SPORTS ACTIVITIES GORGES VERDON

Verdon Gorges, the Mecca of Climbing: A Paradise for Climbers from All Over the World

With its dizzying cliffs plunging into spectacular gorges, the Verdon is undeniably one of the best climbing sites in the world. Nicknamed the “Mecca of climbing,” the Gorges du Verdon attract climbers from all corners of the globe every year. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert seeking technical challenges, the limestone walls of the Verdon offer an incredible variety of routes, suited to all levels and climbing styles.

A Legendary Climbing Site

The Gorges du Verdon are often compared to the Grand Canyon in Colorado, but with a unique feature that makes it a global reference in the climbing world: its steep limestone walls, reaching up to 700 meters in height. These towering cliffs, sculpted over millions of years by erosion, create an ideal playground for climbers. With over 1,500 recorded routes, the Verdon is truly a paradise for climbing enthusiasts. The history of climbing in the Gorges dates back to the 1960s and 1970s when the pioneers of French climbing began exploring its walls. Today, the Verdon is synonymous with legendary multi-pitch routes, where technique and mastery of movement are essential to tackling the walls.

The Best Cliffs for Climbing in the Verdon

• L’Escalès: This cliff is undoubtedly the most iconic of the Verdon. With internationally renowned routes like “La Demande” or “Pichenibule,” it attracts the most experienced climbers. L’Escalès, located on the right bank of the Verdon, offers multi-pitch routes of varying lengths, with most being quite technical. The unique feature of this site is the incredible verticality of its walls, plunging directly into the green waters of the Verdon.
• Les Cavaliers: Located near the village of Aiguines, this sector is more accessible for intermediate climbers. Les Cavaliers offers a variety of routes, ranging from sport climbing to less vertiginous multi-pitch climbs. It’s an excellent spot for climbers looking to improve while enjoying a stunning natural setting.
• Bauchet: This sector is popular for its exposure and diverse routes. Bauchet offers routes suitable for climbers of all levels, ranging from moderate difficulty to more demanding climbs. The site is appreciated for the quality of its rock, a sculpted limestone offering good grip.
• Sallières: Perfect for climbers seeking modern and technical routes. Located on the left bank, this site offers a wide variety of routes, suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. It’s an ideal place to safely learn climbing while enjoying breathtaking views of the gorges.

A Diversity of Climbing Styles

The Verdon is renowned for its wide variety of climbing styles. Climbers can practice:

• Sport climbing: With its well-equipped routes featuring bolts and anchors, sport climbing is accessible to climbers of all levels. It is one of the most practiced styles in the gorges, particularly on walls like Bauchet or Les Cavaliers.
• Multi-pitch climbing: The Verdon is especially famous for its multi-pitch routes, which often require good climbing experience and excellent physical condition. Classics like “Le Pilier des Écureuils” or “Les Dalles Grises” offer breathtaking vertical challenges, combining technique and endurance.
• Traditional climbing: Purists will appreciate the “trad” routes, where climbers must place their own protection. These routes, less equipped than sport climbing routes, require solid experience and a good knowledge of traditional climbing techniques.
• Aid climbing: For those who enjoy more complex techniques, aid climbing allows you to scale very difficult walls using additional equipment, such as pitons and hooks, to make progress.

Breathtaking Views from the Cliffs

Climbing in the Verdon also offers the opportunity to enjoy unique panoramic views of the gorges and surroundings. From the heights of the cliffs, you’ll witness a stunning natural spectacle: the deep green of the river winding through the gorges, the rocky ridges dominating the horizon, and the forests stretching as far as the eye can see. Sunsets over the Verdon, viewed from a climbing route, are a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.

Tips for Climbing in the Verdon

• Practice abseiling techniques: The Verdon’s walls are so high that many routes require abseiling to access the base. It is therefore essential to be comfortable with this technique to fully enjoy climbing in the gorges.
• Be well-prepared: Verdon’s routes are often long and demanding. It is recommended to be familiar with the difficulty levels before setting out and to bring enough water, food, and appropriate safety equipment.
• Choose the right season: Spring and autumn are the best seasons for climbing in the Verdon. In summer, temperatures can be very high, making climbing difficult in the full sun, especially on south-facing walls. In winter, some areas may be impassable due to cold or snow.

The Impact of Climbing on the Environment

As with any sensitive natural site, it is essential to respect the environment when climbing in the Verdon. The gorges are part of a regional natural park, and certain areas are protected to preserve the local wildlife and flora. It is important to follow local guidelines, avoid leaving waste behind, and not damage the walls or fixed anchors.

An Unforgettable Vertical Adventure

Climbing in the Gorges du Verdon is much more than just a sport. It’s an immersion into a vertical universe that is both wild and magnificent. Every route is a challenge, every wall tells a story, and every summit offers an invaluable reward: the feeling of having conquered one of the most beautiful cliffs in the world. Whether you’re there for a legendary multi-pitch route or a more relaxed climb on smaller walls, the Verdon promises an unforgettable adventure.

Climbing in the Verdon primarily takes place on both banks of the river:

• The right bank, with all its historical routes, including the mythical site of L’Escalès and the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon. It’s the kingdom of multi-pitch climbs.
• The left bank, with more recent routes, offers more modern and accessible climbs for all levels, with Aiguines as the reference village, home to Villa Overdon. Climbing in Aiguines is mainly practiced on four main cliffs: Bauchet, Les Cavaliers, Sallières, and Les Hauts-Vernis.

• Description of the site on grimper.com, Le Verdon
• Maison des Guides du Verdon, Website
• Climbing from Aiguines, explore the left bank of the Verdon, info site La Cordillette

Hiking in the Land of Verdon

Verdon, with its spectacular landscapes and majestic gorges, is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Whether you are a casual walker or an experienced hiker, the Verdon region offers a variety of trails suited to all levels. From family walks along the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix to more challenging hikes through the deep gorges, each path reveals breathtaking views and unspoiled nature.

Must-See Trails in Verdon

• The Blanc-Martel Trail: This is one of the most famous hikes in the Gorges du Verdon. This legendary 15 km trail takes you through the heart of the gorges, following the Verdon River between the Chalet de la Maline and the Point Sublime. It offers spectacular views of the cliffs and the emerald water below. The hike is of moderate difficulty, with some steep sections, but is rewarded with landscapes that are unique in the world.
• The Imbut Trail: This hike is more difficult and is recommended for experienced hikers. This winding path follows the Verdon River and enters narrow and impressive sections of the gorges. The wild beauty of the Imbut Trail makes it one of the most stunning hiking experiences in the region, perfect for those seeking a challenge and grandiose scenery.
• The Fishermen’s Trail: For those looking for a shorter but equally scenic hike, this trail is an excellent choice. The moderately difficult route takes you close to the Verdon River, offering moments of calm in nature, away from the tourist crowds.

Panoramic Hikes Around Lake Sainte-Croix

• The Tour of Lake Sainte-Croix: This trail allows you to explore the idyllic landscapes of Lake Sainte-Croix at your own pace. The hike circles the entire lake, offering multiple viewpoints over its turquoise waters and beaches. It’s an ideal walk for families and photography lovers.
• The Valensole Plateau and its Lavender Fields: If you visit Verdon between June and July, don’t miss a hike around the Valensole Plateau, famous for its endless lavender fields. This hike is gentler but just as spectacular, offering a full immersion in the scents and colors of Provence.

Practical Tips for Hikers

• Be Well-Prepared: Before setting out on a hike, it’s essential to be well-equipped. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, and plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months. The Verdon trails can be steep, so a walking stick can also be helpful.
• Respect the Environment: The Gorges du Verdon are part of a regional natural park, meaning the local wildlife and flora are protected. It’s important to leave no trace of your passage, take your waste with you, and respect protected areas.
• Weather and Safety: Weather conditions can change quickly in Verdon, especially in the gorges where temperatures can vary greatly between shade and sunlight. Check the forecast before setting out and stay alert. Some trails, like the Blanc-Martel Trail, have steep sections, so it’s important to follow safety guidelines.

An Unforgettable Experience

Hike after hike, Verdon will reveal the richness of its preserved nature: its impressive cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, shady forests, and breathtaking panoramas. Each trail offers a new perspective on this gem of Provence, making hiking in the Verdon region an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

• Hiking trails on the Verdon Tourism portal
• Hiking trails in Verdon on the VisoRando portal

Some Hiking Ideas in Verdon

• Blanc-Martel Trail: www.rando-alpes-haute-provence.fr/sentier-blanc-martel/
• Cadières de Brandis: www.rando-alpes-haute-provence.fr/cadieres-de-brandis/
• Sirenians Trail: www.rando-alpes-haute-provence.fr/sentier-des-sireniens/

Quelques idées de randonnées à partir d’Aiguines :

• Ascension du Grand Margès par le GR®99
• Sentier pédestre “Vers Les Salles”
• Le Sentier De L’Imbut, La Plus Belle Randonnée Du Verdon

Idée de Randonnée dans le Verdon : Le sentier Martel

Trails in the Verdon Region

Verdon, with its grandiose landscapes and preserved nature, is a prime destination for trail enthusiasts. Whether you are an amateur runner or an experienced trail runner, the Gorges du Verdon and its surroundings offer a variety of routes, ranging from easy paths to more technical and demanding trails. Running in the Verdon region is an opportunity to fully connect with nature while pushing yourself physically in a spectacular setting.

The Best Trail Routes in Verdon

• Trail of Grand Margès: One of the most iconic trails in the Verdon region. This route takes you to the summit of Grand Margès, peaking at 1,576 meters. The significant elevation gain and technical sections make this trail a challenge for experienced runners. However, the effort is well rewarded with breathtaking views of the Gorges du Verdon, Lake Sainte-Croix, and the surrounding mountains.
• Tour of Lake Sainte-Croix: If you’re looking for a less technical yet equally spectacular route, the tour around Lake Sainte-Croix is ideal. This several-kilometer trail allows you to run along the lakeshore, enjoying stunning panoramas of its turquoise waters. This trail is accessible to all levels and offers a beautiful combination of flat and rolling paths.
• Blanc-Martel Trail: While this trail is well-known to hikers, it also provides an excellent challenge for trail runners. With its 15 km distance and varied sections, including steep descents and demanding climbs, the Blanc-Martel Trail allows you to run through the heart of the Gorges du Verdon, crossing breathtaking landscapes.
• Ridge Trail: This trail, situated on the heights of the gorges, offers a unique experience. Running along the ridges, with plunging views of the cliffs and the Verdon River below, provides an incredible sense of freedom. However, be aware that this trail can be demanding, with technical sections requiring good physical preparation.

An Immersive Experience in Nature

Verdon is more than just a place to run; it’s a total immersion in an exceptional natural environment. The trails take you through pine forests, alongside imposing cliffs, and through lush valleys. While running, you may even encounter wildlife such as eagles, ibex, or chamois, the region’s emblematic animals.

Trail running in Verdon also offers the chance to breathe the fresh, clean mountain air and enjoy the tranquility of nature, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The landscapes change with the seasons, providing ever-renewed experiences, whether in spring when the flora is in full bloom or in autumn when the forests are adorned with fiery colors.

Trail Events in Verdon

• Verdon Canyon Challenge: This is one of the most famous trail events in the region. Held every June, this trail attracts runners from all over France and abroad. With several distances available, ranging from a discovery course to a 100 km ultra-trail, this event allows participants to explore the most beautiful trails in Verdon in a friendly and competitive atmosphere.
• Ultra-Trail of Provence: This event, also held in the region, offers several technical courses, some of which pass through the Gorges du Verdon. It is a long-distance race reserved for experienced runners, who must tackle significant elevation changes and rugged terrain.

Practical Tips for Running in Verdon

• Physical Preparation: Trail running in Verdon can be demanding due to the steep elevation gains and technical terrain. Before setting out, make sure you are physically prepared. It is recommended to train on similar trails in advance to strengthen your endurance and agility on rugged terrain.
• Proper Equipment: Be sure to bring good trail running shoes suited for the rocky and steep terrain of Verdon. A hydration pack is also essential, especially in summer when temperatures can be high. Don’t forget to carry a first aid kit and a survival blanket if you are venturing on more remote routes.
• Respect the Environment: As with any outdoor activity, it is crucial to respect the environment. Carry your waste with you and avoid disturbing local wildlife and plants. The trails in Verdon cross protected areas, so it is important to follow local conservation rules.

When to Practice Trail Running in Verdon?

The best time for trail running in Verdon is between April and October. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, with moderate temperatures and ideal running conditions. In summer, temperatures can be very high, especially in the gorges, so it’s recommended to start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest hours.

A Sporty and Natural Adventure

Whether you’re looking for a physical challenge or simply eager to discover the magnificent landscapes of Verdon while running, trail running in this region offers a unique experience. Running in Verdon is the perfect blend of physical exertion and nature appreciation, in a wild and preserved environment. Each trail holds surprises and breathtaking panoramas, making every run a true adventure.

1st Trail Station in the Var Department, Located at the Gateway to the Gorges du Verdon

Aiguines Var Verdon brings together all the elements that will allow you to discover this exhilarating sensation of life—Freedom. So, don’t hesitate, come and join us.

Find 11 trail routes starting from Aiguines on OnPiste.

Verdon hosts one of France’s most historic trails, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022. Through these trails, you will discover wild and sumptuous landscapes, with exceptional technical challenges.

Jean GIONO, its founder, said: “Here, it’s more than far, it’s elsewhere!” So, for your next trail running destination, choose the Var Verdon Canyon Challenge.

Website of the Var Verdon Canyon Challenge.