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In the
Verdon Regional Nature Park
it is impossible to hike in the
Gorges du Verdon
without taking the Blanc-Martel trail. Roaming from
Castellane
or from Chalet de la Maline, follow in the footsteps of the first explorers of Europe’s largest canyon. So! Ready for adventure?
Do you have any questions about the Blanc-Martel trail or the associated shuttle?
See our dedicated FAQ for all the essential information.
Don’t leave any questions unanswered before your adventure begins!
The Blanc-Martel trail is a unique 16 km one-way trail.
The trail takes you to the bottom of the canyon, as close as possible to the Verdon river, and allows you to discover some of the Verdon’s mythical sites, such as the Pré d’Issane, ox balsam, la Mescla, the Imbert breach, the Guègues scree slopes, the Trescaïre and Baou, the Samson Corridor…
Between steep cliffside paths and shady undergrowth, the Blanc-Martel trail alternates between rhythmic and exceptional landscapes, allowing you to enter into the intimacy of this exceptional site.
Although the trail is very popular in summer, the number of visitors remains low. Some time after the shuttle’s arrival, the stream of hikers heading up the switchbacks below Chalet de la Maline gradually dissipates, returning the Verdon to its wild character.
The arrival point, Point Sublime in the commune of Rougon, marks the end of the journey. After passing through the couloir Samson tunnel, take the stairs to the belvedere and then the path to Point Sublime. 200 metres of ascent and you’re there!
Our tip: Continue your ascent to Point Sublime while your muscles are still warm. If you feel the need, stop off at the Couloir Samson lookout, but only for a few minutes, otherwise you’ll run into difficulties on the final stretch.
Hiking is easier. In fact, it’s better to descend the 400 m difference in altitude between Chalet de la Maline and the Verdon than to climb them at the end of the hike, after 15 km of walking! The 250-step Imbert Gap is also easier and more impressive on the way down than on the way up.
The Blanc-Martel shuttle is designed to operate in the direction from La Maline to Point Sublime. The Chalet de la Maline is served by the morning shuttle bus from the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon.
Some parts of the trail are quite narrow, so it’s not always easy to pass each other. So even though the trail can be walked in either direction, it’s best to follow the recommended direction, which is used by most hikers.
Point Sublime is one of the most picturesque views of the Verdon Gorge.
The viewpoint is on the right bank, downstream from the village of Rougon.
The couloir Samson itinerary takes you to and from the entrance to one of Europe’s largest canyons: the Gorges du Verdon.
The bridge over the Artuby was constructed of reinforced concrete between 1938 and 1940 by the company Thorrand and Co. from Nice.
Le Chalet de la Maline, qui se trouve au départ du sentier Blanc-Martel et le long de la Route des Crêtes, a été rénové en 1936, après 2 ans de travaux, pour accueillir les randonneurs. C’était autrefois une ancienne ferme.
Située à la fin du Sentier Blanc-Martel et au début du sentier du Couloir Samson, cette baume au milieu du tunnel du Baou offre l’une des vues les plus sauvages des Gorges du Verdon.
La Mescla (the mixture in Occitan) is where the Verdon and its tributary the Artuby meet.
La Brèche Imbert est située au milieu du Blanc-Martel, c’est un escalier dans le vide, avec des rambardes, de 274 marches est l’un des points de vues les plus impressionnant du sentier Blanc-Martel.
