• Sensations of Verdon Gorge

• Everyday from 1 May - 15 October (subject to availability)

• From £985
• From €1090
• Price per person based on 2 sharing
• Loyalty scheme reduction applies for returning customers (see terms and conditions)

• 6 nights, 5 days self guided walking between accommodation

• Exciting walking through the gorge along the famous Martel and Bastidon trails
• Great panoramic views from the surrounding alpine cliff-lined mountains
• Beautiful turquoise waters of the Verdon
• Explore fascinating perched hamlets and villages
• Rich flora and fauna
• Welcoming hotels and guest houses

• You'll stay in a mixture of hotels, auberges and guest houses. 2 and 3 star standard. At some lcoations there is limited choice so booking early is advisable

1. 7 nights accommodation on B&B basis plus 3 evening meals.
2. Detailed walking notes and walking maps.
3. Transfers on days 5 & 7.
4. Transfer of luggage throughout.

1. Travel to St Andre les Alpes and from Manosque, France; drinks with evening meals, lunches, 3 evening meals, entrance fees, travel insurance

1. Take a look at some of our other alpine self-guided walking holidays: Tour of Queyras - Marvels of Mercantour - Tour of Vanoise
2. All our French Alps holidays

Walking Profile

5 day's self-guided walking moving between accommodation. Walking per day amounts to an average of 6-7hrs (not including lunch stop) and 700m of ascent and descent. The walk along the Martel trail could take longer (possiblly 8 to 9 hours) especially if conditions are hot. The walks take place on good paths for the most part, although they are sometimes steep and rocky in nature with some loose limestone. In addition, on the sections in the gorge you will encounter steps, tunnels, metal ladders and bridges. We have chosen to grade the holiday challenging largely due to the nature of the trail itself rather than the amount of ascent or distance each day.

You should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable with walking on steep mountainous terrain. You should also be sure-footed on mountain paths and have a good head for heights. It is NOT suitable for those who suffer from vertigo. You need good walking boots throughout the trip.

Holiday Profile day by day

Day 1: Arrival

Make your own way to St Andre les Alpes nestled in the Alpine foothills. You could travel from Nice via the tourist train. Welcome at your hotel.

Day 2: St Andre les Alpes - Castellane

Your first day's walk takes you along narrow paths through pine forests and then over open ridges with shrub and wild flowers. Great views over the intensely blue waters of Lac de Castillon below. Once at Castellane you can climb up to the little chapel at the rock outcrop of Notre Dame de Roche for superb views. 15km, +600m, -750m

Day 3: Castellane - Point Sublime (Rougon)

Today your walking trail takes the GR4 long distance trail from Castellane which follows in the footsteps of the Romans. This historic route takes you above the Verdon Valley through tiny hamlets, their historic houses and churches clinging to the rocky hillsides. Take a small diversion to chapel St Jean at the top of cliffs for great views. Afterwards, pass through the hamlet of Chasteuil, below rock walls before climbing onto the high pastures of the Suech plateau. The path then descends to the village of Rougon clinging to a promontory above the gorge and then onto Point Sublime and your auberge for the night. 18km, +650m, -500m

Day 4: Point Sublime - La Palud sur Verdon

The most eagerly awaited day of the entire walk, the Martel trail takes you along the gorge itself for the first time. The walking is challenging with steep sections and metal ladders, but it never becomes too difficult or exposed as long as you have a good head for heights and are reasonably sure-footed. Keep an eye out for climbers on the seemingly endless and impossibly smooth rock walls. It is worth leaving early to allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the different facets along the gorge. The more adventurous and fit can add options, for example, in the Tunnel du Baou there is a window hollowed through the rock that allows access to the Baume aux Pigeons, with a steep metal staircase leading to the river and its rock formations. This wonderful day ends with a climb up to La Maline, where you can take in great views of the gorge before walking the last section on road to La Palud, or take a taxi. 22km, +800m, -600m

Day 5: Tour from La Palud sur Verdon

Today you have a shorter but nonetheless beautiful trail along the next section of the Verdon Gorge along the Bastidon Trail. This trails stays higher nearer the top of the gorge ending at the impressive Maireste viewpoint. Transfer back to your accommodation at La Palud sur Verdon. 8km, +350m, -500m

Day 6: La Palud sur Verdon - Mousteirs Ste Marie

Climb out of La Palud sur Verdon along the GR4 long distance trail through forests as you skirt around the Cime de Barbin. After crossing a high plateaux with thinner tree cover, you'll reach a panoramic ridge-top overlooking the turquoise-blue Lac de Ste Croix. Descend from the ridge before heading towards the pretty town of Moustiers Ste Marie gathered at the foot of impressive towers and cliffs, as you return to civilisation after a beautiful and wild day's walk.

Day 7: Departure

Leave after breakfast and transfer to station at Manosque.