Martel was an employee of the Southeast Electricity Company, carrying out precise geological surveys of the river. On 11th August 1905, he and his team began an expedition of the region by boat and foot (especially when one of the boats became unusable). They discovered a narrow corridor that Martel named “Styx”. When they arrived at the Imbut (meaning “narrow” or “funnel” in the Provençal dialect). Martel wished to abandon the expedition because it became very difficult at the Imbut, but his mates encouraged him to continue. They entered the canyon and discovered more passages and rock formations; their successful arrival at the “Pas de Galetas” marked the completion of the first expedition of the Verdon Canyon.

On a separate note, in 1902, an important project started for damming the Verdon at “clue de Carajuan” and channeling the torrent’s waters to a hydroelectric plant located downstream from the Grand Canyon. The project was indefinitely interrupted by the World War I.

Since then, this splendid hike, (15 km long - 7 hours) has become a must-do in this region. Sometimes from an overhang, sometimes along the water, it follows the course of the Verdon river. The trail has its charm regardless the direction from which you start, but it’s easier when starting from “chalet de la Maline“, since the steeper sections are on the way down.

The trail also goes through three tunnels that are pitch dark, so a torch is essential.

Chalet de la Maline

Plan to leave a vehicle at the end of the trail or use one of the taxis (quite expensive). There’s also a shuttle bus in summer (6 euros only per person).

The trail is clear and dry in any season and a guide is not necessary. But you must watch the trekking sign-boards carefully along the way to maintain the correct path.

Dogs are strictly forbidden on this trail (as you would need to carry them many times). Mountain bikes and children below 6 are also forbidden. If you decide to do this trail with your children, they must obey. If not, serious accidents can happen.

On the sign board, you can read: “Only attempt this hike in good weather. Be careful of rock slides caused by rain. Avoid the metal ladders during thunder storm. Do not go into other tunnels: it is dangerous. The water level of the Verdon can change often and quickly: be very careful of the rapid rise in the water level.”

Martel Trail in more detail:

From the “chalet de la Maline” to the “Point Sublime“, passing through Martel’s pathway with a detour via the Mescla.

Martel trail follows the right bank of the Verdon river from its entrance into the Canyon (Point Sublime) to the chalet de la Maline.

Beginning at La Maline and going toward the canyon, the route descends in hairpins to join the water at the Estellié ford. Notable sights along this section include the “Ravin de Charençon”, the “Pas d’Issabe”, the “Pré d’Issane” (a small pebble beach along the Verdon), the “Étroit des Cavaliers” (a narrow passage between cliffs), the “Guègues” scree, and the big cave of “Baume aux pigeons” (pigeons’ cave).

A detour allows you to visit “la Mescla”, where the Artuby river mixes with the Verdon, and where the Abbot Pascal, one of the Verdon’s pioneers, drowned in 1928.

The main path towards the “Point Sublime” quickly ascends and comes to the “Brèche Imbert” and its 6 stairways, totaling 252 steps (descending).

Thereafter, the route re-ascends along the Verdon, first very high above the riverbanks, then very near, to arrive at a pebble beach by the Baumes-Fères stream, near the majestic cliffs of the Escalès.

The hike continues along the river bed, passing the “Tours de Trescaïre” on the other bank (two impressive monolithic pyramids). Then come three tunnels (ranging in length from 110 to 670 meters) that require hikers to bring pocket lamps and warm clothing.

At the end of the “Tunnel de Trescaïre” is a good view of the narrowness of the Gorges, with the cliffs of the Escalès to the left and the rock face of the Encastel to the right. Through the “Tunnel du Baou” there is a window hollowed through the rock that allows access to the “Baume aux Pigeons”, with a steep metal staircase leading to the river and its rock formations.

After this last tunnel, the route goes beside the Verdon once more, then over the Baou to a new footbridge, leading back to the parking lots for hikers’ cars.

Some experienced hikers can do the complete roundabout trip in 12 to 13 hours, and for those doing just one way, it takes about 7 hours with the detour via La Mescla.

Here are a few videos on Martel trail:

Beginning of the trail:

The “Baume aux Pigeons” (pigeons’ cave):

View of the Sainte Croix lake from Aiguines.

The church of Aiguines.

Lavender is very common in the Alpes-de-Haute Provence department.

Located at the entrance of the Verdon Gorges, the village of Aiguines overlooks the Sainte Croix lake, thus offering a splendid view on the turquoise waters of the lake.

This ancient Celto-Ligurian hillfort is well known for its age-old tradition of wood-turning, that dates from the Middle Age, and boxwood, renowned for its density and hardness.

The nearby forest of Margès supplied precious timber for centuries to the “cutters” of Aiguines.

View of the Sainte Croix lake from Aiguines.

At an altitude of 820 m, the castle of Aiguines can be seen from very far and represents one of the marvels of the Haut Var (north of the Var department).

The castle is a private residence and visits are not allowed.

About the forest of Aiguines:

The magnificent stands of beech trees are quite remarkable. The forest shelters the rare Neottia, or bird’s-nest orchid, and a unique fern, Jahandiez’ doradilla, a survivor from the Cenozoic Era. To avoid damaging precious plant life, please stay on the trail when you are trekking.

The beautiful fort of Trigance was abandoned till 1960 before being restored successively by two families. The current owners have converted it into a reputed restaurant, which offers breathtaking views of the Provençal landscape for a gastronomic stay in Provence.

The 11th century fort is private and visits are not allowed. However, it is an asset for the village’s economy as tourists feel attracted towards its imposing look.

The fort is located at a few kilometres from the Verdon Gorges!

Just think that 40 million years ago, the Verdon Gorges were fully covered by a warm shallow sea! This is why so many fossils can be found in this region.

Sunflower fields are very common in this region (just like lavender fields)

The Roman Tusset bridge. Roman bridges are very common in south east France and were built more than 2000 years ago !

More videos…enjoy!

The Verdon canyon is the world’s second largest canyon.

The limestone cliffs along the canyon are several hundred metres high and attract many rock climbers.

Click on the videos to see how it feels to drive in the Verdon Gorges!

The Verdon canyon, called “Le Grand Canyon du Verdon” in French, is the world’s second largest canyon. It is about 25 kilometers in length and more than 300 m deep. It was formed by the Verdon river, and one of the canyon’s most distinguishing characteristics is its startling turquoise-green colour.

The roads through the Verdon Gorges are buzzing with tourists in summer and become quiet in winter. Precautions are extremely important while doing any outdoor activities in “Gorges du Verdon” as Mother Nature often changes the weather in a matter of seconds at these high altitudes, and that can bring sudden rain and cause rapid waters in the river.

The most impressive part lies between the towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where the river has cut a ravine more than 300 m down through the limestone mass. At the end of the canyon, the Verdon river flows into the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon (in French: lac de Sainte-Croix).

The limestone walls along the canyon, which are several hundreds metres high, attract many rock climbers. It is considered an outstanding destination for multi-pitch climbing. There are routes encompassing cracks, pillars and seemingly endless walls. The climbing is generally of a technical nature, and there are over 1,500 routes, ranging from 20m to over 400m. So there are many great spots for rock climbers.

Geological History of the Canyon:

During the Triassic period, the French region of Provence subsided and got covered by the sea, leaving thick layers of various limestone deposits. Several million years later, with the arrival of the Jurassic period, the area was covered by a warm shallow sea, which allowed the growth of various Corals.

That is why you can find so many fossiles in this region!

The Cretaceous period saw what is now Basse Provence being raised and the sea reaching the current location of the Alps, which were themselves erected during the tertiary era. As a result of the large scale geological activity resulting from this, many of the Jurassic limestone deposits fractured, forming relief with valleys and other such features. Indeed, it is at that time that the origins of the Verdon Gorges can be traced.

The dawn of the Quaternary period witnessed large scale glaciation, transforming water pockets and lakes into unstoppable rivers of ice, which remodeled the topography, scouring and striating the landscape. At the end of this activity, erosion by rivers continued, forming the Gorges as they are today. The accumulated coral and limestone sediments at Verdon’s river bed were scoured by waters running at 2000 to 3000 cubic metres per second.

The Verdon Gorges have been marked as a national park called “Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon” and it is packed with visual delights… so please don’t forget to take your camera and numerous batteries!

Recent developments:

On the 10th of July 2006, the French Conseil d’État cancelled the declaration of public use of the EDF (Électricité de France; Electricity of France)’s project, relating to a high voltage line carrying 400,000 volts that had to pass through the Verdon Gorges. This decision ended 23 years of struggle by public groups and associations of environmental defense to preserve a site of exceptional natural interest, of which a part contains protected animals and plant species.

Tourism:

The Verdon Gorges are renowned as the most beautiful canyon in Europe, and they attract numerous tourists, especially during the summer. It is easily accessible on its right bank from the North (via route D952 from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie), and on its left bank from the South (via routes D71, D90 and D995 from Aiguines to Castellane).

Sport:

The Verdon Gorges are a popular destination for rock climbers, because they include more than 1,500 climbing routes on good limestone rock. They are also a favourite destination for fishing, particularly for fly fishing. Hiking, canoeing, paragliding, rafting, climbing and of course canyoning are some of the numerous sports available in the region.

Click on the videos to get a feel!