Do you have any questions about the Blanc-Martel trail or the associated shuttle?
See our dedicated FAQ for all the essential information.
Don’t leave any questions unanswered before your adventure begins!
The Blanc-Martel trail is a unique 16 km one-way trail.
The trail takes you to the bottom of the canyon, as close as possible to the Verdon river, and allows you to discover some of the Verdon’s mythical sites, such as the Pré d’Issane, ox balsam, la Mescla, the Imbert breach, the Guègues scree slopes, the Trescaïre and Baou, the Samson Corridor…
Between steep cliffside paths and shady undergrowth, the Blanc-Martel trail alternates between rhythmic and exceptional landscapes, allowing you to enter into the intimacy of this exceptional site.
Although the trail is very popular in summer, the number of visitors remains low. Some time after the shuttle’s arrival, the stream of hikers heading up the switchbacks below Chalet de la Maline gradually dissipates, returning the Verdon to its wild character.
The arrival point, Point Sublime in the commune of Rougon, marks the end of the journey. After passing through the couloir Samson tunnel, take the stairs to the belvedere and then the path to Point Sublime. 200 metres of ascent and you’re there!
Our tip: Continue your ascent to Point Sublime while your muscles are still warm. If you feel the need, stop off at the Couloir Samson lookout, but only for a few minutes, otherwise you’ll run into difficulties on the final stretch.
Hiking is easier. In fact, it’s better to descend the 400 m difference in altitude between Chalet de la Maline and the Verdon than to climb them at the end of the hike, after 15 km of walking! The 250-step Imbert Gap is also easier and more impressive on the way down than on the way up.
The Blanc-Martel shuttle is designed to operate in the direction from La Maline to Point Sublime. The Chalet de la Maline is served by the morning shuttle bus from the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon.
Some parts of the trail are quite narrow, so it’s not always easy to pass each other. So even though the trail can be walked in either direction, it’s best to follow the recommended direction, which is used by most hikers.
