Mistakes to avoid
The Verdon has to be earned: badly prepared, you spend your day in traffic jams, out of water, or facing a trail you thought was a loop. Here are the most common mistakes — and, each time, the right move to turn it into a safe and successful visit.
The Verdon is a river regulated by EDF dams: its level can rise sharply in the canyon, with no visible rain. Never go down to the canyon floor, and don’t swim in the river, without checking the release schedule and the weather — a sudden surge has already proved fatal there. When in doubt, give it up: the canyon will still be there tomorrow.
This is the number-one first-visit mistake. The Verdon is not a dot on the map but a vast area — the Grand Canyon, five turquoise lakes, plateaux and perched villages — spread over dozens of kilometres between the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The right move: choose a base, allow for driving times, and don’t try to see everything in a day.
From 10 am in season, the Route des Crêtes turns into a procession of cars and the belvedere car parks, like the one at the Pont du Galetas, are full. The right move: set off early in the morning or late in the day — you’ll get the light, the cool air and the sites almost to yourself.
In summer the thermometer often tops 35 °C and the limestone walls throw the heat back like an oven. Setting off without water is the mistake that ruins — or worse — an outing. The right move: at least 3 litres of water per person even for a short walk, a hat, and save the effort for the morning or the evening.
The Verdon’s legendary trail is a one-way walk, from the Chalet de la Maline to Point Sublime — you cannot walk back to your car. The right move: arrange the return with the Park shuttle or a taxi, and never forget your head torch: two long tunnels plunge the trail into complete darkness.
The Route des Crêtes (tunnels 3.60 m at the sides, partly one-way) and the narrow Corniche Sublime do not forgive a big motorhome. The right move: know your vehicle’s dimensions, and when in doubt, park the large vehicle at a base and explore by car, by bike or by bus.
In July and August, the canoes and electric boats at the Pont du Galetas go quickly, and accommodation is fully booked. Some rental firms advise booking a week ahead. The right move: lock in your activities and your nights in advance rather than hoping to find something on the spot at the last minute.
In the Verdon, trails close by order — the Imbut trail has seen closures — and a dated article can send you onto a closed or dangerous path. The right move: check the trail’s up-to-date status and the weather (storms, heatwave, flood surges) before setting off, with the Park and the tourist offices.
Thinking that “the Gorges du Verdon” is a single, compact place. It is in fact a vast area — canyon, five lakes, plateaux and villages — spread over dozens of kilometres. Trying to string it all together in a day means spending your visit in the car. The right move is to choose a base, allow for the distances, and target two or three areas.
At least 3 litres per person, even for a short outing. In summer, temperatures often top 35 °C and the limestone walls reflect the heat. Walk early in the morning or late in the day, protect yourself from the sun and watch for signs of heatstroke — it is one of the most underestimated risks in the gorge.
No. The Blanc-Martel is a one-way walk, from the Chalet de la Maline to Point Sublime: you do not return on foot to your starting point. You therefore need to arrange the return with the Park shuttle or a taxi, and to carry a head torch — two long tunnels plunge the trail into total darkness.
In high season, yes. The canoes and electric boats at the Pont du Galetas and on Lake Sainte-Croix are in great demand, and some rental firms recommend booking up to a week ahead. Accommodation also fills up quickly in July and August: it is better to plan ahead than to search on the spot.
The water releases from the EDF dams. The level of the Verdon can rise sharply in the canyon, making swimming or wading in the river deadly at the wrong moment. Never go down to the canyon floor without first checking the release schedule and the weather. Summer heat is the second risk to take seriously.