It is a territory cut between Alps and Provence, articulated around the Verdon river; it is also a subtle mixture of scrubland and forests, summits and desert plateaus. Located in the Verdon Regional Natural Park and in the Geological Reserve of Haute Provence, the hike crosses a wild country animated by its gorges and its small villages perched on the edge of cliffs or lost in the hollow of wild valleys: Castellane, Blieux, Rougon, la Palud... The landscapes are sculpted by geological fractures and the fury of the waters.
By panoramic ridge paths or by the bottom of the gorges along the river, the itinerary explores this natural park and the gorges that make its reputation.
Along the Martel trail, balconies, caves, belvederes, tunnels follow one another in a fairy-tale place dominated by immense walls with grey-orange tones. In the past, only a few courageous men knew how to go and look for the Buis and honey in these 700 meters deep meanders.
You will like
The variety of the natural environment, between large desert plateaus and southern forest
The spectacular and unique great canyon of Verdon, unique in Europe, and its river with green reflections
Awesome viewpoints and crossing of the famous Sentier Martel, in the memory of the first explorer of the canyon
Accommodation with half board formula in gite and hotel, in bedroom for 2 to 3 people ;
The road book: description and IGN maps (1 complete road book per group) ;
Daily luggage transport (except day 4), if you have chosen this option ;
Organisational costs and tourist taxes.
Does not include :
Lunch picnics ;
Luggage transport, unless you have booked the option ;
Personal expenses (drinks, visits...) ;
The journey from your home to the departure point and back ;
Travel insurance.
The rate is all inclusive from the meeting point to the point of dispersion.
The itinerary day by day
Day 1
MOUSTIERS SAINTE MARIE – LA PALLUD
Departure from the protected village of Moustiers. The path goes up to the ridge until "Col de Plein Voir". First viewpoint on the south of the park and the Sainte Croix lake. The path goes on the ridge before descending into the beautiful village of La Palud. Night in gite. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +950m - 700m 15 km
Day 2
SENTIER BLANC MARTEL
Short transfer to "La Maline" with the local bus (on your charge), departure point of the hike and then descent to the river. The itinerary crosses well-named places: the couloir (corridor) Samson, the Escales cliff, the "Défilé des Baumes", the sublim point... Viewpoints, stairs and tunnels all along the day. At the end of the day, short ascent to the "Auberge Sublime". Night in gite. 5:30 hour walk / Elevation: +700m - 800m ; 12 km
Day 3
TRIGANCE - CASTELLANE
Going back along the Verdon river, that we leave quickly. A little orientation time allows to discover the belvedere of Rancoumas, for a point of view on the gorges. Crossing Trigance village, dominated by a beautiful castle. Going down to the Carajuan bridge, above the Jabron gorges. In option, detour to the small bridge of Sautet for the view on the limestone meanders of the Jabron. At the Carajuan bridge, bus transfer to Castellane or with a taxi (16km) (on your charge), a pleasant little southern town. 5,5 hour walk / Elevation: +700m - 950m 15km
Day 4
CADIERES DE BRANDIS
Taxi transfer to "Col de Lèques" above Castellane (10km) (in option). Going up in a great forest of oaks and scots pines, then arriving on the ridge at Cadières de Brandis, a remarkable ruinous site that deserves a stop. The ascent continues on a wild ridge, up to the summit (1741m) revealing a wide panorama of gorges and valleys. Descent to Colle Basse, then in the valley towards Blieux village, that is lost in a beautiful valley. In option hike from Castellane to Colle Basse by the Roman way. Night in gite, without luggage. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +800m - 950m ; around 11 km
Day 5
BLIEUX - ROUGON
Going up to "passage de la Prau", between the "Mourre de Chanier" (1930m) and the Traversières ridge. Ascent (optional) on the beautiful crest of the Mourre, from with the wild landscape before to join the Prau then the doline of Suech. Descent to Rougon village, for a night in a gite, under the flight of the vultures which return to the fold! 4:30 hour walk / Elevation: +750m - 700m 12 km 2 hour walk / Elevation: +450m - 450m 3 km for the summit of Mourre
Day 6
ROUGON - LA PALLUD
Departure by a pastoral path and stop at the "Bergerie de Faucon" for a little visit of the animals reserve. Then reaching La Palud village. 3 hour walk / Elevation: +280m - 220m 6 km
End of the trip around 12:00 at La Pallud. Transfer to Moustiers with a local bus (17km) (taxi transfer in option).
The programme has been drawn up on the basis of the latest information available at the time of writing; unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter the programme.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Elevation : +/- 550m to 900m
Walking time : 4 to 6:30 hour per day
Type of walk : mountain route with no technical difficulty. Some spots require to be confident with cables and scales on the day 2. One unmarked passage on the ridge (day 4 variant).
You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week. Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty.
ROAD BOOK
Before departure, we will give you a travel pack containing :
IGN TOP 25 map ;
1 road-book with all the necessary information for the hike ;
1 map holder ;
The list of accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION
COMFORT: 5 nights in hotel or gite in a bedroom for 2 to 3 people, all the accommodations offer hot showers.
MEALS
Breakfasts and dinners are provided in each accommodation.
Picnic lunches are not included and can be ordered the day before in each accommodation.
Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Start of the hike in Moustiers St Marie.
BY TRAIN
From Geneva SNCF train station, Grenoble, Nice and Marseille and then bus to Moustiers. https://www.moustiers.fr/fr/acces.
Timetables to be verified on the website SNCF.
CLIMATE
Southern Alps, dry and hot in summer, sweet in automn and spring, but maybe with a violent wind: the Mistral.
INSURANCE
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.
If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.
CONTACT US
If you are late, contact the agency: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Equipment & luggage
EQUIPMENT
Clothing
Hiking trousers
Shorts (1 swimming costume just in case)
Breathable" or merino wool T-shirts
Breathable" or merino wool long johns
Fleece or jumper
Windbreaker or Goretex jacket
Rain cape + gaiters or Goretex trousers + a bag cape
A pair of gloves and a light hat
Hat or cap
Hiking socks (double layer, with loops...1 pair per day)
Hiking shoes already broken in and with well-spiked soles
1 change of clothes for the evening
A change of shoes for the evening
Miscellaneous equipment
Toilet bag
Towel (quick-drying, available in specialist shops)
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or thermos (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife and cutlery
An airtight plastic box as a plate for your picnics
Coffee cup
Small personal first aid kit (painkillers, bandages, etc.)
Survival blanket
Headlamp or torch
A sheet and a pillowcase (the gîtes provide blankets)
Two telescopic poles (highly recommended)
Valid identity card or passport
BACKPACK
A comfortable 30-40 litre rucksack for your day's belongings (warm clothing, rain cape, water bottle, picnic box and cutlery, sun protection and identity papers) and some space for a picnic and snacks.
LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your baggage will be transported daily, except on day 4, between accommodation by our logistics vehicle. Baggage which is too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!
YOUR NIGHT WITHOUT LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
On night 4, your luggage won't be dropped off at your accommodation (you will get it back the day after). Here are the things to bring with you (about 2 kilos are enough!):
small toiletries bag
sleeping bag liner sheet
change of clothes for the day after (bare necessities!) and comfortable for the evening.
6 Days
Self-guided
With baggage transportation
Comfort (room)
Level *** 
From 620 €
