The Blanc-Martel Trail, a must-do hike in Europe’s largest canyon, is the best-known of the Verdon Gorges and the only one that runs along the Verdon Riverbed.
Did you know?
The Blanc-Martel Trail is named after Isidore Blanc (a schoolteacher in Rougon) and Alfred-Edouard Martel (a famous speleologist), who were the first to hike it in 1905.
From Chalet de la Maline to Point Sublime
The Chalet de la Maline, the starting point of the Blanc-Martel Trail, is located near the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon. A group lodge and restaurant, it serves as a meeting place for hikers on the GR 4.
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 explore some of the Verdon’s legendary sites, such as the Pré d’Issane, the Baume aux Bœufs, the Mescla, the Brèche Imbert, the Guègues scree slopes, the Trescaïre and Baou tunnels, and the Samson Gorge…
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.
During the summer season, the trail remains relatively quiet once hikers begin the switchbacks below the Chalet de la Maline, allowing the Verdon to retain its wild character.
The final destination, Point Sublime in the town of Rougon, marks the end of the journey. After passing through the Samson Corridor tunnel, take the stairs leading to the lookout point, then follow the trail to Point Sublime. A 200-meter climb, and you’re there!
Our tip: Keep climbing to Point Sublime while your muscles are still warm. If you feel like it, stop for a break at the Couloir Samson lookout.
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 sections of the trail are quite narrow, so it’s not always easy to pass each other. Even though the trail is passable in both directions, it’s best to follow the recommended direction, which is the one taken by most hikers.
In the early 20th century, Alfred-Edouard Martel, an enthusiast of hydrogeology and speleology, was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture to find new sources of drinking water to supply the Provence region.
Accompanied by a team—which included villagers such as Isidore Blanc, a schoolteacher from Rougon, a nature guide, and a lover of flora and fauna—they set out in 1905 to explore the wild chasm that is the Grand Canyon of the Verdon.
Setting out from the Samson Corridor, they arrived safe and sound at Galetas four days later. They were the first to traverse the entire canyon. A little later, in the 1930s, the Touring Club de France opened the famous trail that descends from La Maline and connects tothe Samson Corridor.
Do you have questions about the Blanc-Martel Trail or the shuttle service?
Check out our dedicated FAQ for all the essential information.
Don’t leave any questions unanswered before your adventure begins!
Need more information on the Blanc-Martel trail?
For any questions you may have about the Blanc-Martel shuttle or taxis, so you can enjoy the Blanc-Martel Trail with complete peace of mind.
We invite you to check out our Frequently Asked Questions section, where you’ll find all the answers you need.
You can also book your shuttle directly through the official booking website.
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