Trekking Tour in the Verdon Gorge in France

Our group meets at the hotel in a village resting on a 12th-century castle. I will brief you about the days to come and answer any questions.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included Luggage access

We begin with a steady ascent through beautiful woodland, enjoying views of Lac de Castillon. Climbing the limestone plateau (1,412m) we then descend and join the Voie Impériale. This trail was used by Napoleon on his return from Elba in 1815. Then we reach the village of Castellane.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included Luggage access Walking: approx 6 hours Distance: 24km Altitude gain / loss: +750m / -950m

We join the famous GR4, which follows the route used by the Romans to reach Lyon. We continue along the Verdon valley, stopping for lunch at the beautiful Chasteuil, where we can buy soaps, balms and oils, all made with locally-grown lavender. A further ascent takes us to the village of Rougon. From here we have a short descent to the village of Point Sublime, and our base for the night.

Accommodation : Hotel, dinner included Luggage access Walking: approx 6-7 hours Distance: 23km Altitude gain / loss: +700m / -650m

Today is more challenging as we enter the gorge! We drop towards the river, along the steep walls of the gorge, and join the ‘Martel Trail’. Our trail leads us along the gorge, past stunning limestone walls and dramatic cliffs. Highlights today include a 650 metre tunnel through the rock, and an impressive stairway. A final ascent takes us out of the gorge. Further on, we may stop at the Chalet de la Maline bar, and enjoy its breathtaking panoramic view. Then we take a short transfer to our hotel in the village of La Palud.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included Luggage access Walking: approx 7 hours Distance: 16km Altitude gain / loss: +550m / -600m

Hiking through the pine tree forest of Col de Plein Voir gives us spectacular views over the turquoise lake of Sainte-Croix. We continue past huge limestone crags and rock towers, reaching 1,213 metres. A fairly steep descent takes us down to the pretty village of Moustiers Sainte-Marie, a gem steeped in the history of the Knights Templar. It has an authentic Provençal character, with lovely cafes, art workshops and galleries.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included Luggage access Walking: approx 6-7 hours Distance: 19km Altitude gain / loss: +750m / -1000m

Today's our last day of trekking. After a 35-minute transfer, we’ll arrive in the old village of Quinson to begin our exploration of the Basses Gorges du Verdon, the lower gorges of the Verdon River. In prehistoric times, humans settled in the caves here and the town’s museum (which claims to be Europe’s largest prehistoric museum) details their history. We’ll also trek some of the routes of the Verdon Canal path, made in 1865 and used until recently to channel water to Aix-en-Provence. The oak trees en route are used in the region’s charcoal industry. Back in the valley, expect dreamy pools with aquamarine water and peaceful little coves before we head up to the day’s high point, the ancient chapel of St Maxime. In the evening, we’ll transfer from Quinson to the picturesque village of Gréoux-les-Bains. Brimming with shops, cafes, and life, this is the perfect place to end our memorable traverse of the Verdon Gorge.

Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included Luggage access Walking: approx 5 hours Distance: 12km Altitude gain / loss: +300m / -420m

Our trip finishes after breakfast.