La route des cretes des gorges du Verdon

The Verdon Gorge Ridge Road

The Verdon Ridge Road: spectacular views of the Verdon Gorges, a deep and steep canyon carved out by the Verdon River. This road winds through the mountains and cliffs, offering travelers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

It was built in the mid-20th century primarily for tourism purposes. It was designed to allow visitors to admire the breathtaking scenery of the Verdon Gorges, while also providing easier access to the region. Building the road was a technical challenge due to the rugged topography and steep slopes of the gorges.

The Route des Crêtes, a project spearheaded by the elected officials of the time and local residents, wasn’t built in a day! It took more than 20 years to complete.

Construction began in 1949; by 1953, it was possible to reach the Chalet de la Maline, and more than 10 years later, the Dent d’Aire lookout. The loop was completed in 1972.

The architects Moreau and Prola, as well as the chief engineer of public works, Gaston Armanet—after whom one of the observation decks is named—played an active role in its construction.

View from a viewpoint on the Route des Crêtes

The Route des Crêtes: 24 km of wonders

The road is open from late March to late November.

The central section is one-way.
To experience the entire route, you must travel clockwise.
So start at the Auberge des Crêtes and end in La Palud-sur-Verdon.

There are about fifteen viewpoints along the route. We’ve decided to highlight the most notable ones. At each of these viewpoints, you’ll find a small car park just a few metres away.

During your journey, you’ll pass by the Chalet de la Maline, the starting point of the legendary Blanc-Martel trail.

View the route

Some information about the Route des Crêtes

This legendary route combines the raw beauty of the landscape with the comfort of exploration by bike or car. Immerse yourself in the majesty of the canyon shaped by the Verdon River, where every bend reveals vertiginous rock faces and emerald waters.

Start 800 metres from the exit of La Palud-sur-Verdon heading toward Castellane: a new panorama awaits around every bend.

Whether you’re a cyclist looking for adventure or a traveller looking for tranquillity, the viewpoints dot the route and offer spectacular views.

A little anecdote

For the construction of the road (and of the dams), workers were hired for periods of several years, including Italians, who were known to be skilled builders. Some stayed and married local women. (Source: “La Route des Crêtes”)

Questions about the Route des Crêtes

I don't understand—where's the starting point?

Starting from the Tourist Office in La Palud-sur-Verdon, head toward Castellane or Rougon. You’ll pass the convenience store with the petrol station, then the church. You’ll leave the village and pass the municipal campsite on your right. Take the first road immediately to the right after the campsite: you’ve arrived! Then continue on until you reach the first viewpoints at Trescaïre.

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When is the best time to drive the Route des Crêtes?

The road is very busy during the summer season: from 15 July to 30 August…
During the day, it’s best to go before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. The sunrise from the first viewpoints is magnificent… The sunset is also worth seeing.

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Is there anywhere to eat along the way?

The Chalet de la Maline offers excellent dining; if you arrive a little early, you can get a table with a breathtaking view of the Gorges. They have a menu featuring all-homemade dishes made with high-quality ingredients.
Please note: the water from the taps at the Chalet de la Maline is not drinkable, so you won’t be able to fill your water bottles there.

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Why is it one-way in the middle section?

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It is very narrow, steep (15%), and dizzying in this area.
The one-way rule also applies to bicycles (as required by the Highway Code!).

Will I feel dizzy or nauseous?

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The road is dizzying in the middle section; if you’re afraid of heights, we recommend sticking to just the first part of the route—a round trip—up to the Dent d’Aire viewpoint.

Motion sickness: It’s possible, but stopping at the viewpoints to admire the views usually helps alleviate it somewhat.

Why is this one-way section closed in the winter?

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Frost is common in winter.
We’re in Provence, but at a higher elevation and with the humidity brought by the Verdon River.
In addition, the road is very steep and doesn’t always have guardrails, which makes it quite dangerous.

Can we go there by motorhome or bus?

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It’s all about length and height!
It’s limited to 12 metres in length and 3.6 metres in height.
Don’t be afraid of mountain roads!

By bicycle or electric bicycle

The road isn’t flat!
A 500-metre climb to the Pas de la Baou viewpoint, followed by a 700-metre descent to La Maline. The final section is gently sloping, with a 200-metre climb.

For a more leisurely and eco-friendly way to explore, Verdon-e-bike offers electric bike rentals.
Book your tour.

Verdon-e-Bike