Blanc-Martel Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

This famous hike through Verdon Gorge explores an impressive limestone canyon. The hike along the turquoise water of the Verdon River is an outing for the adventurous hiker as you'll encounter narrow paths, tunnels, bridges, and stairs along the path as it winds through the canyon. You'll also be treated to wide beaches and clear pools where you can stop and soak in the outstanding scenery.

Bring a flashlight or headlamp for the two tunnels you'll encounter along the trail. This is a point-to-point hike so be sure to arrange transportation to get to/from your start point. You can take a bus or taxi and hike the trail in either direction. If hiking the route as mapped here from south to north, it is recommended to park a car at Point Sublime (parking for about 50 cars--bring cash) and take a taxi to Maline Chalet to start the hike.

This beautiful hike takes hikers deep into Verdon Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of France. When hiking from south to north, the route starts at the Maline Chalet at the southern end. From here, you face a challenging descent in the first mile, as the trail twists and turns down toward the Verdon River. This descent is steep and challenging, but once you get this out of the way, the pleasant hiking begins.

The trail will reach the river and level out a little over a mile in. Here, you are in for a treat as you follow along the blue waters of the river, sometimes hiking next to the water, sometimes climbing a narrow trail etched into the sides of the towering canyon walls. About halfway through there is an optional side trail that takes you to a small beach at a lovely viewpoint at a bend in the river.

As the trail turns north, you'll start climbing gradually. You'll get to hike through two tunnels and eventually come to a small parking lot where you'll hike for a short distance along the road. Don't be fooled into thinking this is the end, as you still have another half mile and the hike's most challenging climb to reach the end at the aptly named Point Sublime.

Keep an eye open for wildflowers and birds, especially the colony of griffon vultures who were reintroduced to the gorge over three decades ago.