Mordelet Charles: Nature and adventure in Aiguines

Climbing on the third summit of the Var, from the village of Aiguines, leads to contemplation. Opposite the town hall, turn right towards the Barda square. In front of the big fountain, turn right via the alley passing near the belfry. From there, reach the upper street, follow it to the left, following the red and white markings of the GR® 99. Once you have gone through the village, leave for a moment the marked and paved path and climb to the right towards the Saint-Pierre chapel and the orientation table. Then go behind the chapel and reach the GR, then the road to the Gorges. 1 - Cross the road, go along it for about 50m. Then go on the opposite side of the campsite's entrance and go up through the GR into the undergrowth. Continue straight in a mixed forest of scots pines and oaks. 2 - At the intersection leave the path to the left which goes down to the Vaumale circus. Walk through a sinkhole and then coming out of a second sinkhole, go up on the right towards the top of the Grand Margès. 3 - From the peak, turn around and go back down using the same route.

The Véris trail could be called the trail of the senses, both your eyes and your sense of smell will be put to the test. From the car park on the left, at the entrance of the village, cross the main street and reach the wash-house through the street across from the car park. Climb right after the wash-house, switch to the bottom of the rocks and follow the road of St-Sauveur (GR®99 ; white and red marking). At the next intersection, go straight onto the Défens track, closed by a gate. Go up on the right bank of the Gorges de Caletty valley by the paved trail and then dirt road. 1 - At 1km / less than a mile, at the end of the rise, exit the GR®99 and turn left onto the path of Véris (blue marking). Stroll through the route under the oaks and along rock removal areas (piled up rocks). Leave a path coming from the right and reach an intersection at 1km / less than a mile. 2 - Take a right. (Do not take the left path which is crossed off by a blue cross). Follow the marked path and climb to a meadow, go along through the left and continue through the woods. Reach a small clearing and regain the limestone plateau through a path (passages on limestone pavements). Leave a path starting on the right and continue straight (blue markings, signVéris) then reach a crossroads at a cedar plantation. 3 - Take the path going down to the right, among the oaks, pines and brooms and reach a passage between the rocks (remarkable). Go down the path along the walls and continue under the shade of the oaks. Reach a concrete path at the foot of the hill then reach the road. At the end, pass over the public gardens of Bauduen then go down to the rive through the road. Go into the village through the left (GR®99 ; white and red marking).

A walk along the old mule paths takes you from the edge of the lake to the plateau to enjoy a breathtaking view! From the parking lot, follow the road along the lake towards the nautical base and the campsite (chemin de Paraloup), on the left. Walk along the small road for 800m by the lake. There are a few dry-stone walls, olive trees, and picnic areas. 1- At the intersection, continue on the small road straight ahead. Continue for 800m to the Mule trail on the plateau. 2- Climb to the left the trail along a rump. Higher up (109m in height), at the intersection, go up the road on the left, crossing it. 3- At the end of the climb, go left for about 150m on the trail along the plateau, edge of field. Descend to the left on the marked route (PR). Reach the road at point 1 and return to the starting point by the road taken on the way.

A walk on old mule trails that takes you from the edge of Lake Sainte-Croix to the plateau to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the lavender fields. From the car park, follow the road along the lake towards the water sports centre and the campsite (Chemin de Paraloup), on the left. Follow the small road for 800 m along the edge of the lake. Go along some terraces (dry stone walls), olive trees and picnic areas. At the intersection, continue straight on the small road. Continue for 800 m to the path of Muleteers going up to the plateau. Climb the path on the left along a ridge. Higher up (109 m difference in altitude), at the intersection, go up the path on the left, crossing. At the end of the climb, follow the path on the left for 150 m along the plateau, at the edge of the field. Go down to the left on the marked route (PR). Join the road at the point and return to the starting point by the route taken on the way there.

Exceptional views of where Lac de Sainte-Croix meets the Gorges du Verdon. A beautiful, steep, sporty and aerial circuit via the Col de l'Âne and Col de Plein Voir, located on the ridge overlooking the terminal part of the Verdon canyon. From the Félines parking lot, take the path towards the Bois de Félines and then the Col de l'Âne. At the pass, follow the GR4 to the right. At the Col de Plein Voir, continue straight ahead along the Issioule ridge (round trip) to the lookout. Back at the Col de Plein Voir, take a path on the left, which descends to the heights of the Saint-Maurin Regional Nature Reserve. The balcony route features some vertiginous passages, including one with a handrail. You eventually rejoin the original path, turning left to return to the parking lot. This trail is for experienced walkers only and not recommended for families.

From Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, this section offers a beautiful descent to the discreet but sensational Baudinard gorges. The lakes follow one another and invite you to take a refreshing break, before crossing Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon and reaching Quinson.

This walk will enable you to discover the village of Moustiers with its terrace crops sustained by dry-stone walls called "restanques" and olive plantations. Coming out the car park of the heights of Moustiers, go straight to the cemetery. Pass it and go towards the Chapel of St. Anne. Now head to the terrace crop area. After the olive groves, continue under the oaks in the middle of the restanques. Walk on flat ground for 1km. 1 - Then gradually go up on the left. 2 - At the crossroads, climb the path on the left and roam through a new decking area. Cross the ravine of Courchon and join after a slight rise in the woods, the rocky outcrop overlooking the valley of Angouire. Follow the signs and stay on the ledge to watch the valley of Angouire below (vertiginous path!). 3 - The same route is used for the return.

The Courchon path is one of the most grandiose, the most daring and the best preserved vestiges of a medieval road. 1 - Start the hike by climbing to the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir. Climb by the cobbled staircase and lined with small oratories. 2 - Once at the Notre-Dame chapel, go down a few meters to take the path on the right (yellow markings) indicated chemin de la chaine. Climb the steep path until you reach a first cairn, follow the indication ravin de Notre-Dame. At the next intersection, 100m further follow baisse de Courchon. 3 - Once to the baisse of Courchon, (post with arrow 28) turn right on the Roman road, pass a small pass and then down on Moustiers by the Roman road.

Contrast the overheated garrigue of the Verdon with the cool, shady forest of the Barbin ubac, and you'll be walking through a wild and grandiose landscape. On leaving the village in the direction of Moustiers, take the track on the left just before the Bourbon campsite (GR4 towards La Maline). Join the Route des Crêtes, then follow it to the right for about 250 m. At the pumping station, take the track on the right towards Bonlau. Pass behind the building. After the well, go downhill on the left. Follow the Route des Crêtes for approx. 1 km. Leave the road and go right down the Bastidon path. This leads to the Mainmorte ravine. Then traverse upwards to reach a collet. Continue on the flank. After crossing the Ferné ravine, leave the gorge on the path. Cross several gullies (the tricky sections are secured!). Turn left to reach the Mairestre lookout. Go as far as the lookout, then return and follow the D952 uphill, then leave it to go straight ahead at the first bend. After a series of switchbacks, turn left into the Brusc valley. Climb a rocky gully and exit into the Grinhan ravine. Rejoin the GR®4 trail. Turn right and follow the red and white GR®4 markings. Cut the bend in the track, descend into the ravine and continue as far as the Jas de Barbin crossroads. Continue on the right-hand track through the woods (the path changes slope). Continue along the side of the Barbin mountain and, after passing a ruin and a tapped spring, wind down the path. At the foot of the hill, cross a track and join the village road below. At the oratory, continue straight on to reach La Palud-sur-Verdon.

The hike offers fine views of the pre-Alpine Verdon mountains, with interesting contrasts in vegetation between the adret and ubac of Barbin.

Taking the emblematic Blanc Martel trail without taking your car couldn't be easier, thanks to the shuttle bus and the Zou 450 regional line (ex BV1 )from Riez, Roumoules, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane. Shuttle service resumes on 28/04/2023. How does it work? The Zou 450 regional line links Riez to Castellane via the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon. From La Palud-sur-Verdon, the Blanc-Martel shuttle bus takes you to the Chalet de la Maline, the trailhead. The trail ends at Point Sublime (Rougon). For your return journey, take the shuttle bus to the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon and/or the regional line 450 to Riez or Castellane. Timetables... To ensure optimum operation, the timetables of the Riez-Castellane regional line (450) and the Blanc-Martel shuttle are coordinated. Online booking is highly recommended if you want to be sure of getting a seat! Please note that the shuttle does not return to Chalet de la Maline in the afternoon.

A quiet family campsite in the heart of the Provençal countryside between Digne les Bains and the Verdon. In the heart of Provence, a region renowned for its sunshine, blue skies and Alpine air, La Célestine campsite offers a variety of accommodation options on a flat 3-hectare area, located only 16 km from Digne les Bains. Bordered by the river Asse and close to the Gorges du Verdon and its lakes (Sainte Croix, Castillon, Esparron) the campsite offers many activities on site and in surrounding areas. Enjoy a 750 m² lake directly on the campsite.

Dynamise, weld & relax with vibrant experiences (bike, paddle, canoe, kayak, climbing...) we will do it with great care and good humor ! Adapted and adaptable formulas & careful programs who have already seduced many companies. Several leisure bases : at Bandol, Entrecasteaux & St Antonin du Var, designed to accommodate groups. High performance sports equipment, controlled aquipment regularly (sea kayak, canoe, Moutain bike, E-Bike, minibus, climbing equipment...) Moving to your chosen location thanks to a very mobile logistics. An experienced team & a network of recognized stakeholders (Oenologist, tour guide's, graduate sports monitor, painters, artists...) Serious references for groups : Bouygues, SFR, EDF, Firemen from Marseille, SNCF, La Poste, Vinci, Crédit Foncier (bank)...

Pub, bar, brasserie in the center of Digne les Bains. "L’Étoile is a beautiful brasserie with terraces that stretch out at the beginning of Boulevard Gassendi, facing the Étoile roundabout and its parking lots. For nearly fifteen years, it has been a popular spot for those who enjoy basking in the sun or sitting in the heated area for the more chilly ones. The menu offers a wide variety of options to suit all tastes: delicious composed salads, charcuterie boards, well thought out daily specials and generous portions of meat. When it comes to dessert, the café gourmand is easily devoured. One of the chef’s specialties is the homemade hamburger with artisanal bread. The presentation of the dishes is pleasing, and the service is quick, making it a great choice for those in a hurry. In the evenings, this brasserie-bistro transforms into a tapas bar, offering a tapas menu with a wide selection of wines, cocktails and beers. Hervé, the owner, is a fan of music and rugby, thus it is not uncommon to come across a live concert by a local band or a live broadcast of a sporting event. In summary, L’Étoile offers excellent value for money and is a pleasant stop in Digne-les-Bains on the Alpine road. To top it all, a large car park is located right in front and the Tourist Office is only a few metres away. Lunch service: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Dinner service: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm"

Municipal service area / camping cars Near parking lot and swimming pool Open all year round

Since 1922, our mill extracts extra virgin olive oil, a genuine fruit juice, only with mechanical means to olive oil amateurs’ great joy. For more than 40 years we have been making cosmetics and soap made in a cauldron just like Marseille soap. The harvest of olives is done manually with hand and automatic combs to preserve olives quality. Then, we proceed to the grinding of the fruit with a simple mechanical method, without the addition of chemicals or change in temperature. At the end of the grinding, we get an extra virgin olive oil with a free acidity lower than 0.8%. Our mill produces a local extra virgin olive oil. Our olive oil is peppery and refreshing which is specific to the aglandau olives (90%). Nearly 400 olive growers bring their olives to supply you with: - Green fruity olive oil - Local olive oil All our products are available at our shop and online shop: olive oil, homemade products, Marseille soaps… We also make basil, mint and lemon oils. Olive oil sold at the Serres, Orpierre, Sisteron and Laragne tourist offices. We offer visits of our soap factory from April to September by prior arrangement.

Charming hotel in a former oil mill nestled in a large wooded park 10 minutes from the village.

Family hotel with outdoor pool and large terrace, at the foot of the village. This establishment has been awarded the "Accueil vélo" label and welcomes cycling tourists.

Gîte for 4 people located in the heart of the charming village of Marcoux. The main assets of the gîte are the panoramic view and the swimming pool. The layout of the gîte is full of surprises, with many objects diverted from their original function.

The hôtel du Lac offers you a warm and pleasant welcome. We are located near the lake where hikes and picnics are waiting for you. You can walk around the lake in 2h. We have 16 entirely renovated bedrooms with bathroom, WC, TV, Wifi and satellite channels in all bedrooms. A free car park is available and pets are allowed. Garage for cars (5€), free for bikes and motorbikes.

The beech forest of Aiguines is a Mediterranean beech forest. It's pretty rare, the beech being a species that loves moderate temperatures and high humidity. The freshness and moisture of the Gorges allowed this species to expand into the north facing slopes, above the Verdon, in the town of Aiguines. This mature forest is home to beautiful old trees, a remarkable diversity of vegetation and a wide range of animal species. A biodiversity home!

Arriving at the summit a view of the lake sets before you.

Margès and the Plan of Canjuers are a place of memory of the French Resistance movement of Haut-Var during World War II. Between 1943-1944, the maquis (rural guerrilla bands of French Resistance fighters) of the Secret Army, link to an entire organization of the Resistance, is established. It will be called the Maquis Vallier, in reference to its Lieutenant, Gleb Sivirine said Vallier. Composed of many Resistance fighters of the Compulsory Work Service (Service de Travail Obligatoire - STO), the group will reach to hundreds of men and will operate as a military training camp.

Between the shoreline and the Alps, it is called altitudinal zonation and the elevation levels may be Mediterranean, montane or alpine depending on altitude. At a smaller scale, the path of Veris illustrates the role of environmental conditions. The climb, arid and sunny, is Mediterranean, quite fragrant. The summit is much more like a hill. The shaded rocky ridges and low walls have a different type of vegetation. The wayside is decorated with fraxinellas (also known as Gas-plant). This beautiful species, rare and protected. For your viewing pleasure only!

Along the trail it is not rare to come across the beautiful western green lizard. According to popular beliefs, the western green lizard is vicious and aggressive, not letting go of the bitten finger. It is true that the western green lizard can bite, but only in self defence if captured. It bites hard enough but is not poisonous and always ends up letting go. This is an animal protected by French law (decree of 19/11/2007) and it is therefore prohibited to kill, maim or capture it.

The fairy ring, (also known as fairy circle, elf circle or pixie ring) is a naturally occurring phenomenon, consisting of a colony of fruit bodies aligned in a roughly circular form, appearing in woodlands or in grasslands. They can be seen in the grasslands of Mount Grand Margès.

From Margès, a stunning view of the Canyon, the Valensole plateau and Lake Sainte Croix.

Plants sweat! But the aromatics invented their own air conditioning. By killing two birds with one stone, these Mediterranean species solved the problem of waste disposal and survival in the summer heat. They store their waste in volatile form in small vesicles in the thickness of the leaves or tissues that cover the stem or flower. At the hottest hours, these vesicles open. The evaporation of their contents refreshes the plant.

Thyme? Does everyone know thyme? Yes and no. My grandmother did not make me thyme tea, but "farigoulette" infusions! And for her stew, when she was done skinning the rabbit, what she put in her bouquet garni (mixed herbs) was not thyme, nor wild thyme, it was farigoulette (farigoulo in Provençal)! Wild thyme and Farigoulette are some types of thyme. The farigoulette is the occitan name for Thymus vulgaris and the wild thyme is Thymus serpyllum.

The Bastidon trail stands halfway up the gorges which allows it an almost "from the inside" discovery, on the cliff side. We are here in the heart of the rock and its natural vegetation. At the belvedere of Mayreste, you can look over some of the gorges and evaluate the distance between the road and the river. Then you get to the heart of the matter.

5 minutes from Forcalquier. This authentic inn, housed in a late 18th-century farmhouse, offers traditional, quality cuisine in a green setting.

Gastronomic restaurant / Fish specialties Shaded terrace in summer. Seminars, weddings, anniversaries, possibility of takeaway meals. 50 places inside - 30 places on the terrace. Menu from 27€

Pub, bar, brasserie in the center of Digne les Bains. "L’Étoile is a beautiful brasserie with terraces that stretch out at the beginning of Boulevard Gassendi, facing the Étoile roundabout and its parking lots. For nearly fifteen years, it has been a popular spot for those who enjoy basking in the sun or sitting in the heated area for the more chilly ones. The menu offers a wide variety of options to suit all tastes: delicious composed salads, charcuterie boards, well thought out daily specials and generous portions of meat. When it comes to dessert, the café gourmand is easily devoured. One of the chef’s specialties is the homemade hamburger with artisanal bread. The presentation of the dishes is pleasing, and the service is quick, making it a great choice for those in a hurry. In the evenings, this brasserie-bistro transforms into a tapas bar, offering a tapas menu with a wide selection of wines, cocktails and beers. Hervé, the owner, is a fan of music and rugby, thus it is not uncommon to come across a live concert by a local band or a live broadcast of a sporting event. In summary, L’Étoile offers excellent value for money and is a pleasant stop in Digne-les-Bains on the Alpine road. To top it all, a large car park is located right in front and the Tourist Office is only a few metres away. Lunch service: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Dinner service: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm"

Restaurant in a traditional and quiet village offering Mediterranean cuisine with Corsican and Armenian influences. We cook mainly with fresh products and favor short food supply chains. We offer Corsican and Armenian specialties. We also cook traditional recipes.

A modern restaurant with a stylish setting, a large terrace overlooking the park, facing the village and not overlooked. Home-cooked cuisine.

Traditional restaurant located near the small village of Marcoux (route de Draix) Mountain specialties in winter Pierrade - raclette - Savoyard fondues - mountain burger

Inventive cuisine with local and seasonal products with an organic tendency. The restaurant offers, not only, but mostly traditional cuisine, with seasonal, local, and if possible organic products. All dishes are homemade.

We will receive you individually during theme days, the dates and menus of which you will find on our website, or we will personalize all your events: weddings, birthdays, family meals, associations, CE,… from 10 to 130 people. At the Château de Cancerilles, Stéphanie and Yann Lefèvre offer Provençal cuisine, refined and creative for gourmets and fine gourmets in an enchanting setting surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, in the room with thousand-year-old vaults or under the stone covered terrace .

Located in the Sainte Baume, near the grotto of Saint Mary Magdalene, Hostellerie de la Sainte Baume offers traditional, family-style cuisine. Single menu on reservation. Weekly menus and reservations on the website.

Refuge of the C.A.F (French club promoting mountain sports) - this cottage is located on one of the most open viewpoints on the Verdon Gorges. This is a unique accommodation on the Route des Crêtes with a typical Provençal charm. An exceptional location on the Grand Canyon, starting from the famous Blanc-Martel and Imbut trails, a stage of the GR4, at the core of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, for your hiking, climbing, mountain biking and white water trips. Jean Faure, the new guard will welcome you as of March 26, 2016

Opening 15/05/2020 > 27/09/2020 At the entrance of the largest canyon in Europe, the Huttopia Gorges du Verdon campsite welcomes you on a unique site on the banks of the Verdon with a beautiful swimming pool and private access to the beach…

A quiet family campsite in the heart of the Provençal countryside between Digne les Bains and the Verdon. In the heart of Provence, a region renowned for its sunshine, blue skies and Alpine air, La Célestine campsite offers a variety of accommodation options on a flat 3-hectare area, located only 16 km from Digne les Bains. Bordered by the river Asse and close to the Gorges du Verdon and its lakes (Sainte Croix, Castillon, Esparron) the campsite offers many activities on site and in surrounding areas. Enjoy a 750 m² lake directly on the campsite.

Stay in Gréoux-les-Bains, Between Provence and Verdon: Accommodation & Must-See Attractions Gréoux-les-Bains, a charming spa town nestled between the Verdon Natural Park and the Luberon, is the perfect destination for a getaway combining relaxation, wellness, and exploration. With its renowned thermal baths, stunning Provençal landscapes, and picturesque villages, Gréoux-les-Bains offers a truly unique experience in the heart of Provence. Accommodation in Gréoux-les-Bains – Résidence Côté Provence The Résidence Côté Provence – Terres de France welcomes you to a warm and elegant setting, just a short walk from the thermal baths and town center. Its fully equipped and comfortable apartments are ideal for spa retreats, Provence getaways, or family vacations. Enjoy a residence featuring a swimming pool, wellness area, and all the amenities for a relaxing stay. Places of Interest The Gréoux-les-Bains Thermal Baths: Experience the therapeutic benefits of these renowned healing waters. The Verdon Gorges: Explore Europe’s largest canyon, perfect for rafting, hiking, and paddleboarding. The Valensole Plateau: Marvel at the famous lavender fields in full bloom between June and July. The Templar Castle: A historic landmark overlooking the town, offering a glimpse into medieval history. Esparron Lake: A beautiful setting for swimming, canoeing, and nature walks. Book your stay at Gréoux and immerse yourself in the charm of Gréoux-les-Bains and Provence!

3 star apartment of 55 m2 on the ground floor of the owners' house. Quiet area, open view, close to nature and the city. Very well exposed and bright. Two rooms (18 and 21 m2), very well equipped, new bedding of 160 cm, large terrace, small garden.

Independent apartment on the ground floor of a villa, private garden, very quiet place, 300 m away from Ferréols lake.

This eco-gîte is located in a new house in the countryside, at the foot of the barre des Dourbes, on the heights of Digne. You can enjoy the calmness and the exceptional panorama in this privileged setting in the heart of the Geological Reserve and the Geopark. The view from the terrace is exceptional and particularly clear. The tenants can enjoy a green space with flowers. It is located 9.6 km from the city center and 10 km from the thermal baths.

Independent 3-star bungalow - Private garden - Parking - Internet. Open view on the mountains. Custom care for all types of guests: hikers, thermal baths users. 32m² apartment, equipped kitchen, ceramic hob, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge with freezer, oven, microwave, waste separation, plenty of storage space, terrace, garden, separate WC, bathroom, television, collective swimming pool, jeu de boules set, tennis, entertainment room. WIFI on guest's request. FM Radio.

Gite away from the city centre On the second floor of the Château des Sièyes, this self catering gîte d'étape welcomes individuals and groups (on reservation and deposit payment starting from 7 people), halfway between the city centre and the commercial area of Digne les Bains. The gîte is part of the heritage of the city of Digne les Bains. The ""Provence Alpes Agglomération"" community manages it under its responsibility for tourism.