Dates: April/May and September/October
UNESCO’S Most Beautiful River Canyon in Provence
- Walk a section of the G4 route, featuring millennia-old Roman roads
- Explore Europe’s deepest and 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 that 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 AT QUINSON
We meet for a welcome dinner and trip orientation in the wonderful guesthouse near Quinson. It is the ideal place to reconnect with nature. Enjoy the views of the fields, forest, and mountains and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Nestled in the heart of nature, the domaine features an outdoor pool, garden and lots of forest trails to explore.
• Night and dinner at a wonderful authentic domaine in an exceptional landscape near Quinson
DAY 1: CANAL KEEPERS TRAIL AND PREHISTORIC MUSEUM
We follow the historic Canal Keeper’s Path and enjoy the privilege of entering the lower Verdon gorges on our way to the Chapel of Sainte-Maxime.
We love walking the old Canal Keeper’s Path in the lower Verdon gorges — a trail steeped in the history of the men who built this canal between 1865 and 1875. It remained in use until the mid- 20th century to supply water to the Aix-en-Provence basin.
After an ice cream stop we visit the famous prehistoric Museum of Quinson. In the heart of the Verdon, in Quinson, the Musée de Préhistoire presents the finds of the excavations of over 50 years in the Verdon. Built after the design of the architect Norman Foster, the museum is one of the largest museums in Europe’s prehistory.
• Hike: 10.5 km, +305m, – 280m
• Night and dinner at a wonderful authentic domaine in an exceptional landscape near Quinson
DAY 2: KAYAKING IN THE VERDON GORGE OR OPTIONAL HIKE
We take a scenic drive trough the Valensole plateau with all it’s lavender fields and stop for a coffee in the provencal village of St.Croix. Perched on a rocky spur at an altitude of 513 meters, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon presents itself as a natural observatory overlooking the St.Croix lake.
The highlight of today is a 2hrs Kayaking tour from St.Croix lake into the Gorge. Discover the serene waters of Lake Sainte-Croix, which bathe the last two kilometers of the Grand Canyon. In complete autonomy, make a stopover wherever you want for a swim or simply to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Gorges and the peaceful beaches of the lake. (If preferred, it would be possible to hike along the Bastidon Trail instead of kayaking).
Afterwards we drive along the spectacular road high above to Gorge to La Palud sur Verdon.
- Night and dinner at a Spa Hotel in La Palud sur Verdon
DAY 3: 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 Spa Hotel in La Palud sur Verdon
DAY 4: CHASTEUIL TO ROUGON ALONG THE GR4 NAPOLEON ROUTE
We take a shuttle along the Verdon river and up to the beautiful village of Chasteuil. We join the famous GR4, which follows the route used by the Romans to reach Lyon. The path leads over a beautiful plateau where sheep and goats spend the summer. We finish our hike descending to the village of Rougon, where we can take a break and sample the local crêpes. If we’re lucky we might even be able to spot a Griffon Vulture soaring overhead.
From here we take a scenic ride along the famous “Route des Crêtes” or cliff road with stunning views over the gorge.
• Hike: 8 km, +320 m, – 250 m
• Night at Spa Hotel in La Palud sur 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: : 13 km, +550 m, -700 m
• Night at Hotel in Moustiers-Saint-Marie
DAY 6: HISTORIC ROMAND ROAD AND LAVENDER FIELS OF MOUSTIERS SAINT MARIE
This spectacular circular hike begins in the enchanting village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence.
The trail gradually climbs above the village, rewarding hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the turquoise waters of Lake Sainte-Croix, the rolling Provençal countryside, and the dramatic landscapes of the Verdon Natural Regional Park. Along the way, fragrant thyme, rosemary, and wild lavender line the path, filling the air with the unmistakable scents of southern France.
The highlight of the hike comes during the final descent back towards Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Here, we follow an ancient Roman road, remarkably preserved after nearly two thousand years.
• Hiking: 9km, +350m / -280m
• Night at Hotel in Moustiers-Saint-Marie, dinner in town
DAY 7: END OF THE ADVENTURE
Your Verdon Gorge guided adventure finishes after breakfast. Take a last chance to wander trough 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 4-5 hours of hiking, so you will definitely need a good level of fitness. The trails are often rocky as limestone dominates this area.
We have luggage access throughout the week, so we will only need to carry day packs.
During the trek we will stay in an authentic wonderful domaine guesthouse, a spa Hotel and a typical upscale village Hotel. Delicious dinners with local products and organic where possible and breakfasts are included.
Map Provence Verdon Gorge hiking week France
Costs: Max 7 hikers
- 6 hikers: 3750.00€ per person in a double room
- Single room supplement: 620.00€
Included
- Organisation
- 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 Quinson / Montmeyan
To make your journey as easy as possible, we can arrange a taxi transfer from your arrival airport or train station directly to Quinson.
Please let us know your travel details in advance, and we will organize a reliable pick-up service to bring you comfortably to the start of the hike.
The Verdon Gorge 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 (MRS) – approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Quinson.
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – approximately 2 hours from Quinson.
- Toulon Hyères Airport (TLN) – approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Quinson.
- Marseille Airport is generally the most convenient option, offering numerous international and domestic flights.
By Train
The closest railway stations are:
- Manosque–Gréoux-les-Bains Station – approximately 30 minutes from Quinson.
- Aix-en-Provence TGV Station – approximately 1 hour from Quinson, with direct high-speed train connections from Paris and other major French cities.
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 delicious 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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