Tag: hiking

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.

Sports activities and outdoor sport in the Verdon

- Various sport activities

VERDON XP & The Funny Helmets offers exclusively water activities, especially white water activities. However, it is good to know that the Verdon valley offers multiple possibilities in nature sports and outdoor sports activities. Escape in the Verdon area!

 

Cycling, mountain biking & VTAE

Fifteen signposted routes starting from Castellane which is also the crossroads of the Routes du Soleil and the Transverdon (itinerary along the Verdon). Two mythical routes that require several days of expedition. Those who prefer road tours are also served since this mountainous region offers multiple possibilities. The road of the gorges which leads to Moustiers or the Col d’Allos for the most daring.

Even if we are only in the Pre-Alps, the relief remains demanding. Also, it is armed with a good physical shape that you will have to face the various courses decorated with stony ways. In order to lower the degree of difficulty, many people have joined the VTAE formula. With the same physical effort, the VTAE also allows you to cover much greater distances in the same time.

 

Hiking

Hiking for some, trekking for others, the Verdon is a walker’s paradise. In summer, the frequentation is concentrated on the Grand Canyon where the Sentier Martel on the right bank and the Sentier de l’Imbut on the left bank allow to explore two thirds of it. Further up the valley, we enter the Mercantour National Park. The lake of Allos, the massif of the three bishoprics…  The rest of the year, you can enjoy the courses too exposed to the sun in summer.

 

Paragliding

Saint André les Alpes has a first class flying site, as a proof, it regularly organizes world cup rounds. If you have never flown before, no problem, you will always find an instructor at the sailing school to take you on a tandem flight.

The site of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie also offers similar activities.

 

Bungee jumping

The jump from the Artuby bridge! 182m! Unique in the region! Be careful, this activity is only available on weekends, beware, availability is very limited.
Take advantage of a 10% discount with our promotional code. Reservation to be made directly on the company’s website but call us beforehand to get your code.

 

Sports activities Ski

The resort of La Foux d’Allos dominates the Verdon valley since the Verdon river has its source near the Col d’Allos. 180 km of slopes are divided between la Foux d’Allos and Praloup when the link is open. A little below is the resort of Seignus. A more modest resort but with very good slopes capable of hosting international competitions.  This resort also has the advantage of being more accessible from the entrance of the valley.

 

Sports activities Climbing

The cliffs of the Grand Canyon du Verdon are famous all over the world. Patrick Edlinger, the famous climber was the best ambassador. The Grand Canyon includes climbing on the left bank as well as on the right bank on more than 25 km! There are more than 2500 voices among which several are more than 400 meters long. The quality of the limestone is said to be exceptional.

 

Sports activities Canyoning

We recommend that you embark with the Canyoning Sud-Est team. Mathieu will guide you through the great diversity of the canyons of the Verdon region. But also in the Alpes Maritimes department and more widely, in the whole south-east of France.

For more nature sports and activities, call us!