The Route des Crêtes: A Unique Setting to Discover the Gorges du Verdon
Perched above the Verdon Gorges, 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 impression of standing on a mineral balcony above the void.
Our TOP 3 of the Route des Crêtes
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Here is the Top 3 not to miss — and, below, where it is located, how to access it, what makes it unique, and all practical info.
What Makes D23 Unique?
- A panorama-dedicated loop: 24 km, 14 officially arranged viewpoints, among the most dramatic views of the massif.
- A one-way section: a central part must be driven clockwise (advised departure: Crêtes Inn → return to La Palud).
- A "balcony" over one of Europe's largest canyons: D23 hovers over limestone cliffs, vulture ridges, and mythic climbing walls — an aerial experience, yet car-accessible.
🥇 Dent d’Aire: The Vulture Stage
From this promontory, you dominate Escalès and the canyon's heart. It is one of the best spots for observing griffon vultures using thermals along the cliffs. In clear weather, also spot tiny rope teams on the facing wall. Viewpoints & Routes.
🥈 Carelle & Trescaïre: The Verdon Postcards
Carelle offers a "full canyon" framing that is dramatic; Trescaïre (upper/lower) immediately conveys the location's verticality. These viewpoints are among the fourteen official stop areas on D23. Official Route des Crêtes Sheet.
🥉 The “Slow” Pause: Chaining Road and Trails
The loop passes near Chalet de la Maline, entrance to the Blanc-Martel trail (to do another day). By bike/e-bike, D23 is savored at viewpoint pace — a gentle, contemplative experience, at the heart of Verdon Regional Natural Park. Presentation and Access. Verdon Tourism
The Gorges du Verdon by the Numbers (to Situate the Location’s Grandeur)
- ≈ 50 km for the "Grand Canyon" segment.
- Up to ~700–750 m deep depending on sectors.
- Width: ~6 to 100 m at base (Verdon riverbed); 200 to 1,500 m crest to crest.
[ovcardmodern url="https://www.villaoverdon.com/en/gorges-du-verdon-numbers-guide/" title="Gorges du Verdon by the Numbers: 25 km of Grandeur, 700 Meters of Dizzying Height and 220 Days of Sunshine – Complete Guide"]
Where is Route des Crêtes Located?
D23 is entirely on La Palud-sur-Verdon commune (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), at the Grand Canyon du Verdon's geographic center. It forms a loop on D952 (Castellane ↔︎ Moustiers-Sainte-Marie axis). Verdon Tourism Destination Page.
How to Access (Car & Motorcycle)
- From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: follow D952 toward Castellane (~20 km / ~40 min) to La Palud-sur-Verdon; the access start (near Crêtes Inn) is at the village's exit.
- From Castellane: take D952 toward Moustiers (~25 km / ~45 min) to La Palud.
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