History and roots of a hilltop village
La Pallud-sur-Verdon has a rich and ancient history. The village occupies a high plateau overlooking the famous Gorges du Verdon. People have lived here for a long time. There are traces of Roman presence in the region. But the village of La Pallud-sur-Verdon really took shape in the Middle Ages. The local castle bears witness to this period. It guarded the mountain road. The lords controlled the passage of travelers.
Life was difficult in the past. The climate imposed its rules and the inhabitants grew hardy cereals. They raised flocks of sheep. Wool brought a little wealth. Water was often scarce in summer. The villagers had to save every drop. They built ingenious cisterns. The architecture of La Pallud sur Verdon reflects this adaptation to the environment. The houses are built close together. This protects them from the cold, violent wind.
The 19th century marked a turning point. The population reached its peak. But then rural depopulation struck the village. Young people left for the cities. They sought less arduous work. The fields were left fallow. Silence gradually enveloped the streets. The village seemed to fall asleep for a long time.
The revival came towards the end of the 20th century. Explorers discovered the potential of the cliffs. Patrick Edlinger popularized climbing in the 1980s. He climbed the walls with his bare hands. The whole world saw these images. La Palud became a world capital of climbing. This revival changed the destiny of the town. Tourism replaced agriculture as the main driver of the economy. The village found new energy.
Population and winter economy of La Pallud-sur-Verdon
The population of La Palud-sur-Verdon remains modest. Around 350 inhabitants live here year-round. They are known as the Paluards. The community is a close-knit group. Everyone knows each other well. Mutual aid plays a vital role here. Newcomers integrate gradually. Often, they are seeking a return to nature. They are fleeing the stress of big cities.
Winter radically transforms the atmosphere of the place. Tourists leave the region in the fall. The village returns to absolute calm and snow sometimes covers the roofs. The thermometer often drops below zero and the north wind blows strongly across the plateau. Streets become deserted and silent. Only the inhabitants withstand this harshness.
The economy slows down during this season. Most shops close their doors. Hotels no longer welcome visitors. Restaurants put away their terraces. Economic activity changes in nature. Artisans take advantage of the calm to work. They renovate cottages for the summer. They repair old houses. Construction accounts for a significant portion of employment.
Agriculture also occupies the permanent residents. Some produce lavender honey. Others cultivate black truffles. This mushroom thrives in the plateau’s limestone soils. Harvesting takes place in winter. It is a valuable source of income. Farmers tend to their animals in the barn. They prepare for the next transhumance.
A few brave souls work outside. They descend into the valley every day. The road requires great vigilance. Black ice often traps motorists. Living here in winter is a choice. You have to love solitude and silence. It is a time for reading and rest. The inhabitants recharge their batteries before summer.
The excitement of summer activities
Summer transforms La Palud-sur-Verdon. The village becomes a bustling hive of activity. Visitors from all over the world flock here in search of adventure and spectacular scenery. The local economy goes into overdrive. Campsites are often fully booked. Café terraces are constantly full.
Hiking attracts the largest number of visitors. The Blanc-Martel trail is the local star. It runs along the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Hikers pass through dark tunnels and walk alongside the turquoise river. The hike takes about six or seven hours. Stairs at Brèche Imbert test your legs. The landscape takes your breath away at every turn. Shuttles bring hikers back to the village.
Climbing remains the sporting soul of La Pallud-sur-Verdon. The Escalès cliffs offer legendary routes. The gray and orange limestone is perfect. Climbers defy gravity above the void. Some even sleep on portaledges. They spend the night suspended from the rock face. Climbing schools introduce beginners to the sport. Guides share their passion for rock climbing.
The Route des Crêtes offers a motorized spectacle. It forms a 24-kilometer loop. Viewpoints are dotted along the route. Courageous cyclists tackle the steep climbs. Motorcyclists enjoy the tight turns. Each stop offers a breathtaking view. You can see the river 700 meters below. It is a panorama unique in Europe.
In La Pallud-sur-Verdon, white water also attracts thrill seekers. Canyoning is practiced in the tributaries. You jump into natural pools. You slide down stone slides. Floating allows you to swim in the Verdon. You let yourself be carried along by the current. You observe the cliffs from below. It’s a refreshing and impressive perspective.
Finally, bird watching fascinates visitors. Griffon vultures reign supreme in the sky. They have been successfully reintroduced. They use thermal currents to glide. Their wingspan exceeds two and a half meters. They can be easily observed from the village. They circle majestically above the gorges. Sometimes, the rare bearded vulture appears. It is the wild symbol of this unspoiled nature.