Hiking in the Verdon Gorge: the Blanc-Martel trail and others

The flagship hike in the Verdon Gorge is the Blanc-Martel trail: about 15 km along the bottom of the canyon, between the Chalet de la Maline and Point Sublime, in 7 to 8 hours including the detour to La Mescla. It goes through three tunnels, including the Baou tunnel (670 m), and crosses the ladders of the Brèche Imbert (252 steps). You need a torch per person, at least 2 litres of water and a plan for getting back (two cars, a bus in season or a taxi). For a gentler outing, the Route des Crêtes and its viewpoints give the same views without the descent.

The Blanc-Martel trail at a glance

Where the name comes from

The trail was laid out in 1928 by the Touring Club de France and named the “Martel trail” in 1930, in honour of the explorer Édouard-Alfred Martel, who explored the canyon in August 1905. It was renamed the Blanc-Martel trail in 2005, in tribute to Isidore Blanc, the Rougon schoolteacher who guided the expedition.

The route

In summer, it is best to start from the Chalet de la Maline: that way you avoid climbing the steep descents with the sun reflecting off the rock. The trail drops to the edge of the Verdon, follows the bottom of the canyon, passes La Mescla (as a detour), crosses the Brèche Imbert by its ladders, then goes through the tunnels before climbing back up to Point Sublime.

The three tunnels are dark, cold and damp. A fourth, 1,196 m long through the Guègues scree, avoids the ladders in a storm, but it is strongly discouraged: long, very dark and propped up in places.

Essential equipment

• One torch per person, for the tunnels.
• At least 2 litres of water per person, and food.
• Good shoes, a hat, sunglasses and a warm layer for the tunnels.
• A bag for your rubbish.
• If you suffer from vertigo, a harness and carabiners are recommended for the ladders.

Dogs are not allowed, and the trail is not recommended for young children.

Planning the return

The trail is not a loop: the finish is several kilometres from the start. Three options: leave a car at each end, take the bus linking Point Sublime and La Maline during the tourist season (check the timetable locally), or book a taxi.

Gentler outings

Not everyone has a full day, or the knees, for the bottom of the canyon. The alternatives:

• The Route des Crêtes: 14 viewpoints a few steps from the car. See the Route des Crêtes.
• Walks from Tourtour suggested by the tourist office, such as the loop to Villecroze. See things to do in Tourtour.
• The Verdon on the water, by pedalo or canoe from the Galetas bridge. See kayaking in the gorge.

Before you go

Check the weather: in a thunderstorm, the bottom of the canyon becomes dangerous. Set off early in summer and tell someone your route. For the rest of the day, see the Verdon Gorge from Tourtour.