Luggage access on all nights

Not Included

Flights
Arrival & departure transfers
Travel insurance including Mountain Rescue Insurance (compulsory)
Lunches
Personal drinks & snacks
Tips

Getting to Moustiers – Saint – Marie

Moustiers – Saint Marie is located in the department of Alpes de Haute Provence which is in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region of Southeastern France.

Nearest airports:

Marseille Provence airport (1 hour 40 mins)
Avignon-Provence airport (2 hours)
Cannes-Mandelieu airport (2 hours 10mins)

Bus /train

It’s possible to get to Moustiers – Saint – Marie by bus and train: Check here

Weather in the Haute Provence

The weather during this hiking week can vary considerably and you should always be prepared for any eventuality.
Temperatures in Haute Provence, France, range from daily highs of 17°-21°C (63°-71°F)in April, and May, to daily lows of 5-9°C (41°-48°F) . In September and August the daily temperature ranges from an average 24-29°C (76°-84°F), down to 11-15°C (53°-59°F).

It is often sunny with good clear days and can be very warm where hydration will become important, but it can rain and the temperatures can drop dramatically. It is not unusual for thunder storms to occur at the end of the afternoon and waterproof clothing should be carried at all times.

Food

All breakfasts and dinners are included. Dinners are usually a la carte, locally sourced food, wholesome and often have fresh fish flavoured with provencal herbs. Drinks are not included, but you can order beer, soft drinks, and of course local wine at all of the hotels. Lunches are not included, but your guide will lead you to shops and bakeries. We’ll also make time for crepes, ice cream and other local snacks.

Luggage Delivery

We deliver your main luggage every day. Please try to keep your main kit bag or suitcase to a sensible size (we recommend approx 15 kg).

Kit List Provence Verdon Gorge hiking week France

Backpack– approx. 30L – for you to carry each day
Kit bag or suitcase – for your main luggage to be transported. Max 15 kg and 1 per person (extra bags may incur a supplement).
Hiking boots – you need to have a pair of waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and a good sole. Hiking trainers are okay for some days, but would not be appropriate in really bad weather, on rougher terrain, or when there is snow, so if you are thinking of bringing hiking shoes or trainers, you’ll need boots in addition to those for the more rugged days.
Waterproof jacket and trousers – both essential items, should be as light as possible (not insulated: your other layers should provide the insulation). Please ensure that you do not need to remove your walking boots in order to put on your waterproof trousers.
Socks
Underwear
Trekking trousers – bring something lightweight.
Shorts
T-shirts – wicking or Merino t-shirts are better than cotton as they are lighter and dry faster. Mid layer – fleece jacket is good
Warm jacket – We recommend bringing a lightweight synthetic or down jacket, just in case it gets cold. Remember, you are carrying this in your rucksack so it should be as light as possible.
Warm hat – lightweight woolly hat is fine
Gloves – we recommend bringing 1-2 pairs. A light liner pair are good for most of the trip. Then a pair of waterproof gloves such as Seal Skinz can be very useful in bad weather.
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Suncream (small bottle to save weight)
Lip protection (with sun screen)
Water bottles / camelback – you should have the capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water, but on very hot days you could need 3L.
Walking poles – These often go in the “optional” section, but if there is snow, they are essential.
Wash kit
Plastic bags / dry sacks to keep essentials dry.
Passport – to be carried whilst trekking. Make sure you keep it dry. Cash – for packed lunches and any drinks whilst on the trip
Credit card – for emergencies
Basic first aid kit – your leader will carry a large first aid kit, but you should bring a small first aid kit containing plasters, blister treatment, painkillers & diarrhea treatment (rehydration sachets & immodium)
Buff – can be useful for extra warmth if it’s cold, or sun protection for your neck on a hot day
Camera Book
Lightweight sandals / flip flops, they aren’t provided in the hotels, so it’s really nice to have footwear to change into in the evening
Hiking Trainers – it can be nice to give your feet a break from your walking boots on some days. Your leader can advise on which days this might be suitable, and if you are thinking of doing this, your shoes must be suitable for trekking in!
Mobile phone – there is phone reception for the majority of the trip. Small Umbrella
Snacks – not essential as we do go past shops most days so you can top up your supply of snacks fairly regularly
Antibacterial handwash
Insect repellant
Swimwear – some of the hotels have a swimming pool, spa or sauna

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