Climbing in the Verdon

Vertical paradise

Welcome to the vibrant heart of climbing in France, where adventure comes to life amidst the imposing cliffs of the Verdon. Nestled in the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, this exceptional site is surrounded by quality limestone, and unveils over 1500 routes spread over a multitude of sectors. Explore captivating long routes and school cliffs suitable for all levels. The unique atmosphere of these rock faces and the constantly emerging new routes create an almost human bond, inspiring the irresistible desire to return again and again.

The Verdon offers much more than just picturesque scenery: it’s a veritable paradise for climbing enthusiasts of all kinds, where every climber finds an experience that proves ever more rewarding and personal. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking amateur, a family adventurer in search of new discoveries or an expert in search of new challenges, the Verdon promises an unforgettable vertical experience.

Why climb in the Verdon?

Favorable weather

In the Verdon, the mild climate and generous sunshine transform this “climbing paradise” into a year-round destination (except in the high mountains).

Varied sites with multiple playgrounds

Limestone, sandstone, long routes, boulders… So many geological features that there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re a seasoned climber, an expert in the vertical art, or an intrepid beginner, the possibilities are open to all.

Suitable for all levels of practice

In this multi-faceted setting, climbing in the Verdon becomes an adventure for everyone, whatever your level! And for those who’d like to try their hand at it, there are a number of carefully orchestrated climbing discovery days. Don’t hesitate to contact the tourist offices for more information.

Birth of a myth

The Gorges du Verdon have left their mark on climbing history. A meeting place for mountaineers, the Verdon has become mythical thanks to pioneers such as François Guillot, Patrick Cordier and Bernard Gorgeon. With iconic documentaries and legends such as Patrick Edlinger‘s “La vie au bout des doigts”, the Verdon has become a myth.

Make the most of it and dive into the Verdon’s vertical adventure, an exceptional place where rock becomes playground. From big walls to small routes accessible to all, the Verdon invites you to experience unforgettable moments in the heart of unspoilt nature.

Places not to be missed

Climbing in the Verdon

The Gorges du Verdon

Between deep gorges and limestone cliffs

From Castellane, on both the right and left banks of the river, to the Pont du Galetas, climbers have access to the Gorges du Verdon, one of Europe’s largest canyons. The vertiginous limestone cliffs offer an exceptional playground, with routes ranging from beginner to expert level. Climbing in the Gorges du Verdon means evolving in the midst of magnificently preserved landscapes. The gorges, the turquoise Verdon river and panoramic views of the surrounding hills create a unique backdrop.

Climbers can choose from a multitude of routes, each offering specific challenges. From routes accessible to families to more technical walls for seasoned enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone.

Climbing in this region benefits from a passionate local community. Climbers can benefit from local advice, recommendations on the best routes and a warm atmosphere within the climbing community. The village of La Palud sur Verdon, at the start of the route des crêtes, is an ideal base camp from which to fully appreciate the Verdon’s climbing atmosphere.

Les Grès d’Annot

Climbing in an almost “enchanted” forest

Climbing on sandstone in the Verdon offers a unique experience that appeals to climbing enthusiasts the world over. Sandstone, a sedimentary rock formed by the consolidation of grains of sand, creates walls with a distinctive texture. This lends a special sensation to climbing, combining the rough contact of the holds with the natural beauty of the sandstone’s nuanced colors.

The sandstones of Annot in the Verdon have special characteristics, with fascinating geological formations sculpted over millennia. Climbers can expect cracks, grooves and reliefs sculpted by time, offering a variety of holds that demand creativity and agility. The sensations under the fingers and feet are unique, making every climb a tactile experience unlike any other.

What’s more, sandstone has the particularity of providing exceptional grip, allowing climbers to feel increased confidence in their movements. This quality, combined with the natural splendor of the Annot region, creates a perfect symbiosis between climbing technique and total immersion in nature.

Climbing sites not to be missed

The Verdon, a climber’s paradise

Le Belvédère de la Carelle: A favorite with novice climbers, La Carelle offers easy-to-access climbing routes with panoramic views over the Gorges du Verdon. All the lookouts on the route des crêtes offer exceptional climbing sites with breathtaking panoramas.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Around the village you’ll find routes for climbers of all levels in a spectacular setting. They offer breathtaking views of the Valensole plateau and Lac de Sainte-Croix.

La Ramirole: This site is renowned for its long, technical routes, attracting seasoned climbers in search of vertical challenges.

L’Escalès sector: Located above the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon, this site offers a wide variety of routes ranging from easy to difficult, with exceptional views over the gorges.

Site d’escalade de Beauvezer: a climbing site in the Haut-Verdon region, where the whole family can climb in a mountain environment.

Good to know

La Maison des Guides du Verdon

Located in La Palud-sur-Verdon since 1984, the team of professionals at the Maison des Guides du Verdon welcomes you all year round for a multitude of activities to suit all tastes, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. A great way to discover the unique site of the Gorges du Verdon and its surroundings, defying the law of gravity.

ZOOM ON

Via cordata, via ferrata and via souterrata

Enter the fascinating world of alternative climbing practices that are transforming the vertical experience in the Gorges du Verdon. The via ferrata, a veritable “railroad”, offers a unique adventure combining traditional climbing and mountaineering elements, allowing you to traverse vertical rock faces in complete safety. The daring and immersive via cordata combines free climbing and the use of ropes to negotiate complex rock passages. Finally, via souterrata invites thrill-seekers to explore the depths of caves, skilfully combining underground climbing and exploration of geological cavities.

Take up the challenge, explore the heights and depths of the Verdon, and discover the world of climbing from a new angle. It’s up to you to climb to new heights of excitement!

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More info

Living moments

Intense

Le Verdon: a climbing site accessible to all

From beginner to seasoned veteran

Are you a beginner?

Initiation routes for a confident ascent

Explore our advice for beginners, information on the Verdon’s safe initiation routes and suggestions for a successful initiation. Climbing becomes an open door to adventure, even for novices.

Intermediate level?

Take on technical challenges in beautiful surroundings

Discover our technical challenges for intermediate climbers, with details of holds, gradients and aspects to consider for optimum progress. The Verdon offers a spectacular playground for those looking to push their limits.

Site des Grès d'Annot

Experts ?

Conquer vertical challenges

Dive into the world of vertical challenges reserved for experts. Le Verdon offers demanding routes requiring the necessary equipment and expert advice for a state-of-the-art climbing experience.

ZOOM ON

Haut-Verdon adventure trails

For a completely different experience, take on one of our adventure courses, where you can be the hero of your own adventure suspended between the trees of Haut-Verdon and Val d’Allos.

Imagine yourself, dear adventurer, defying gravity while savoring the thrill of traversing zip lines, climbing suspended nets and crossing aerial bridges.

In Haut-Verdon, let yourself be carried away by the thrill of heights, where every step of the way is an invitation to go beyond your limits for moments of intimate connection with the nature that surrounds you.

As for the Val d’Allos, it’s a playful adventure that awaits you, with suspension bridges to cross, zip lines to hurtle down and a variety of challenges to overcome. You’ll be immersed in a world of fun, lulled by the murmur of trees and birdsong.

Even more sports

and adrenaline in the Verdon

Canyoning in the Verdon

Horseback riding in the Verdon

Non-ski activities

Fun and unusual in the Verdon