Route des Crêtes, Verdon: viewpoints, direction and closure

The Route des Crêtes (D23) is a loop of about 22 to 24 km from La Palud-sur-Verdon, which follows the north rim of the canyon and lines up 14 viewpoints above cliffs more than 700 m high. It is driven clockwise: the section between Jas d'Aire and the Chalet de la Maline is one-way. The central section closes every winter, from late November to late March. Allow 1 h 30 to 3 hours with stops, and 1 h 05 by road from Tourtour to reach La Palud.

The route at a glance

Start and driving direction

The route leaves the D23, 800 m out of La Palud-sur-Verdon towards Rougon. It is driven clockwise, as signposted: the section between Jas d’Aire and the Chalet de la Maline is one-way. If you want to do the full loop, take it in this direction from the start.

The viewpoints

The official listing counts 14. Among the best known, in loop order:

• Trescaïre (lower and upper);
• La Carelle;
• L’Escalès;
• the Dent d’Aire;
• Les Glacières and L’Imbut;
• the Pas de Baou;
• the Chalet de la Maline, the start of the Blanc-Martel trail.

The cliffs drop more than 700 m: stay behind the railings, especially with children.

Winter closure

Only the central section, from the Pas de Baou viewpoint to the Chalet de la Maline, closes in winter. The regional tourist board’s listing gives a closure from 22 November 2026 to 26 March 2027; its description mentions the 4th Friday of November to the 4th Friday of March. The rest of the route (Trescaïre, La Carelle, the Dent d’Aire, La Maline from the other side) stays open all year.

What you will see

Beyond the canyon, the road is a good wildlife lookout: vultures, chamois and foxes are regularly spotted according to the official listing.

Fitting it into the day

The Route des Crêtes fits into the Verdon Gorge driving loop. Walkers can leave the car at the Chalet de la Maline to go down the Blanc-Martel trail. On the way back, go via Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, north of Lake Sainte-Croix.

Practical tips

• Vehicle height: limited to 3.6 m at the sides and 4.3 m in the centre. Coaches can pass, with a driver used to mountain roads.
• Pets: allowed on the road and at the viewpoints.