- 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 hand wash
- Insect repellant
- Swimwear – some of the hotels have a swimming pool, spa or sauna
Provence Verdon Gorge hiking week, France
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.
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.
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.
Arrival Day at Quinson and the Lower Verdon Gorge
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome dinner and trip orientation at a wonderful guesthouse nestled near the village of Quinson. This is the perfect place to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with nature. Surrounded by fields, forest, and mountains, the domaine offers an outdoor pool, a peaceful garden, and forest trails right on your doorstep — a true escape from everyday life.
Overnight & dinner at a charming authentic domaine in an exceptional natural setting near Quinson.
THE CANAL KEEPER’S TRAIL & THE PREHISTORIC MUSEUM
We follow the historic Canal Keeper’s Path deep into the lower Verdon gorges, making our way to the Chapel of Sainte-Maxime. This trail is steeped in the story of the men who built this remarkable canal between 1865 and 1875 — an engineering feat that supplied water to the Aix-en-Provence basin well into the 20th century. Walking here feels like stepping back in time.
After a well-earned ice cream stop, we visit the world-renowned Musée de Préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon in Quinson. Designed by architect Sir Norman Foster, this striking museum is one of the largest prehistoric museums in Europe, showcasing over 50 years of extraordinary excavations from the Verdon region.
Hike: 10.5 km | +305 m / –280 m
Overnight & dinner at the domaine near Quinson.
KAYAKING IN THE VERDON GORGE (OR OPTIONAL HIKE)
We start the day with a scenic drive across the Valensole plateau, with its endless sea of lavender fields, stopping for a coffee in the beautiful Provençal village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Perched at 513 metres on a rocky spur above the turquoise lake, this village feels like a natural balcony over the landscape.
The highlight of the day is a 2-hour kayak tour from Lac de Sainte-Croix into the gorge itself. Glide across the serene waters and into the final two kilometres of the Grand Canyon du Verdon — stopping wherever you like for a swim, to soak up the views, or simply to enjoy the silence of one of France’s most spectacular landscapes. (Prefer to walk? A hike along the Bastidon Trail is a wonderful alternative.)
We then drive the spectacular road high above the gorge and wind our way to La Palud-sur-Verdon for the evening.
Overnight & dinner at a Spa Hotel in La Palud-sur-Verdon.
THE BLANC-MARTEL TRAIL: LA MALINE TO ROUGON
Today we walk one of the most famous trails in all of France — the Blanc-Martel, named after the two great explorers of Europe’s largest canyon: Alfred-Édouard Martel and Isidore Blanc.
From the Chalet de la Maline, we descend to the river at the very bottom of the gorges. The geology here is breathtaking — towering limestone cliffs, lush riverside vegetation, and the Verdon river shimmering in vivid shades of blue and green. We explore the magnificent Mescla beach before climbing the dizzying steps of the Brèche Imbert and passing through two dark tunnels carved into the rock. The reward is Point Sublime (785 m), with its unforgettable panoramic view over the Grand Canyon. From there, just one more kilometre brings us to the medieval village of Rougon, perched high above it all.
Hike: 14 km | +780 m / –700 m
Overnight at the Spa Hotel in La Palud-sur-Verdon.
CHASTEUIL TO ROUGON ALONG THE GR4 NAPOLEON ROUTE
We take a shuttle along the Verdon river and up to the beautifully preserved village of Chasteuil, where we join the GR4 — an ancient route once used by Roman legions on their way to Lyon. The path winds across a wide, open plateau where sheep and goats graze peacefully through the summer months, with sweeping views in every direction.
We finish by descending into Rougon, where a stop for local crêpes is practically mandatory. Keep your eyes on the sky — Griffon Vultures are regular visitors here, gliding effortlessly on the thermals above the gorge.
In the late afternoon, we enjoy a scenic ride along the famous Route des Crêtes — the cliff road with jaw-dropping views over the canyon below.
Hike: 8 km | +320 m / –250 m
Overnight at the Spa Hotel in La Palud-sur-Verdon.
LA PALUD TO MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE
We begin with a climb through the sweet-smelling pine forest towards the Col de Plein Voir, rising up to a viewpoint with spectacular views over the turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix. From here, the trail continues past dramatic limestone crags and rock towers to the Crêtes de l’Ourbès at 1,213 m (3,980 ft).
Then comes the descent — fairly steep but wonderfully rewarding — down into the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Steeped in the history of the Knights Templar and crowned by a golden star suspended between two cliffs, Moustiers is one of the most enchanting villages in Provence. Take your time to explore its terracotta-coloured streets, art galleries, and lovely cafés.
Hike: 13 km | +550 m / –700 m
Overnight at a hotel in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
THE ROMAN ROAD & LAVENDER FIELDS OF MOUSTIERS-SAINTE-MARIE
Our final hike is a spectacular circular walk that begins and ends in the heart of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in all of Provence.
The trail climbs gradually above the village, offering sweeping panoramic views over the turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix, the rolling Provençal hills, and the wild landscapes of the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Along the way, fragrant thyme, rosemary, and wild lavender line the path — the unmistakable scents of southern France at their best.
The highlight of the day is the descent back into Moustiers along an ancient Roman road, remarkably well preserved after nearly two thousand years. A wonderful way to close out a week of extraordinary walking.
Hike: 9 km | +350 m / –280 m
Overnight at the hotel in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, dinner in town.
FAREWELL TO THE GORGE
Your Verdon adventure comes to a close after breakfast. Take a last stroll through the golden streets of Moustiers before making your way back to the airport, your heart full of memories and your legs pleasantly tired.
Until next time — the Verdon will be waiting.
Provence Verdon Gorge hiking week, France
Included in the price
- Organisation
- Privat UIMLA mountain leader guide
- 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 in the price
- Flights
- Arrival & departure transfers
- Travel insurance including Mountain Rescue Insurance (compulsory)
- Lunches
- Personal drinks & snacks
- Tips
Why Choose Us
Personalized Service: As a small company, we prioritize individualized attention to cater to your specific needs and preferences.
Certified Guides: Our guides are fully certified and trained to the highest standards, ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout your journey.
Passion for the Outdoors: Our love for wild places is infectious, and we are dedicated to sharing that passion with you, creating unforgettable experiences in the mountains.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in our adventures.
We strongly recommend that you purchase insurance to cover cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability.
Accident or injury. Unexpected medical expenses. Unplanned incidents are rare but can crop up when you travel.
Gift vouchers
Give the gift of adventure with a Patagoniatiptop GmbH Certificate! Perfect for a mountaineering gift for your son’s birthday, a ski weekend for your best friend or a skitouring trip for your wife. Or … why not invite yourself?
How it works
Contact us and let us know how much you would like to spend. Let us know who is the lucky person to receive the voucher. We will then send the voucher to you or to the address you tell us.
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