The Route des Crêtes: A Unique Setting to Discover the Gorges du Verdon
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Perched above the Gorges du Verdon, the Route des Crêtes (D23) traces a 24 km panoramic loop around La Palud-sur-Verdon. Fourteen suspended viewpoints, vultures within camera range, and the feeling of standing on a mineral balcony above the void. Here is our Top 3 — plus where it is, how to get there, what makes it unique, and all the practical information.
What Makes the D23 Unique?
- A loop dedicated to panoramas: 24 km, 14 officially equipped viewpoints — among the most spectacular in the entire massif.
- A one-way section: the central portion must be driven clockwise (recommended start: Auberge des Crêtes → return to La Palud-sur-Verdon).
- A "balcony" over one of Europe's greatest canyons: the D23 soars above limestone bars, vulture ledges, and legendary climbing walls — an aerial experience, yet accessible by car.
No. 1 — La Dent d’Aire: The Vulture Stage
From this promontory, you command the Escalès face and the heart of the canyon. It's one of the best spots for watching griffon vultures riding thermals along the cliffs. On a clear day, you can also spot tiny climbing teams on the rock face.
No. 2 — La Carelle & Trescaïre: The Verdon Postcards
La Carelle offers a spectacular "full-canyon" framing; Trescaïre (upper and lower) immediately puts the location's verticality into scale. These viewpoints are among the fourteen official stopping points along the D23.
No. 3 — The “Slow” Option: Combining Road and Trails
The loop passes near the Chalet de la Maline, the starting point of the Blanc-Martel trail (to be done on another day). By bike or e-bike, the D23 can be savoured at the pace of its viewpoints — a gentle, contemplative experience in the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park.
The Gorges du Verdon in Numbers
| ≈ 50 km | Length of the "Grand Canyon" section |
| Up to ~700–750 m | Depth depending on the section |
| 6–100 m | Width at the bottom (Verdon riverbed) |
| 200–1,500 m | Rim-to-rim width |
Where Is the Route des Crêtes?
The D23 lies entirely within the commune of La Palud-sur-Verdon (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), at the geographical centre of the Grand Canyon du Verdon. It branches off the D952 (the Castellane–Moustiers-Sainte-Marie axis) as a loop.
How to Get There (Car & Motorbike)
- From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: follow the D952 towards Castellane (~20 km / ~40 min) to La Palud-sur-Verdon; the loop start (near Auberge des Crêtes) is at the edge of the village.
- From Castellane: take the D952 towards Moustiers (~25 km / ~45 min) to La Palud.
Further reading
Where to Stay
Villa OVerdon (3 bedrooms, garden, lake view) in Aiguines — an ideal base for exploring the Route des Crêtes and all the Gorges du Verdon highlights. Learn more.
Charmante maison (6 pers., 3 ch. en rez de jardin, 110m² dont spacieux espace séjour/cuisine) avec vue panoramique sur le lac Sainte-Croix. Calme, à 2 min du centre du village à pied. Nature préservée & base idéale pour activités de pleine nature et tourisme.
