GR4 — Gorges du Verdon Full Canyon

The GR4 through the Gorges du Verdon is one of the most dramatic long-distance trail sections in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, carving through Europe's largest canyon across Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The principal section runs from Rougon to the Chalet de la Maline, covering roughly 22 kilometres one way with approximately 800 metres of accumulated ascent. The full canyon traverse from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie extends to 26 kilometres, typically completed over two days with an overnight at the Chalet de la Maline.

The trailhead accessed most frequently by day walkers is the Mayreste car park on the D952, roughly 5 kilometres west of La Palud-sur-Verdon. No public transport runs directly to the trailheads; a taxi from Castellane (+33 6 80 33 41 21) covers the final approach. Drivers can leave a vehicle at Rougon or La Palud-sur-Verdon and arrange a return transfer, or complete a shuttle with a second car at Chalet de la Maline.

The route descends into the Couloir Samson, where sheer limestone walls tower up to 700 metres overhead, narrowing to passages sometimes only a few metres wide. The trail alternates between rough riverside boulders, carved rock ledges, and short metal ladders bolted to the cliff face. A headlamp is essential even for daytime walkers; several tunnels — notably the Baume aux Pigeons — are completely dark inside. The river Verdon runs turquoise alongside sections of the lower canyon floor, with pools accessible for swimming in summer.

Shade is plentiful inside the gorge, but exposed sections on the rim above can be intense in July and August. Water can be collected at the river or from springs near the Chalet de la Maline, though treatment is advisable. The Chalet de la Maline offers basic dormitory accommodation and a small meal service when open (April to October); advance reservation is strongly recommended. There are no other shelters along the main canyon section.

The Couloir Samson 10-kilometre section (Mayreste to Chalet de la Maline) is manageable as a long day hike for fit walkers. The complete two-day traverse demands good navigational confidence; the GR4 waymarking (red-and-white stripes) is generally reliable but fades in a few gorge-floor sections. Trekking poles help on scree descents near the canyon entry. No permits are required for hiking the GR4, but access can be restricted during extreme fire-risk periods in summer; checking with the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon before departure is advisable.