Fabien Ristori at La Palud-sur-Verdon: nature and adventure

The ascent takes place along the route des crêtes, with a few stops to contemplate the breathtaking panoramas of the Grand Canyon from the Escalès lookouts.

After a rural start along the Brusquet ravine, this loop passes over the Col de la Croix, from where a long climb begins along the Vénarelle forest track, under the pines and then in the shade of a magnificent beech forest.

With several sections in common with the TransVerdon, this magnificent circuit winds around the unspoilt Baou valley. After passing through the abandoned village of Châteauneuf les Moustiers, it follows an ancient Roman road built into the foothills of the Mourre de Chanier massif and then reaches Rougon. The return to La Palud sur Verdon is a difficult ascent, which can be extended by combining it with the Tour des Belvédères de l'Escalès to finish with a beautiful descent. The most athletic will complete this itinerary in 3 hours.

Accessible by mountain bike, this easy circuit near the village winds its way around the hill of La Grau on small roads and dirt tracks.

This refreshingly simple and accessible trail offers lovely views over the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon. Pass through the wetlands that gave the village its name: in old French, Palud means marsh. This short family walk takes you on a loop around the Plan de la Palud-sur-Verdon. From the Vignal parking lot, take the small road opposite, to the left of the church. At the bottom of this road, at the crossroads, go straight ahead on the track that crosses the fields. Stop to admire the old Fontaine des Prés wash-house. Shortly afterwards, you can rejoin the road and pass the Auberge des Crêtes to take the track opposite. 500m further on, you rejoin the road and cross it again at the municipal campsite. Just after the campsite, on the left, you'll find a lovely shaded path leading back to the village.

A contrast of the superheated garrigue of the Verdon from the shady and cool forest of the ubac of Barbin, you will walk in a wild and grand place. Exit the village by the D952 towards Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. At the oratory, turn left to go along the campsite, then leave the road to go in front, on the trail. 1- Join the ridge road. Follow it on the right for about 250m. At the pumping station, turn right in the direction of Bonlau. Go behind the building. After the well, go down on the left. Farther, follow the ridge road for about 1km. 2- Leave the road and descend on the right by the Bastidon trail. Join the Mainmorte ravine. Then go back up to find the neck. Continue to flank. After crossing the ravine of Ferné exit the gorges by the path. Pass several ravines (the delicate passages are secured!). Turn left at the Mairestre belvedere. 3- Go up to the belvedere, then back and go along the D952 and then leave it to go straight into the first corner. After a series of winding roads, turn left into the Brusc valley. Climb into a rocky gully and exit into the Grinhan ravine. Join the GR®4 trail. 4- Turn right and follow the red and white markings of GR®4. Cut the turn of the trail, descend into the ravine and continue until the Jas de Barbin crossroad. Continue along the trail to the right under the woods (the trail changes slope). Continue on the mountainside of Barbin and after the passage of a ruin and an enclosed river, descend following the winding path. At the foot of the hill cross a trail and join the village road below. At the oratory, go straight on to reach La Palud.

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

The corniche sublime is an 83 km loop around the Gorges du Verdon, offering stunning views of Lac de Sainte-Croix and the canyon. A clockwise route, it takes in the villages of Trigance, Aiguines and La Palud-sur-Verdon, with possible detours to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Rougon. We recommend you complete this tour with the mythical Route des Crêtes (23km loop starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon). Belvederes not to be missed: Point Sublime, La Mescla, Pont de l'Artuby, Le Fayet, Les Cavaliers, Les Bauchers, Col d'Illoire, Pont de Galetas and Belvédère du Galetas! Beware: the roads you'll be taking are very busy, especially during the summer months, so don't forget your equipment and drive carefully. The ascent from the Saint-Clair traffic circle to La Palud-sur-Verdon is quite strenuous: plan for 3 liters of water per cyclist.

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.

A pretty trail, much of it shaded, linking the two villages without taking the car. This is a variant of the GR4, and can of course be done as a one-way trip in either direction.

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.

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

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.

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"

Spacious and quiet rooms overlooking a provençal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and an eco-bel. spacious and quiet rooms overlooking a provencal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and environmental practices rewarded rewarded by an eco-bel.

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.

Go rock-climbing in a natural and preserved environment in the Siagne Gorges! GO ROCK-CLIMBING IN A NATURAL AND PRESERVED ENVIRONMENT IN THE SIAGNE GORGES! Known for the untamed environment, the Siagne Gorges are made up of cliffs that are ideal for rock-climbing. Whether you are an advanced rock-climber or a beginner, your experienced monitor will give you all the necessary advice and information for a successful rock-climbing session. You will be accompanied throughout the stages of your ascent so you can climb in complete safety. Enjoy the adrenaline-filled climb and enjoy the panoramic views as you scale the cliffs. A sporty and pleasant experience connecting with nature awaits!

The Ecomuseum's mission is to inform and educate visitors about the unique natural features of the Gorges du Verdon region, in order to better understand and preserve it. Young and old alike can follow the thread of the Verdon: from the peaks to the Grand Canyon, passing through mountain pastures and plateaus. A free children's quiz is available at reception to make the visit even more fun. Throughout the visit, you'll discover mankind's close relationship with nature: - The extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna (including the emblematic golden eagles, vultures, chamois and endemic plants such as doradilla (asplenium jahandiezii) and sabline). - The hydro-geological formation of the Grandes Gorges and the history of La Palud-sur-Verdon - The people who have adapted to the area from prehistoric times to the present day (gathering, agriculture, crafts and tourism) This site is part of the Passeport départemental des musées 04 network.

The Demandolx, local lords, wished to develop a pleasure residence. Five centuries later, they began to build the contemporary castle with its four round towers. In 1789 (the Revolution) the building was completed and it came back to the inhabitants. It was therefore inhabited for nearly two centuries by a dozen owners before the town council decided to buy it to dedicate it to the environment. It was restored not long time ago, and it now houses the Maison des Gorges du Verdon.

Lavandin with its “rustic" fragrance is a sterile hybrid of "broad leaved" lavender and "fine" lavender. It is used in detergents and other cleaning products. Fine lavender is the only prized by perfumers. To recognize them, your nose will remain the best way since the botanical differences are not clear and fairly relative: a ramified flower stalk and developed inflorescence for lavendin, a single stalk and short inflorescence for fine lavender.

They are back in the Verdon since the past ten years, they have been reintroduced in Rougon. Admire their great glide on bedrocks, or their nonchalant rise in the air when using the updraughts. It's the griffon vultures (Gyps Fulvus). Make sure you have your binoculars: you will see their long necks, their white heads contrasting with their brown feathers and their large beaks of the scavenger raptors they are.

The trails of the Verdon gorges will give you the opportunity to discover four endemic species of the Verdon. Honour where honour is due, on shaded dry walls, a small fern that grows by molding on the roughness of the rock. It is the Jahandiez Asplenium, named after a botanist from the Var in the beginning of the 20th century, to whom the “describer” of the species has dedicated it. Attention, pleasure of the eyes only, its rarity and originality deserve complete protection.

5 million years ago, the desiccation of the Mediterranean Sea provoked the erosion of mountains through which rivers travelled. The Verdon will carve at great speed the Jurassic mountains and the gorges will dig through a maximum. When the Mediterranean sea reaches its normal level, the digging of the gorges stops.

To understand the origin of the name of the trail (Blanc-Martel) you must go back to August 11, 1905, at the edge of the river. There is Alfred Martel appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture to explore the Verdon. 3 men from Rougon will accompany the team, including Isidore Blanc, the local cantor of the beauties of the place, without whom the exploration could not have been possible. The adventure will last 3 days and a half, during which the boats turn over and split. The adventure continues, the exploration of the gorges is done.

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.

A parking area that lets you get to Point Sublime and discover the beauty of the Grand Canyon du Verdon. The parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day during the high season, and free access the rest of the year.

The Imbert gap is made of 6 ladders and 274 steps!! The view from above is spectacular, do not miss the viewpoint at the top of the rock to the right before going down the metal stairs, one can't pass by without seeing, it would be a shame.

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.

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

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€

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

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.

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

Port Grimaud, one of the most famous lakeside towns in the world, and all this after only fifty years of existence. A colourful port, nicknamed ‘Little Venice of Provence’ and awarded the ‘Heritage of the 20th Century’ label, that never ceases to amaze. Port Grimaud came to life on the Côte d'Azur, and its canals will no doubt remind you of the City of the Doges... But it's a project designed to take root in Provence that the architect, François Spoerry, has led.

A charming Mediterranean port of call, the Marines de Cogolin marina is ideally located just a stone's throw from Saint-Tropez and the Gulf's major hotspots. It's a strategic place to stay and explore the beauty of the French Riviera. For yachtsmen, the teams are dedicated to providing a quality service, covering every aspect from welcome to mooring, from security to harbour maintenance. Sensitive to the need to preserve our region's underwater treasures, the port is certified as a ‘clean port’ and ‘blue flag’, limiting the impact of its activities on the environment. Come and discover the treasures of the Côte d'Azur in this haven of peace for yachtsmen and biodiversity.

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.

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

Nice room in a green garden

Looking for a change of scenery? Try a complete change of scenery just 1h30 from Nice. The Roncharel gîte welcomes you to the heart of nature in the Verdon and Vaïre valleys, to discover another South. Panoramic views, absolute peace and quiet! Single rooms and group accommodation. Provencal cuisine based on local produce.

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

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.

Municipal service area for camping cars 2 pitches, quiet, close to shops Bottom of the village Near tennis courts and swimming pool

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.