Blanc-Martel Trail in the Gorges du Verdon: complete guide

The Blanc-Martel Trail: the Verdon’s most famous hike

The Blanc-Martel Trail is the most famous hike in the Gorges du Verdon. At 15 km long, it plunges to the bottom of Europe's largest canyon, between limestone cliffs 300 to 700 m high, the Verdon's turquoise waters and Mediterranean forests. Named after explorers Édouard-Alfred Martel and Isidore Blanc who mapped the gorges in the early 20th century, this trail is a must for any hiker visiting the region.

This guide gives you all the practical information to prepare and successfully complete this exceptional hike: route, difficulty, gear, shuttles and best season.

Hike technical details

• Distance: 15 km (one-way, not a loop)
• Elevation gain/loss: +200 m / -600 m (from Chalet de la Maline → Sublime Point)
• Duration: 5 to 7 hours depending on pace and breaks
• Difficulty: moderate to difficult — good fitness required
• Markings: GR4 (red and white marks)
• Start: Chalet de la Maline (south shore, access from Ridge Road D23)
• Finish: Sublime Point (right shore, Rougon municipality)
• Start GPS: 43.7941° N, 6.3993° E
• Distance from villa: 39 km, approximately 1 hour drive

The trail is one-way (point A to point B), which means organizing your return to the starting point — see the shuttle section below.

The route step by step

Start: Chalet de la Maline

The trail begins at the Chalet de la Maline, accessible via the Ridge Road (D23). Parking is limited — arrive before 8am in summer. From the first steps, the trail descends quickly toward the canyon floor with views of the cliffs.

Samson Corridor and tunnels

The first section crosses a green oak forest before reaching the Verdon. You'll then follow the river, passing through three tunnels carved into the rock — the feature that makes this hike unique.

Brèche Imbert metal stairs

One of the hike's highlights: the metal stairs of Brèche Imbert help you climb an abrupt cliff face over approximately 250 meters of elevation. Impressive but secure, this section offers vertiginous panoramas of the canyon. Best avoided if you have a severe fear of heights.

Arrival at Sublime Point

The trail ends at Sublime Point, a legendary viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the gorge entrance and Samson Corridor. It's the most famous viewpoint in the Gorges du Verdon, located below the village of Rougon. To discover others, check our guide to Gorges du Verdon viewpoints.

The 3 tunnels: what you need to know

The tunnels are the Blanc-Martel Trail's signature. Here are the details of each:

• Baou Tunnel (670 m) — The longest and darkest. Headlamp required. A window at 400 m offers a view of the Verdon below. Watch for puddles on the floor depending on season.
• Trescaire Tunnel (110 m) — Shorter, the lamp remains useful but not essential. Quick passage.
• Baumes Tunnel — The GR4 avoids it (recommended alternative). Long and dark, with puddles, rocks and old rails. Unpleasant, discouraged unless out of curiosity.

Temperature drops sharply inside the tunnels (even in peak summer). Plan an extra layer and a headlamp with fresh batteries.

Difficulty and fitness requirements

The Blanc-Martel Trail is classified as moderate to difficult. It's not technical mountaineering, but it does require:

• Good fitness: 15 km + 600 m descent strongly stress knees and thighs
• No fear of heights: metal stairs and some exposed sections overlook empty space
• Mountain hiking experience: slippery passages (stones, roots), unmade trail

This hike is not suited for young children (under 8-10 years) or people with reduced mobility. For family activities at the Verdon, consult our complete family guide.

Shuttles and return organization

Since the trail is one-way (Maline → Sublime Point), you need to organize your return to your vehicle. Three options:

• Community shuttle (summer): public shuttles run mid-June to mid-September between La Palud-sur-Verdon, Sublime Point and the Ridge Road. Check with La Palud's tourism office.
• Two cars: leave one vehicle at Sublime Point and one at Chalet de la Maline. Most flexible option.
• Local taxi: a few taxis from La Palud or Castellane can drive you back to the starting point. Book the day before in high season.

Recommended direction: Maline → Sublime Point (net downhill, easier on knees over the long distance).

Best season for the Blanc-Martel Trail

The trail is open from March 15 to November 15. The best periods:

• May-June: the best time. Pleasant temperatures (18-25°C), long days, Verdon in turquoise, trail less crowded. Vegetation is lush.
• September: excellent choice. Heat drops, summer crowds are gone, fall colors start appearing.
• July-August: doable but hot (30°C+ at canyon floor). Start early (before 8am). Trail very crowded.
• March-April / October-November: possible but days are shorter and weather uncertain. Verify opening and conditions.

For enjoying the Verdon in shoulder season, the Blanc-Martel Trail in May or September is magical, far from summer crowds.

Other hikes around the Gorges du Verdon

If the Blanc-Martel Trail has whetted your appetite for hiking in the Verdon, here are other routes to explore:

• Plein Voir Viewpoints Hike — more accessible loop (3h), exceptional panoramas of Lake Sainte-Croix. Read our guide.
• Grand Margès Trail — sporty hike with 360° view from the summit. Start from Aiguines.
• Lower Gorges du Verdon — easy, shaded route along the Verdon between Quinson and Esparron, ideal for families.

Check our Top 3 Verdon hikes for detailed comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Blanc-Martel Trail dangerous?

No, the trail is marked and maintained. Technical sections (stairs, tunnels) are secure. Main risks are dehydration (bring enough water), slips (proper footwear) and fear of heights at Brèche Imbert stairs.

Can you do the Blanc-Martel Trail with children?

Discouraged before age 10-12 due to length (15 km) and exposed sections. For families, prefer the Plein Voir hike or the hidden secrets of the Verdon.

Do you need to book the hike?

No, trail access is free. Only return shuttles may require booking in high season.

How long does the Blanc-Martel Trail take?

Plan 5 to 7 hours of effective hiking depending on your pace, plus picnic and photo breaks. Budget a full day.

Where do you park for the Blanc-Martel Trail?

Parking at Chalet de la Maline (access via Ridge Road D23, from La Palud-sur-Verdon). Limited spots — arrive before 8am in summer. Alternative: park in La Palud and take the shuttle.