La Palud: Natural Areas, Hiking and Historic Sites
Accommodation in La Palud
La Palud-sur-Verdon lies in the heart of the Gorges du Verdon and the Grand Canyon du Verdon. If you’re looking for hotels in La Palud, you can also consider whether your trip will focus more on natural areas, challenging hikes or historic sites. The landscape and named trails offer different perspectives on the village and its surrounding area.
Landscape and Protected Areas
Half of the area of La Palud-sur-Verdon is classified as part of Natura 2000 sites, which encompass the gorges, the canyon and the plateau. One specific protected area is the Saint Maurin Regional Nature Reserve. It covers more than 20 hectares and lies above the right bank of the Verdon. There are terraces with natural meadows formed on tufa deposits. Springs emerge from the rock face as cascades—two defining features of this natural area.
Public access to the Saint Maurin Regional Nature Reserve is free but regulated. On foot, it may only be entered via marked trails. Check the access rules before your trip so you can take this restriction into account when planning.
Road and Hiking Trails
The Route des CrĂŞtes panoramic road (D23) runs along the right bank of the Gorges du Verdon and forms a 23-kilometre loop. Access to the road is seasonal; check before your trip. This makes it possible to distinguish this driving option from the hikes, each of which has its own information on distance, difficulty and route.
The Sentier Blanc-Martel is a challenging hike of about 15 kilometres, with technical sections. It runs along the Verdon from the Chalet de la Maline in La Palud-sur-Verdon to the Point Sublime in Rougon. Check trail conditions and any temporary restrictions before setting out.
The Chemin du Belvédère de la Dent d’Aire is also classified as difficult. The hike is 8.2 kilometres long and takes about three hours for the round trip. Unlike the longer Blanc-Martel, an approximate round-trip duration is also provided here. The trail offers views of La Palud, the surrounding mountains and the Grand Canyon. Weather and snow can affect trail conditions; take both into account when planning.
Historic Sites and Practical Information
Architecture and local history are also part of a visit. The Romanesque bell tower of the church in La Palud-sur-Verdon is classified as a historic monument. In the area around La Palud-sur-Verdon, you can also walk through the former village of Châteauneuf-les-Moustiers. This gives you a choice of two different historic landmarks: a listed structure in the village and a former village.
The Gorges du Verdon, La Palud-sur-Verdon and Rougon Tourist Office is located in the Château in the centre of the village. If you plan to visit, check the opening hours in advance. Together with the nature reserve’s access rules and seasonal road conditions, these are practical matters you can check before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Villeneuve, Saint-Michel-L'observatoire, Mallefougasse-Augès, Aubenas-Les-Alpes, Turriers, Saint-Jean, Oppedette, Larche
For the regional travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
