On foot through the Gorges du Verdon: the Blanc-Martel trail

The Blanc-Martel trail is the great classic of the Gorges du Verdon: a spectacular walk through the deepest canyon in Europe. It is not a loop but a point-to-point route, from the Chalet de la Maline to the Point Sublime (or the other way round). Expect a demanding but unforgettable day. Here is everything you should know beforehand.

The route in brief

• Distance: ± 15 km
• Duration: 5.5 to 6 hours (a little more with the detour to the La Mescla viewpoint)
• Level: a tough day’s walk. No technical climbing, but long, with plenty of elevation, narrow passages and stairs.
• Highlights: the Brèche Imbert (a descent via more than 250 metal steps), two tunnels, and unforgettable views.
• Dogs: unfortunately not allowed on this hike.

Set off early, really

Start as early as possible, for three reasons. One: the heat. There is little shade in the gorge and the summer sun is fierce; the morning is cooler. Two: the length. Six hours of walking plus breaks fills the day, an early start gives margin. Three: parking and the shuttle fill up quickly.

How do you get back to your car?

Because the start and finish are not in the same place, arrange this in advance. There are three options.

1. Two cars (handiest with several people). In the morning leave one car at the Point Sublime (the finish), drive together in the second to the Chalet de la Maline (the start) and walk back to your car at Point Sublime.

2. The Navette Blanc-Martel (recommended with one car). In season a shuttle bus runs. In the morning: La Palud-sur-Verdon to the Chalet de la Maline. In the afternoon: Point Sublime back to La Palud-sur-Verdon. You have about 7 hours between drop-off and return, more than enough. The shuttle runs daily in summer (in 2026 daily from 29 June to 13 September, and at weekends in the shoulder season). Booking is mandatory via navette.parcduverdon.fr; expect about 8.50 euro return per adult. Check the current times and prices, as they change by season.

3. Hitchhiking (for the adventurous). Between the two ends, hitchhiking is fairly common among Verdon hikers; many people are happy to give you a lift. Fun and free, but without any guarantee, so keep a plan B (the shuttle).

What you absolutely must bring

• A head torch or flashlight: essential. You cross two tunnels; the longest is almost a kilometre. Without light you cannot get through safely.
• At least 2 litres of water per person: there are no fountains along the way.
• Sturdy walking shoes (no sandals or trainers).
• A picnic, a cap, sun cream and an extra layer (it is cool in the tunnels and near the water).
• Check the Verdon’s water level before you set off: after rain it can rise quickly, in which case you do not go.

With children? Definitely do it

Good news for families: for many children the highlight is the end of the walk, namely the tunnels. Walking through the dark with a torch is a real adventure, and if there is a little water on the ground, keeping your feet dry becomes a fun balancing game. Swimming is forbidden in the gorge, but photos on the rocks are well worth it, as is skipping stones across the Verdon, as far as possible. The hike is doable with children from about 7 to 8 years old, provided you keep them engaged along the way.

And the Sentier de l’Imbut?

The Imbut is the wilder, more adventurous variant with cables and chains, but it is currently closed. A municipal decree has banned access since 2022 because of rockfalls above the Styx, and that still applies. Do not ignore this, it is not a place to take risks. The Blanc-Martel is the route to do.

The reward: an ice cream at Tony’s

After the effort, La Palud-sur-Verdon, the hikers’ village of the Verdon, is the ideal place to unwind. An ice cream at Tony’s there is a real recommendation. Well earned.