43.76° N · 6.36° E · Gorges du Verdon
The Verdon's classic walk goes down from the Chalet de la Maline to the river and follows it between walls hundreds of metres high to the Point Sublime. It is 16 km one way, 6 to 7 hours with stops, with metal ladders and two tunnels. A Park shuttle takes you up to the start in the morning and picks you up at the end in the afternoon.
Part of Gorges du Verdon
Step by step
Goes up to the Chalet de la Maline.
From the chalet the path descends to the Verdon.
Metal ladders to get past the obstacle.
Switch on the headtorch.
Shuttle back to La Palud.
The Blanc-Martel trail is named after Isidore Blanc and Édouard-Alfred Martel, who explored the canyon in 1905, and it runs along the floor of the Verdon's Grand Canyon, following the river. It is the only way to see the gorge from inside without a boat or a rope: you go down from the rim to the water, walk beneath walls hundreds of metres high, climb up and down metal ladders and pass through two tunnels cut in the rock.
It is a serious walk. It is 16 km one way, about 5 h 30 of walking without stops and 6 to 7 hours with them, with technical passages. The tourist office advises against it for children under 8 and anyone with a fear of heights. Bring at least two litres of water per person, food and a headtorch for the tunnels.
It is recommended to do it from the Chalet de la Maline, on the Route des Crêtes, to the Point Sublime: that way you go down more than you go up and reach the return shuttle on time. Halfway along you pass the Brèche Imbert, a long, steep metal ladder, and at the end you cross the Trescaïre and Baou tunnels, long and dark.
Note for 2026: after a rockfall, a decree from Rougon town council closes the final stretch between the Couloir Samson and the Point Sublime. The Park indicates a diversion along the RD23A road and then the GR 49 to the Point Sublime, with the same total duration. Ask at the tourist offices in La Palud or Castellane before setting out: the river's flow can also cover sections of the path.
It is run by the Verdon Regional Nature Park. In the morning it goes from La Palud-sur-Verdon up to the Chalet de la Maline and in the afternoon it returns from the Point Sublime to La Palud: you have about seven hours between the two. In 2026 it ran from 3 April to 28 June at weekends, Fridays and bank holidays, every day from 29 June to 14 September, and Thursday to Monday until 1 November. It leaves La Palud at 8:30 and returns from the Point Sublime at 16:00, with departures also at 17:00 and 18:00 in summer. It costs €8.50 round trip for adults and €5.50 for under-12s; one way, €4.50. You must book your place on the Park's website. The car is left in the signed car parks in La Palud.
Dogs may not go on the trail or on the shuttle.
Who it's for
What to bring
More to do
Itineraries
Tips
There is only one departure in the morning. If you miss out, taxis do the transfer.
In that direction you go down more and reach the return bus with time to spare.
The Auberge du Point Sublime is next to the shuttle stop.
Questions
6 to 7 hours with stops for 16 km; about 5 h 30 without stopping.
It is not advised for under-8s or anyone with a fear of heights.
No. They are banned on the trail and on the shuttle.
€8.50 round trip for adults, €5.50 for under-12s and €4.50 one way.
In 2026 the Couloir Samson – Point Sublime section is closed because of a rockfall, with a diversion via the RD23A and the GR 49.
Geocaliahttps://www.geocalia.com/en/france/provence-alpes-cote-dazur/verdon-gorge/things-to-do/blanc-martel-trail
