Tag: wild water

Hiking the Imbut trail, the magic of Verdon

- Hiking

Hiking the imbut trail, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Verdon. This route is modeled (or vice versa) on the Day Water Hike route. Indeed, for this activity, we use the same access (the descent of the Cavaliers) and the same exit (the Vidal path). Between the two, you will enjoy a magnificent path offering you spectacular views of the Verdon. In July-August, choose the days except Tuesday and Friday which are the days of water releases. Indeed the water is less beautiful on these days and it is particularly not recommended to take a small swim.

Departures of the Imbut trail hike

In general, everyone leaves from the parking lot of the Hotel du Grand Canyon (Auberge des Cavaliers) on the D71, about 20 minutes from Aiguines. From there, you access the GR 99 about 100 meters below which goes down to the Verdon. Another departure can be made from the Chalet de la Maline located opposite on the Route des Crètes. Small inconvenience, the ascent at the end of the afternoon will be done in full sun.

 

Progress along the Verdon

The progression is done in the direction of the current, on the left bank. Coming from the latter, turn left when you arrive at the water’s edge. Coming from the right bank, cross the Estellié footbridge then continue on your right. The path can be slippery, be careful. After a progression in the forest, we arrive on the first handrails. A little dizzying passage that leads you to the thousand-year-old juniper. The path goes down to the water’s edge, it is often the perfect place for a lunch break. Continuing, we arrive on the passage of the Styx. A magnificent canyon inside the grand canyon.

We start again on handrails in a passage cut by the force of the man, the Maugué (bad ford). Then we go back towards Chemin Vidal. At the crossroads, turn right, direction Imbut trail. You arrive on Imbut beach, a magnificent pebble beach. The sun is there until around 3:30 p.m. in the best season. You might as well wait with him and regain strength for the ascent. We do not recommend that you venture into the chaos of the Imbut to reach Baou Beni. You can easily fall several meters.

 

Ascent of the Imbut trail

Retrace your steps to the crossroads of Chemin Vidal. The hardest part of the day then arises. A path sometimes on the side of a cliff but which is always equipped with handrails. Go quietly at your own pace, each step takes you to new heights. Allow about an hour to join the D71. Once at the top, you can either enter through the forest after crossing the road or walk along the latter to still enjoy great views of the canyon.

 

 

Martel expedition 1905 in the Grand Canyon du Verdon

- History

The Martel expedition was led by the French speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel (1859-1938). He went to Haute Provence in 1905. Sent by the Ministry of Agriculture, he came to study the resurgence of Fontaine l’Evêque (today drowned in the lake of Sainte-Croix). He then turned away by the Grand Canyon du Verdon, in particular by Rougon where a team went up to explore the Grand Canyon. It is Isidore Blanc, guide of the expedition and teacher who brings together a team of villagers. The Martel expedition was launched on August 11, 1905.

 

Martel expedition day 1

The whole team starts from Rougon to reach the Samson corridor. They embark men and equipment on three frail canvas and wood skiffs. After a first day of laborious navigation, they set up camp at La Baume aux Pigeons. Barely 2 kilometers traveled.

 

Martel expedition day 2

A boat is destroyed and progress is then made by the shore. They arrive at the beginning of the afternoon at Estellier. At nightfall, they enter the corridor of the Styx, a second boat shatters sending men and equipment into the river. They then set up camp on the Imbut beach. Martel at the end of his strength then wishes to abandon the adventure. It is encouraged by the rest of the team that he manages to regain his motivation. It must be said that this represents a very big day. Going from Stix to Imbut during the night to finish off the most seasoned.

Martel expedition day 3

Not venturing inside the Imbut, the expedition must go around it through the chaos of the same name. Getting these cumbersome boats over the huge blocks forming chaos must have been a heavy task and particularly time-consuming. The camp is established at the end of the day in Les Cavalets.

 

Day 4

The progression is very slow, chaos of rocks, multiple logs brought by the floods obstruct the passage. Arrived at Pas de Mayreste some men exhausted to the nerves decide to give up. It wasn’t until the end of the day that the rest of the team arrived at Pas du Galetas. Martel who was then part of it, near the Roman bridge of Aiguines (today drowned in the waters of Lake Sainte Croix) the first successful expedition of the Gorges du Verdon.

It was not until 1928 to see Robert de Joly cross the rooms of the Imbut for the first time.

 

Funny Helmets

 

With the PoteSport app, finish the sport on your own!

- Our partners

We are already in October, the season is over and the equipment put away until spring 2021 .. It is high time to take over the Verdon Xp blog! What are you going to do now that there is no more rafting in the Verdon? Well you will find friends to play sports without us! And how? With PoteSport app !

 

The Potesport app

How it works? Do you have to fill out a form? put an ad in the newspaper? Not at all! We are in 2021, use your smartphone! Indeed, PoteSport has developed an application to meet other athletes and share with them. Wherever you are and whatever your level, you will quickly find one or more partners to have fun in your favorite sports.

First of all, PoteSport is an application that you download for free! it helps .. Ultra simple ergonomics. Even those who do not understand it will not need a manual. On weekend vacation or even unemployed, you can meet sports partners and make new discoveries all over France.

 

Description of the Potesport app

Equipped with a chat device, the application allows you to chat live and quickly organize a next training session. Easy! It’s not over! the PoteSport application also allows geolocation. Indeed, it will be pointless to find partners at the other end of France, the application does it for you. In the notification period, PoteSport keeps you informed of everything that is happening around you at the speed of light, a plus! And then there is also a personal and discreet messaging if you have more things to say to you. PoteSport, the Swiss army knife of applications for sports lovers! And it’s freeeee!

 

In complete safety

Finally, it is important to note that all your personal data is secured and stored in France by the service provider OVH. None of this data will be used for commercial purposes and outside the PoteSport application.

On your sneakers!

 

Funny Helmets

Aqua Trekking – XXL – Verdon Gorges – 2 Days

- White Water activities

The Big Must of Verdon! Reserved for the most athletic athletes. An XXL Aqua Trekking in the Gorges du Verdon. Swim in the wildest Grand Canyon du Verdon. Over two days which will take you from the Estellier to the Col de l’Olivier. Following on from the Aquatic Day Hike. After the passage of the Imbut, you will discover the very mysterious Verdon Secret!

Detailed description of the XXL Aqua Trekking

Day 1; We meet at La Colle de l’Olivier on the S952. After trying the equipment, we take the vehicles back to the Chalet de la Maline on the dizzying Route des Crêtes from La Pallud-sur-Verdon. 1 hour walk is necessary to reach the edge of the Verdon. Once equipped at the water’s edge, there are magnificent passages, from the Pont de l’Estellier to the Imbut. Almost 4 hours spent in the water and then 1 hour 30 minutes of walking up. We take the time during the day to enjoy a meal (at the expense of each). Shipped in a waterproof container loaned by Verdon Xp.

Day 2; 1h30 walk then we go into the water at the Imbut. Then, we explore the most secret part of the Grand Canyon. No access path possible since the two cliffs fall directly into the Verdon. We end at the Col de l’Olivier.

 

Night and meal

The main idea was to bivouac in the canyon, at the edge of the water, like real adventurers. Only here, everywhere inside the PNRV, it is forbidden to bivouac in the gorges and at the edge of the lakes. It is therefore imperative to leave the canyon at the end of the first day. To return there on the morning of the second day.

3 solutions proposed for accommodation (evening meal + night + breakfast + picnic the next day) – Not included in the service, to be paid directly;
-Hotel du Grand Canyon from 165 € for 2 people
-Chalet de la Maline from € 60 per person
-The client has their own solution

Prerequisites for the XXL Aqua Trekking

Be in excellent physical shape and very comfortable in the water. Swim shorts + Light T-shirt + Mid-mountain shoes in good condition + 1 bottle of water per person + picnic of day 1.

Tariff and Reservation

For further information on the XXL Aqua Trekking course, go directly to THE Aqua Trekking PAGE on our site.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the legends of the star

- Villages of the Verdon

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France

There is evidence of the presence of man since prehistoric times. The village in the lines we know today, was founded in the 5th century by some monks. At the crossroads of the Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is today perceived as one of the most beautiful villages in France. To this, add the charm of Provence, its lavender, olive trees … and the setting is heavenly. From the village, you can also access some adventure trails. Standing at the foot of imposing cliffs, you can visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the sandstone of its few alleys overflowing with merchants and history.

The village made its reputation in particular thanks to earthenware in the 17th and 18th centuries. A tradition that is still perpetuated today since the village still has a dozen workshops. But also many stores in summer.

The legends of the star

The star of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie hangs on a chain 135 meters long. Stretched between two cliffs about sixty meters above the village. Over the centuries, we forgot the origin and the meaning of this star. This gave rise to some tales and legends.

Among the legends of the star, the most widely distributed being that of the Chevalier de Blacas. Blacasset, grandson of the great Blacas de Blacas the troubadour warrior. A French nobility family which had its stronghold around Aups. He went to the crusades and was taken prisoner by the enemy. Blacasset then swore to hang a sixteen-pointed star, a symbol of his family above Moustiers if he saw his country again. The current star, covered with gold leaf, has only ten branches. Indeed, we learn from the village registers that it has already fallen a dozen times over the past centuries. This legend is in fact a pure fiction of the poet Frederic Mistral and does not reflect any historical link.

Another legend reports that young lovers from enemy families committed suicide in these places so as not to be allowed to love each other. The two grief-stricken families put the chain down and reconciled.

We are talking about the Three Kings but also the Templars who left a clue to find the treasure they were going to hide in the mountains … There are close to twenty legends today around the chain of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie .

Come see it and invent your own!

Verdon Gorges, the essential road trip

- Villages of the Verdon

The road trip of the Verdon gorges is particularly appreciated. Indeed, many vehicles travel on these roads in summer. We will see here two courses which complement each other and even form a loop. There is no real order to follow, it is up to you.
On these narrow and winding roads, the traffic is generally quite slow, if not very slow. Everything you need to enjoy the scenery! At least, for the passenger or passengers because the driver will always keep both eyes open on the road. Motorcyclists, campers, cars, cyclists and herds of goats, you can be surprised at every turn.

From Castellane to Aiguines by the D71

Allow around 1 hour 20 minutes by car to cover less than 60 km of road. From Castellane, you take the direction of La Pallud on the D952. Shortly before the Taloire bridge, you already go along the Verdon. At the place of Clue St Jean, the road becomes narrower. A quick feature of the Raft and Kayak routes. You pass two campsites then arrive at the junction of the Pont de Soleil. You have to turn left towards Soleils and La Rive Gauche des Gorges du Verdon (D955). The Soleils bakery is a compulsory stop for gourmets.

You cross Soleils then take a right towards Trigance (D90). The village deserves to be seen. A few bends further, you join the departemental road D71 and take on the right. You then cross a desert plateau. In the distance, the Canjuers military camp. You will soon join the Verdon at the Mescla viewpoint, a compulsory stop! Then the Artuby bridge from where you can bungee jump. The road winds through the forest and then passes through the Fayet tunnel dug in 1950. We then arrive at the Hotel du Grand Canyon, our departure for the Aqua Trekking Day course. Another 15 minutes before arriving at Aiguines. Small village of wood turners. From there you join Moustiers which is also worth the detour.

 

From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Castellane by the D952

Allow around 1 hour by car to cover 45 km of road. You retrace your steps towards Aiguines then take a left at the roundabout towards La Pallud-sur-verdon on the D952. The road rises little by little and offers magnificent views of the largest of the Verdon lakes, Lac Sainte-Croix. This very winding road then crosses the site of Saint Maurin. We arrive a little further at the Col de Olivier from where a few hiking routes depart.

A little further; La Pallud from where the Route des Crêtes leaves, the icing on the cake for this day. You continue towards Castellane and pass by Point Sublime. Above is Rougon and below is the Samson Corridor. You continue and descend on the Verdon which you join at the Carajuan Bridge, park, it’s the beach! You will soon arrive at the Pont de Soleils and the circle is complete. Hoping that this road trip made you have a good day.

 

Rafting in the Aude Gorges, Pyrénées Orientales

- Our partners

Aude, a varied destination

The Aude is a river located in the Occitanie region. It rises in the Pyrenees Orientales, at 1700 meters above sea level. It flows two hundred kilometers further into the Mediterranean Sea, at the Fleur huts, not far from Narbonne. All along its route, wild parts ideal for fishing will follow one another. But also tumultuous parts, ideal for white water sports. Then quieter parts, ideal for canoeing.

White water sports

Between Axat and Quillan is the Haute Vallée de l’Aude. A must-see destination for whitewater activities such as rafting, hydrospeed (also called whitewater swimming) or canoraft (hot dog). Nearly fourteen kilometers of wild river are adapted to these practices. They are possible from April to September, for everyone from 6 years old.

Une rivière au débit régulé par l’hydro-électricité

Les lacs de montagne (retenue de Puivalador et de Matemale) servent de réservoir aux différentes usines hydro-électriques présentes le long de l’Aude. Ces derniers régulent le débit de la rivière qui reste suffisant même en été pour la pratique du rafting. En effet, ces lacs ont été construits au départ pour augmenter le débit de l’Aude en période de sécheresse car la rivière est aussi utilisée pour l’irrigation et l’alimentation du canal du midi.

 

Rafting with Oxygen Aventure

From spring, rafting activities on the Aude are possible until the end of September.

Oxygen Aventure is a group of independent instructors whose base is located in Belvianes and Cavirac, near Quillan, at the arrival of the rafting course, along the river. During the rafting descent, it will be possible to descend the gorges of Saint Georges (upstream of Axat) but also the gorges of Pierre Lys (between Saint Martin Lys and Belvianes and Cavirac).

 

The Funny Helmets.

Verdon and its marvelous lavender landscapes

- Various articles

The Verdon is surrounded by lavender landscapes. It has existed for more than 2000 years on the shores of the Mediterranean. In France, it is cultivated only in the south-east. In the three departments of the Alpes de Haute Provence, the Drôme and the Vaucluse. It normally flowers from mid-June to mid-July on the Valensole plateau but can last until mid-August in the Dignois and Haut-Verdon regions.

 

Lavender

It was already praised for its medicinal properties in Antiquity. Lavender essence was also used to maintain the body. His first name; “Lavandula” is then synonymous with body care and cleansing. This plant which particularly appeals to the aristocracy will gradually become popular thanks to cosmetics. It distilled in quantity from the 16th century and gave birth to luxury perfumery from the 19th century.

 

Lavender and lavandin

“True” or “fine” lavender is more noble than lavandin. It grows between 500 and 1000 meters above sea level and has a long branch with a single flower spike. The fine lavender essential oil from Haute Provence has been classified AOC since 1981.

Lavandin is a hybrid of fine lavender and aspic lavender. The result is a branched branch with three ears larger than fine lavender. Lavandin therefore has a higher yield but has a lighter fragrance than fine lavender. It is harvested every year from the second half of July. A more productive process that allowed the era to meet the high demand from perfumers in Grasse.

 

Lavender landscape; The Valensole plateau and its blue golden sea

The clay-limestone plateau of Valensole is an ideal place for the cultivation of lavender. It also combines other advantages such as altitude and climate. The Valensole plateau is considered to be the largest lavandin production center in France. Come admire these expanses of lavender which undulate like little oceans. Local bees gather mainly blue flowers and thus make lavender honey. A product widely used on the shelf.

Festivals

lavender landscapes gave rise to lavender festivals. They have sometimes existed for several centuries. This is where all the players in the lavender world met once a year. These festivals therefore had as much an economic as a social interest. They still exist today, not to be missed if you are in the region. Old stills, essential oils, honey … the world of lavender is yours!

The Lavender Corso in Digne. A party that lasts 5 days and has existed since 1939.

Lavender festival in Barême at the end of July

The lavender fair at the end of August in Digne

 

The Funny Helmets.

Saint Maurin, the regional nature reserve

- Natural environments

The regional natural reserve of Saint Maurin

The reserve measures over 25 hectares. It overlooks the right bank of the Verdon, just a few kilometers from the second largest artificial lake in France; Sainte Croix. A site formed on the slopes of several terraces of natural meadows and tuff deposits. Finally, many resurgences emerge from the cliff in spring or in rainy weather. From departmental 952, you can see an imposing fall. You will find there ready the only place for automobile, such as a garage cut in the rock. Another solution is to park your vehicle at the Col de l’Olivier. Then come on foot via the fishermen’s path.

 

The Riches of Saint Maurin

Geological riches (tuffs, resurgences …), flora (priority habitats of community interest) but also fauna (insect, avifauna, bat), allow an interesting educational approach both overhanging and below the road. Water, plants and animals; A perfect ecosystem for humans. With its dominant position, the site also presents an important defensive asset.

 

A centuries-old human settlement

In the middle of the Gorges du Verdon, Saint Maurin offers a refreshing and welcoming atmosphere where people came to settle a long time ago. Indeed, the occupation of these places could date back to the 5th century with a religious installation based at the Abbey of LERINS. Later, Saint Maurin appears in the 9th century in acts of the Abbey of St VICTOR. Finally, the troglodyte arrangements of several caves are still visible. They confirm the use of this site until recent times and participate in the magic already present.

 

Visit The Saint Maurin reserve

Being accompanied by a professional will help you appreciate the riches of this very secret site.
The guides or guides in the middle mountains who operate on the site are approved by the Maison des Gorges du Verdon. Also, they must be declared to the PNRV.
Since October 2009, the Saint Maurin site has been classified as a Regional Nature Reserve and co-managed by the municipality of La Palud sur Verdon and the C.E.E.P (Conservatoire, Etudes des Ecosystèmes de Provence)
Access to the public is free but regulated: Pedestrian traffic is only authorized on marked trails, picking, swimming, bivouac and fire are strictly prohibited.

 

 

 

 

Stay and sleep in and around the Gorges du Verdon

- Our recommended accommodations

Where to stay or sleep in and around the Verdon Gorges?

To stay and sleep, here is a list by villages which will allow you to directly request the places that interest you in the Gorges du Verdon.

ROUGON

Our preference obviously goes to the small village of Rougon, perched on its little eagle’s nest, overlooking the Couloir Sanson and Point Sublime.

Bastidon du Baou and Les Griolets

You will stay with Thierry and Nadine in their two 16th century country houses. Clear view, tranquility and isolation.

Auberge du Point Sublime

A family inn that has existed for three generations, it has been there since tourism first appeared in the 1930s. 

AIGUINES

Overlooking the lake of Sainte Croix, you are at the end of the Gorges du Verdon, Provence is in full swing.

Logo-Cavalliers-web

Breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon from the hotel terrace, unforgettable breakfasts. 20 minutes from Aiguines from Lake Sainte Croix.

Campasun Camping de l’Aigle

Perched above the Lake of Sainte-Croix, superb view from this place 5 minutes walk from the village. 

AUPS

Stay and sleep in a small town of 2000 inhabitants, calm of Provence, truffles and olive oil.

Campasun Camping International d’Aups 

On the edge of the city, its calm, its swimming pool …

CASTELLANE

The village enjoys good entertainment in summer, especially on market days, Wednesday and Thursday.

At the Sirènes Campsite and at the Bistrot du Col

It is by arriving from Digne, at the Col des Lèques that Stéphane and his team awaits you. Charming little campsite at 1200 meters above sea level. It is possible to pitch the tent under the larches or enjoy the magnificent view from its brand new bungalows! On the bistro side, Stéphane offers, among other things, an exceptional pork cheek and a mix of Belgian beers.

Bnb Castellane

You will be at home. Petra and Leo are very kind and speak several languages.

Camping

At the entrance to the hamlet of La Colle, at Véronique and Edmond’s. You will find peace and nature for real! There is even a small stream, donkeys, ponies …

ESPARRON

In the low gorges of Verdon, not far from Gréoux-les-Bains, Mediterranean atmosphere. It’s like being on the coast, the world less.

Cheap and very welcoming family campsite, there are all the services you need to make your vacation a success.

LES ISSAMBRES – ROQUEBRUNE SUR ARGENS

The Mediterranean coast is only an hour from the Verdon!

au paradis des campeurs

Close to Sainte Maxime and Saint Tropez, a 4-star campsite with direct access to one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur; La Gaillarde beach.

verdonxp.com