Tag: aqua trekk

The Route des Cretes, Verdon Gorges

- Various articles

A route des Cretes generally offers magnificent views in a mountainous tourist region. The route des cretes des Gorges du Verdon – D23 is one of these and will not leave you indifferent.

The route des Cretes, Verdon Gorges (D23)

It was built and moved in large part by the inhabitants of La Pallud between 1948 and 1972. This road which follows an old mule track at a length of 23 km and a 100% tourist vocation. It has 14 lookouts that overlook the Verdon over a height that can exceed 700 meters above the river. A perfectly safe route but one that remains impressive even for those who are used to grandiose landscapes and alpine roads.

It travels clockwise in a camping-car, car, motorbike, or even bicycle. Although the electric bike is also a great alternative. Verdon E-Bike offers bikes very well adapted to the elevation encountered. It takes between 1:30 and 3:00 to travel the entire route. It is one way on 15 of the 23 km that make it up. From Jas d’Aire to Chalet de la Maline exactly. We will therefore pay close attention to the indications.

From the Escales and Carelle belvederes, you can admire climbers in climbing routes over 300 meters. Rougon scavengers generally spend the afternoon enjoying the rising winds created along the cliffs. We sometimes have the impression that they pass a few meters from us. At the very bottom you may see the “Aqua-Randonneurs” on the half-day route of the Samson corridor. From the Imbut belvedere, you will dominate the impressive chaos or rush into the Verdon and end the Aquatic Day Hike course























Access the D23 from the Alpes de Haute Provence














It is located in the municipality of La Pallud-sur-verdon. From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie; Follow the D952 towards Castellane and allow around 40 minutes for 20 km of road. From Castellane; Also follow the D952 towards Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and allow around 45 minutes for 25 km of road. About 800 meters after leaving La Pallud-sur-Verdon from Moustiers is the start; The Auberge des Crêtes.


 It ends 23 km further on at the Hotel de Provence, still in the municipality of La Pallud-sur-Verdon. Please note, because of the risk of ice, the road is only open from April to the end of November. Only access to the Chalet de la Maline and access to the Carelle belvedere remain open all year round.






The Belvederes of the Route des Cretes


You might want to stop at each Belvedere, the view is so splendid. The Belvédère are equipped with barriers but we always pay attention to children. Remember that there may be people downstairs, it is strictly forbidden to throw stones. It is also not recommended to try to jump on the backs of vultures that pass by.


Belvédère de Trescaire – Belvédère de la Carelle – Belvédère de l’Escales – Belvédère de la dent d’Aire – Belvédère du Pas de la Baou – Belvédère – Belvédère du Tilleul – Belvédère de la gorge de Guegues – Belvédère des Glacières – Belvédère d ‘ Eycharme – Belvédère de Guegues – Chalet de la Maline – Belvédère de Maugué – Belvédère de l’Imbut – Belvédère Armanet – Belvédère de Baou Beni














The Funny Helmets.





















































































































  


  


  
  


  

    
Getaway to Castellane: outdoor sports to be favored

        

       - Various sport activities    

      


  

    
Travel to Castellane: outdoor sports to try


Want to experience new things for the next vacation, direction Castellane. This peaceful town has the distinction of being the least populated sub-prefecture in France. It is part of the PACA or Provence-Alpes-Côte d´Azur region. It has received the label “village and city of character”. Being in the regional natural park of Verdon, Castellane invites you to participate in different activities on the Verdon. Discover in this section the outdoor sports to do absolutely on this river.




Trip to Castellane: indulge in rafting on the Verdon


Indeed, located at the northeast end of the Gorges du Verdon, Castellane is a destination to be privileged for living a new adventure. In the heart of this locality, you can do many outdoor sports on the Verdon. One of the most unmissable of them is rafting. This activity will allow you to know all the joys of white water. However, before participating in this adventure and thrill sport, a few criteria must be met. To be able to fully enjoy this hobby, you must be in good physical condition. Knowing how to swim is also imperative. This is one of the most important criteria to be met.


Also, a minimum age must be respected. Participants must be at least eight years old. Equipment allowing to raft in all serenity is also to envisage. Take with you a swimsuit as well as closed shoes like sneakers for example. As for the life jackets and helmets, they are generally provided by the agencies offering the activity. Also, don’t forget to bring a towel and bag with a change of clothes for the return.




Getaway to Castellane: go for an aqua-hike on the Verdon 


We don’t just raft on the Verdon. You can also practice aqua-hiking. This fun activity is a way to fully admire the beautiful landscapes of the Gorges du Verdon. It will allow anyone not afraid of white water to discover a river more horizontal than vertical. Lying on your back, lifted by a life jacket, follow the course of the water while swimming or floating. The course on the Verdon can be punctuated by several jumps which are not compulsory. To practice aqua-hiking safely, it is advisable to be accompanied by a guide. The latter will show you the way to go and show you the most remote corners of the Verdon. The guide will not fail to inform you of the fragility of the site’s environment and will ask you to respect it. 




Circuit in Castellane: indulge in airboat kayaking on the Verdon


In the range of outdoor sports that can be done on the Verdon, we find the airboat kayaking. The latter is particularly recommended during a trip to Costa Rica. This activity is much more sporty than rafting. Alone or in pairs, discover the river aboard your inflatable boat. The airboat is generally operated with a double paddle. Its inflated structure and its self-draining bottom give it great stability. This will allow novices to easily cross the river. On the Verdon, you can follow different routes. Your guide will not fail to point them out to you. It should be noted that to be able to do this activity, you must absolutely know how to swim. 




The Funny Helmets.

  


  


  
  


  

    
Hiking and legends; Robion Mountain

        

       - Hiking    

      


  

    


Hiking and legends


Robion, one of the most characteristic mountains of Verdon. It rises to 1,660 meters, 950 meters above Castellane. A characteristic massif since rafting and canoe route from Castellane and ending at Pont de Soleil. Practically goes around the mountain of Robion on the right. In other thermal baths, one could say that the mountain of Robion is located on the left bank of the course … From Castellane, behind the swimming pool, you take the small departmental road in the direction of Bourguet. You quickly come across the small yellow signs that mark the path to the summit of Robion. Allow around 4 hours to make the round trip.


In summer, it is recommended to start early to climb before the heat. From the summit a bright day, you can see the Mediterranean! Personally, I have never had this chance. It is also possible to make a loop by borrowing the ascent or the descent, the route known as “Tour de Robion”. From the village of Robion, on the route du Bourguet, you will also discover the chapel of Saint Trophime. An 18th century troglodyte chapel hanging on the mountain and dedicated to the first bishop of Arles.




Robion and the Knights Templar


Unless the legend has endured over the centuries in some secret circles. It was at the beginning of the twentieth century that the discovery of a parchment in Siberia awakened curiosity about the past “Templar” of the Verdon. Nevertheless, you can read this article on the legend of the treasure of the Knights Templar in the Verdon. The persecuted Templars carried their treasure from the east to the Verdon and hid it in the greatest secrecy. We then searched in the subfields of the castle of Valcros without success. It is also believed that the treasure can be found in an immense underground lake contained in Robion Mountain also called The Island of the Watchers.


Stop at the Moulin de Soleils Bakery on the road to Draguignan, the boss, passionate about this story is inexhaustible on the subject.


 


The Funny Helmets.

  


  


  
  


  

    
Days of rafting and water levels on the Verdon

        

       - White Water activities    

      


  

    
Rafting days and water levels on the verdon? You mean there are days for rafting and days without rafting on the Verdon? Is the river closed or is it? No, the flow is regulated by a dam.




Operation of the dam outside July-August


It is the Chaudanne dam which has this role, it regulates the flow from the Verdon from Castellane to Lake Sainte Croix. In the spring, EDF provides us with its information on water flows the day before for the next day. Saturday-Sunday in May and June are not normally turbined (dam closed). Indeed, this measure serves to secure the most abundant attendance of weekends. Over this period, you will therefore need to be patient. During the week, the next day’s activity cannot be confirmed until the evening before. For fans of rafting and canoeing, it is always possible to go sailing on Haut Verdon for an additional hour’s drive from Castellane.




Operation of the dam in July-August


In summer, this is somewhat different … Indeed, EDF assures us two days of releases per week in the months of July and August, which lets a little see coming … These days are Tuesday and Friday for rafting and canoeing. The remaining five days are open to the Aqua Treking activity, day and half day.


Now, from year to year, there can be big changes as evidenced by an article published this fall on the blog. Indeed, the accumulated snow reserves during the winter play an extremely important role. In fact, with a lot of snow, there is more days of water in summer. Heavy snowfall and cool weather in the spring play a large part in increasing the number of turbined days in summer.




Reserved flow


The days of “closure” correspond to what is called the “reserved debit”. In fact, EDF ensures the survival of the river by maintaining a minimum flow on closing days. The reserved flow is 3 cubic meters seconds all year round but increases to 1.5 cubic meters seconds from June 15 to September 1.


So, “Rafting days and water levels on the verdon” have no more secrets for you.

The Funny Helmets.

  


  


  
  


  

    
Transverdon with MTB. Allos pass to Gréoux-les-bains

        

       - Mountain biking    

      


  

    




The transverdon with MBT


The Transverdon, only for the braves !! 3 – 2 – 1 – GO !! to your bikes !! 260 km, certified by the French Cycling Federation, La Transverdon is one of the 10 largest mountain bike crossings in France!


The route begins at the sources of Verdon, met at the Allos Pass at 2247 m altitude. A particularly Alpine, sporty and demanding route that crosses the mountains and joins the lakes of altitude. Thereafter, starting from Saint-André, with the entry in the Natural Park of the Verdon, one joins Castellane, Chasteuil, Rougon, Moustier Sainte-Marie and Gréoux-les-bains by remounting old forgotten roads. A second part more Mediterranean or it will always be good to refresh yourself in the beautiful lakes of Verdon if you start from the month of June.




A course divided into 15 sections


The course is divided into 15 sections plus an annex (from Barcelonette to the Col d’Allos and one at the arrival of Gréoux les Bains to Manosque). Perfectly identifiable, these sections are linked in the order you want, it is also easy to find accommodation on the course.


Here’s how we linked 15 sections of the transverdon in 5 days. First three days in the fall, followed by two more in June of the following year:


Day 1 / Allos Pass – Colmars les Alpes (sections 1 and 2) We start by crossing a magnificent forest of larches, the day will be tough for both the driver and the machine.


Day 2 / Colmars the Alps – Thorame Basse (sections 3, 4 and 5) The most difficult day I think, we find ourselves pushing the bike on very steep slopes … Black runs in winter .. The arrival at Lake Lignin is sublime.


Day 3 / Thorame Basse – Castellane (sections 6, 7 and 8) It goes down! Not quite … Beautiful views of Lake Castillon from Blaron. Personally very tired after these three days, I am very happy to put the transverdon in pause until next June


Day 4 / Castellane – Moustiers Sainte-Marie (sections 9, 10 and 11)

We resume the course in June with the first beautiful days so much so that the heat made us suffer a little.


Day 5 / Moustiers Sainte-Marie – Gréoux-les-Bains (sections 12, 13, 14 and 15) With much less height difference than in the first sections, the course of 4 sections is still very long


It is strongly recommended to train beforehand on the course of Castellane can be ..


 


 The Funny Helmets

  


  


  
  


  

    
Bungee jumping on the Artuby Bridge, 182m

        

       - Various sport activities    

      


  

    
10% discount on your bungee jumping verdon


VERDON XP & The Funny Helmets team up with LATITUDE-CHALLENGE to offer you a 10% discount on your bungee jumping on the Artuby Bridge, 182m, the highest in Europe. Come and enjoy the thrill in the beautiful setting of the Canyon du Verdon!


Latitude Challenge is positioned as one of the first bungee jumping companies in France. Latitude Challenge is over 90,000 jumps on the bridge of Artuby.


At Latitude Challenge, bungee jumping is open to everyone, from 15 years old with parental authorization and medical certificate from 55 years old.

For 20 years, Latitude Challenge has also been overseeing the bungee jumping of many people with disabilities. Particular care is then taken.




A key word; Security. All equipment is systematically checked


In 2004, Latitude Challenge extended its activity to teaching parachute jumping. And thus creates a school, specialized in the discovery of free fall for beginners. Since 2012, Latitude Challenge has obtained the Quality Tourism label. Latitude Challenge has the highest rating among outdoor recreation organizations across all industries.


By contacting Verdon Xp, you will be given a promotional code that you will enter on the provider’s website when you register. All you have to do is follow the instructions and be ready on the “D” day for the big jump! Only Sunday from April to November and also Saturday from mid-July to mid-August.


For a group, here is an activity that can perfectly pair with the Must activity in the Verdon who start from the parking of the Auberge des Cavaliers (Grand Canyon Hotel). Only ten minutes drive from the Pont de l’Artuby. Certainly a plus at a hen party girl or boy!


Idea weekend; Saturday; Aqua Trekking Day and night at the Grand Canyon Hotel. Sunday; Jump from the Bridge of Artuby then back to the house of stars in the eyes.


 

  


  


  
  


  

    
The pass of Lèques, departure of mountain bike circuits

        

       - Mountain biking    

      


  

    
The pass of Lèques. We have chosen to present you today some mountain bike tours starting from this magnificent pass. The pass of Lèques culminates at 1146 meters of altitude, it dominates Castellane on the N85 leading to Digne-les-Bains. It is also the starting point for a cultural excursion, that of the Sirenians.


 


The ascent to the pass of Lèques


Two choices are offered to you;


The most courageous will go up from Castellane by riding their bike. They will face a difference in altitude of 428 meters over a distance of 9 kilometers. Enough to warm up the calves. It is not recommended to do this itinerary at 2pm in the middle of summer or you will end up dried out like a prune.


The others will organize a shuttle system to arrive at the top of the pass without getting too tired. Once there, you can always enjoy the view on the valley. You can also have a drink on the terrace of the Sirenes campsite, it is also possible to eat there before the activity. Remember to reserve if you want to eat there in the evening.


Then comes the time of the adventure, are the bikes ready? Helmets on the head, patches or a spare inner tube are packed in the backpack.


 


The descent from the pass of Lèques


We mount our bike and we leave on the left (coming from Castellane). Then we cross the hotel complex and its ground of tenis to the abandonment. One continues always on this track in direction of the telephone relay. To note that for the most lazy, we can also continue by car on this track. The economy made in legs is paid then in shock absorber of car.


After two kilometers of track, a first junction leaves on the left between two iron bars. This track brings you back to the beginning of the ascent of the pass of Lèques. We will pay attention to the trees that have fallen in the middle before arriving at a farm. A very wild route, which is apparently not used by any four-wheeled vehicle. The farm seems to have remained a prisoner of the past centuries.


Another route; From the track coming from the pass, continue for another two kilometers after the first junction described above. This time you reach a track that takes you through a valley and back to Brayale. From there, you can go down to Castellane in the direction of the road of the gorges. An excellent route!


 


Villars Brandis


Finally, if you continue this track from the pass in the direction of Cadières de Brandis, you have this time the possibility to go down to Villars Brandis. For my part, I appreciated less this route. Indeed, it imposes some portages (always a little frustrating to have to carry your bike to go down, especially when you sweated a lot before to go up). Moreover, you will meet three patous (imposing Pyrenean shepherds), which is always a bit stressful. According to a friend who lives there, they are as adorable as cuddly toys. Well, you have to let them approach to realize it.


Have a nice trip!


The Funny Helmets.




 

  


  


  
  


  

    
Angouire valley, canyoning in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

        

       - Canyoning Verdon    

      


  

    
This morning, it’s 9:30 am and I enjoy my coffee with a chocolate bread on the terrace of the “Tourisme”, an institution of the village where the outdoor professionals like to meet. Christophe, a canyoning guide friend is passing by. “Say, I’m going to do a canyon, the Angouire valley in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, are you coming ? And I answer: “Well, listen, no activity on the Verdon this afternoon, come on, let’s go! It’s still an hour’s drive from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Castellane on the D952, known as the “route des gorges”. In July-August, with two-three campers in front, it can take a little longer.


 


Approach walk and organization


So here we are on the road to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It is now 11:30 am and we are leaving for a canyon day, le Val d’Angouire! Fortunately, there are only two of us and we know that we will go faster than a group of beginners. However, it is always interesting to be one more in order to share the material and especially the ropes!


We leave the car on the highest parking of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and start the ascent towards this medieval road which leads to the Roman way leading to Castellane via Chasteuil.


First impression; this walk must be unbearable in summer under the sun. Second impression; it is better to come with two cars and take a shuttle to get closer to the start of the canyon because we walked for more than two hours at a rather steady pace before starting the activity. To do this, it is necessary to take the direction of the lodging of Venascle. We follow a track at the exit of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie which also leads to a takeoff of paragliding.


 


Progression in the Canyon of the Val d’Angouire


This canyon is in a particularly wild and little frequented environment. It dries up very quickly in the season, so it is only practicable in spring, even in years with a lot of rain. We are finally at the start, it is already time to get equipped. We do the first rappels which are not difficult at all. Even on a sunny day, I’m glad I put on my 7 mm wetsuit because the abseils under the waterfalls are very very refreshing…


We finally arrive at the passage known as the “Pear”. Here, the phenomenon of erosion reaches its paroxysm, the water cut about 30 meters into the limestone layer to form a narrow corridor. The sunlight even has some difficulties to come to the bottom. This is often the problem in this sport.


Little by little, the canyon comes to an end. We finish in a luxuriant vegetation, decorated with multiple tuff waterfalls. Another 40 minutes of walking to find the car left in Moustiers. Be careful to follow the way back or you will quickly end up at the neighbor’s. He is not very inclined to receive “canyoneurs” on his property.


The setting was great and the route was quite sportive as we took more than seven hours in total, at a rather steady pace. Still a good day as we like them, we did not make the road for nothing.


 


The Funny Helmets.

  


  


  
  


  

    
The Roc of Castellane, breathtaking view of the Verdon.

        

       - Villages of the Verdon    

      


  

    
It does not matter which path you take to come to Castellane the first time. We will always remember the appearance of the Roc of Castellane in the landscape. For my part, I came that day from Digne-les-Bains. Once the bus arrived at the top, at the Col des Lèques, I saw this enormous block of limestone below. Le Roc; surmounted by its small chapel, rising above the village of Castellane. This memory still comes back to me each time I take this road more than came years later.


 


The Roc of Castellane


It culminates at 930 meters, this limestone formation rises more than two hundred meters above the village. The ideal place to take shelter from the Verdon floods and invaders. Indeed, during the middle ages, the habitat moved to the top of the Roc. It was appropriate at the time to protect oneself from the Moorish invasions which led lightning attacks from the Mediterranean coast. Afterwards, the village was set up a little lower down on a small plateau with easier access. Some traces of this site called Sinaca are still visible during the ascent.


The site has been classified since 1933 and climbing is prohibited there mainly to avoid rockfall in the village. Some say they saw someone base jump from up there.


A few years ago when the summers weren’t too dry, the July 14th fireworks display was shot from the Rock. Unfortunately, following these events, the Roc experienced many fire problems. This is why for several years now, the municipality has chosen the primary school at the bottom of the village as a launching point for the many rockets that illuminate the sky of Castellane on that evening.


 


Go up to the Notre Dame chapel


The Notre Dame du Roc chapel installed at the top of the limestone complex. This building, which may have replaced an older place of worship, was erected as a chapel in the 12th century. Only the south-eastern facade remains from this period, the rest of the building was restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. The chapel remains open at all times, go inside! The walls are covered with votive offerings; These plaques affixed by believers who have seen their requests come true. In addition, we saw fit to let a little relaxing music scroll, day and night. Guaranteed atmosphere.


It is not possible to drive up to the Roc because no road leads there. However, it is also not necessary to go there by helicopter, a 30 minute path will get you there. To do this, go to the Place de l’Eglise then take a tour of the Church of the Sacred Heart. You will then come across the famous Stations of the Cross which goes up to the Roc. You can also get there by a slightly longer path. It starts at the exit of Castellane towards Digne. On the right, following the fire station, the small yellow signs lead you to the top. You will pass by the Pentagonal Tower and its gardens, a magnificent place of relaxation overlooking the village and little frequented even at the height of the season.


An ideal excursion to complete a half day of Rafting!


The Funny Helmets


 

  


  


  
  


  

    
Aqua trekking day of the Imbut in the Verdon

        

       - White Water activities    

      


  

    
Starting point and approach walk


Aqua trekking and day hike in the Verdon gorges. Many guides (canyon and river) agree that the most beautiful aquatic trekking in the Verdon is the one we are going to talk about in this article; the “day”. Everything happens on the left bank of the Verdon, the departure as well as the arrival. The parking of the Auberge des Cavaliers is the meeting point for all those who want to participate in the adventure. This place is located in a no man’s land between Aiguines and the Pont de Chaulière also known as Pont de l’Artuby, on the D71.


You usually have an appointment with our guide around 9 am on the parking of the inn. Indeed, the schedule changes according to the season and its sunshine. After trying on the equipment (neoprene suit, life jacket and helmet), the picnic is locked in a waterproof container. Each one loads his pack in a bag of canyoning specially adapted to the activity and we leave for forty minutes of walk on a “technical” way which takes us to near 400 meters lower, at the edge of the Verdon.



Progression along the water in aqua trekking day


A short break and we already put on the equipment. Let’s go for an hour and a half – two hours of swimming in the river bed. We learn to use the current to orient ourselves on one side or the other, we test ourselves on small jumps in a breathtaking scenery; turquoise water, very high cliffs. Arrives the lunch break, generally on a small sunny beach. Then we leave for an hour and a half – two hours in the water.


Then will follow higher and more impressive jumps in always more fabulous sceneries. The corridor then the rapid of the Stix. And finally; L’Imbut (the funnel in Provençale). The river has found its way in a chaos of huge rocks and gives the impression of becoming underground. It is at the bottom of this fairy cave that the most reckless will go for the final big jump. We dismantle ourselves on the beach of Imbut by taking advantage of the last rays of sun (it leaves much earlier at the bottom of the canyon).



Rise of the aqua trekking day


The bag on the back, let’s go for the ascent! 400 meters of difference in level, one hour of walk in a path made very difficult by the use of time but currently in renovation at the time of writing this article. A good final walk, some passages a little dizzy and we find the D71. It is by truck that we reach the Auberge des Cavaliers where your favorite guide will invite you to have a drink on the panoramic terrace of the Hotel.  Exhausted but happy, you will remember this day!



State of the route in the summer of 2022


At the beginning of July 2022, the GR (long distance hiking trail) of the Imbut was closed by the authorities. Indeed, there are many landslides in the Canyon. In winter in particular, due to the phenomenon of gelifraction. The humidity inside some cracks freezes and separates an element of rock in two. The next day, the action of the sun melting this ice, the “glue” disappears and the rock falls.


Thus, the Imbut trail deserves restoration again. Safety nets must be changed. Neither the department of Var nor the commune of Aiguines want to assume the cost. The battle of who will break first is engaged. We don’t know what will happen in 2023.