Hiking inthe Verdon,trail by trail

There is no single best hike for everyone. The Blanc-Martel is the best-known route. For an easy walk near the lac de Sainte-Croix, look at the Toine nature trail: 2.5 km and 58 m of elevation gain. To see Castellane from above, look at Notre-Dame du Roc. If you want a serious effort, the Grand Margès is rated difficult. Always check the status of the trail page you choose.

Source: Parc naturel régional du Verdon; LiveVerdon trail pages.

The Blanc-Martel is currently reported as open, with a diversion going around a section closed after a rockfall. The prohibited section lies between the exit of the Couloir Samson and the Point Sublime. The detour follows a departmental road and then the GR 49. Never cross a closed area. As the situation may change, check the dated status displayed automatically on the trail page before you set off, as well as the Park's instructions.

Source: Parc naturel régional du Verdon (order of the commune of Rougon).

Allow about 5 hours 30 minutes of walking without stops for the 15 km of the Blanc-Martel, with 600 m of elevation gain. It is a one-way hike. If you use the Park shuttle, allow about 7 hours between departure and return. The Park also mentions the regional coach line 450 (Castellane - Riez); otherwise, you need two cars or a taxi. Check the timetables and organise your return before the hike.

Source: Parc naturel régional du Verdon, shuttle FAQ and Blanc-Martel trail page.

It is strongly recommended. A ticket can be bought on board on the day, but only if seats remain, with no guarantee. Tickets are issued in the passenger’s name, and bookings for the next day close at 6 pm. The service runs a maximum of three shuttles a day when it operates, and none under red weather warning. The shuttle only runs at certain times of the year: see the official calendar on navette.parcduverdon.fr.

Source: Parc naturel régional du Verdon, shuttle FAQ.

Spring and autumn are generally the most recommended periods around Castellane, notably April to June and September to October. In July and August, the heat means setting off early and avoiding the middle of the day. The Park advises against the Blanc-Martel in winter because of falling rocks. For each season, choose a suitable route and check the weather and the opening status on its trail page.

Source: Office de tourisme Castellane-Verdon; Parc naturel régional du Verdon.

Yes, on some routes, but not everywhere. Dogs are prohibited, even on a lead, on the Blanc-Martel, the Imbut and the Lézard trail at the Couloir Samson. Elsewhere, they must be kept on a lead. The Park shuttle also refuses animals. If there is a flock and guard dogs, keep your distance, stay calm and do not pick your dog up. Check the rules of the route before you set off.

Source: Verdon Tourisme; Parc naturel régional du Verdon.

Swimming along the Blanc-Martel is dangerous and prohibited. The level of the Verdon can vary quickly because of water releases from the dams upstream. You must stay away from the banks. This does not mean that all swimming is prohibited across the whole area. The lakes are an alternative, provided you follow the local rules and check the conditions before getting in the water.

Source: Parc naturel régional du Verdon, Blanc-Martel trail page.

A water release is a change in flow linked to the operation of the dams upstream. In the gorges, the level of the river can then rise or fall very quickly. Do not rely on the calm appearance of the water or of a bank. Stay away from the river and respect the swimming bans. Do not assume any fixed release day when preparing a hike.

Source: Parc naturel régional du Verdon, Blanc-Martel trail page.

Yes, only if the conditions and the regulations for the area allow it. In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, access to the massifs is regulated from 20 June to 20 September; an official map is published around 6 pm for the next day. It shows which access is allowed, discouraged or prohibited. Some parts of the communes south of the Verdon fall under the Var rules. An offence may be punished by a fine of €135. Check the day's map before any hike.

Source: DDT des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (2026 leaflet); Var regulatory map.

Start by looking at the easy, short routes, such as the Toine nature trail, which is 2.5 km with 58 m of elevation gain, or the Siréniens trail, at 4 km and 150 m of elevation gain. Check the opening status and the characteristics on each trail page to choose according to the children's abilities. The Park advises against the Blanc-Martel for young children, because of its tunnels, its length and its elevation gain.

Source: LiveVerdon trail pages; Parc naturel régional du Verdon.

Bring hiking shoes, water, food and sun protection: the Castellane tourist office advises about 2 L of water per person. For the Blanc-Martel, the Park asks for at least 3 L of water per person, a torch that is essential in the tunnels, a picnic, a warm layer and a hat. Adapt your equipment to the weather and to the walking time shown on your route's trail page.

Source: Parc naturel régional du Verdon; Office de tourisme Castellane-Verdon.

In an emergency, call 112. If you see a fire starting, you can also call 18. Never cross a closed section, even if the way seems passable. Before you set off, check that the trail is open, the weather and the restrictions on access to the massifs. For the Blanc-Martel, also organise your return before you start.

Source: national emergency numbers; Parc naturel régional du Verdon.

No. The Imbut trail has been closed by a municipal order of Aiguines since 5 July 2022, following rockfalls, from the descente des Cavaliers to the exit of the sentier Vidal. This closure must not be confused with the situation on the Blanc-Martel, which has a diversion. Do not take the Imbut until an official reopening has been confirmed, and check the trail page and its check date.

Source: Office de tourisme Lacs et Gorges du Verdon; Parc naturel régional du Verdon.