Distance
80 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
900 m
Rating
4.9 / 5
1876 reviews
Gorges du Verdon — Route des Crêtes.
The D952 Route des Crêtes encircles Europe's Grand Canyon — a 700 m-deep turquoise gorge carved by the Verdon River through limestone plateaux in Provence. The road clings to the rim with no guardrails on significant sections. The emerald Lac de Sainte-Croix at the western end is the reward.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance80 km
Days1
Total climb900 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
CastellaneStart · The gateway town to the Gorges with a dramatic cliff-top chapel. Full services — fuel up and get supplies. The tourist office has the gorge circuit map. Begin the loop clockwise to hit the rim views with morning light.
Point SublimePhoto Spot · The classic viewpoint over the Grand Canyon of the Verdon — a 700 m vertical drop to the turquoise river visible far below through the canyon slot. The sheer limestone walls glow orange in morning light.
La Palud-sur-VerdonRestaurant · The only village on the rim road with services — a boulangerie, café, and small épicerie. The climbing community based here accesses the gorge walls via the Sentier Martel trail far below.
Escalès ViewpointScenic Point · The highest viewpoint on the Rive Gauche (south side) road at 1,204 m. The gorge is at its narrowest and deepest here — the river is visible as a thin turquoise thread 700 m below. No guardrail.
AiguinesScenic Point · A beautiful hilltop village above the western end of the gorge. The château towers above the valley. The road begins to descend toward the lake from here.
Lac de Sainte-CroixScenic Point · The artificial lake at the mouth of the gorge — the turquoise Verdon water fans into the lake creating an extraordinary colour gradient from deep green to pale blue. Pedal boats and kayaks are everywhere.
Moustiers-Sainte-MarieEnd · One of France's most beautiful villages — built into the cliff face with a star suspended between the two rock walls by a chain above the main street. Famous for the faïence (decorative earthenware) tradition since 1679.
From riders.
1876 verified rides logged on this route.
4.9/ 5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
1876 verified rides
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