Emblematic place · Rougon
The Point Sublime
It is the most famous viewpoint in the Verdon: a plunging view over the upstream entrance to the great canyon and the Couloir Samson, where the river squeezes in between the walls. Ten minutes’ walk from the car park, in the commune of Rougon. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of it.
- Where
- Commune of Rougon (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, 04), via the D952
- What it is
- The Verdon’s iconic viewpoint, a plunging view over the entrance to the canyon and the Couloir Samson
- On foot
- ≈ 10 minutes from the car park
- Parking
- Paid in season (8am to 9:30pm), charged by time spent — free out of season
- Without a car
- Zou! line 450 (Riez ↔ Moustiers ↔ La Palud ↔ Point Sublime ↔ Castellane)
The entrance to the canyon seen from above
The Point Sublime overlooks the upstream entrance to the Grand Canyon of the Verdon, where the river squeezes into the Couloir Samson — a listed site. Face to face, two dizzying walls frame the view: the Paroi du Duc on the left and the Escalès cliffs on the right, each nearly 400 metres high. It is also the end point of the legendary Blanc-Martel Trail, which runs up the bottom of the gorges from the Chalet de la Maline. From the surrounding cliffs, griffon vultures can regularly be seen in flight.
Access and parking
It is reached via the D952, then a car park followed by a path of about 10 minutes. The car park is paid in season, from 8am to 9:30pm, with a fee scale based on time spent — free out of season. Designed for visits of under 3 hours: to stay longer, the Couloir Samson car park, right next door, offers a day rate (70 spaces).
All the Verdon’s car parks, prices included → Getting there by bus (Zou! line 450) →
Around the site
The Point Sublime is one of the must-sees of the Route des Crêtes, on the right bank of the canyon, and a natural stopping point for anyone discovering the gorges by car. The village of Rougon overlooks the site from its rocky spur.
The Grand Canyon of the Verdon → The canyon by car (Route des Crêtes) → The village of Rougon → All the Verdon’s viewpoints → The full state of the Verdon today →
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to visit the Point Sublime?
The car park and its fee scale are designed for a visit of under 3 hours: time to walk down to the viewpoint (about 10 minutes on foot), take in the view of the Couloir Samson, and walk back up. For a longer visit, the Couloir Samson car park, right next door, offers a day rate.
Is parking at the Point Sublime paid?
Yes, in season, from 8am to 9:30pm, charged by time spent: free for under 15 minutes, then from €1.50 (30 min) up to €46 beyond 8 hours. It is free out of season. For a full day, the Couloir Samson car park (day rate) is better suited.
Can you get to the Point Sublime without a car?
Yes, by the regional Zou! line 450, the only one that crosses the Grand Canyon: it links Riez, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Palud-sur-Verdon, Rougon / Point Sublime and Castellane. It is also the end point of the Blanc-Martel Trail for those walking from the Chalet de la Maline.
Is the Point Sublime the start or the end of the Blanc-Martel Trail?
It is the end point if you walk in the usual direction, from the Chalet de la Maline (right bank, on the Route des Crêtes). Many hikers use the Park’s Blanc-Martel shuttle to return to their starting point without walking the trail back the other way.