Sentier Martel, Hiking trail in La Palud-sur-Verdon, France.
The Sentier Martel extends for 14 kilometers through the Verdon Gorge, featuring limestone cliffs, narrow passages, and views of turquoise waters below.
The trail construction started in the early 1900s when geologist Edouard Martel and Isidore Blanc first explored the gorge during a three-and-a-half-day expedition.
The path includes the Baou Tunnel, stretching 650 meters, which stands as a remainder of an abandoned hydroelectric project from 1905.
The challenging route requires 5 to 6 hours to complete, necessitating proper hiking equipment, flashlights for tunnels, and minimum 2 liters of water per person.
The trail features the Brèche Imbert, a narrow passage with metal staircases reconstructed in 2012, allowing hikers to traverse through vertical limestone formations.
Location: La Palud-sur-Verdon
GPS coordinates: 43.74646,6.34529
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:39
Between Nice and Monaco, coastal trails provide the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean coastline through various routes. The Cap d'Ail Coastal Path, Nietzsche's Path in Èze with 400 meters of elevation gain, and the Mont Boron Park in Nice with its 11 kilometers of marked trails allow exploration of the region from different perspectives. These routes alternate between seaside sections and uphill segments, offering views over the coast and inland areas. The geological diversity of the region is evident in the limestone cliffs lining the Route des Crêtes between La Ciotat and Cassis, the rock formations of Cap d'Ail, and the red rocks of the Esterel Massif. Further inland, the Verdon Gorges feature a canyon 700 meters deep, while the Mercantour National Park houses the Sentier des Géants within its ancient forest. The historical heritage marks these routes: the Nice Observatory on Mont Gros dates from the 19th century, Fort La Revere overlooks the coast from 696 meters altitude, and Saint-Honorat Island preserves its active monastery. These trails serve as direct accesses to the nature and history of the French Riviera.
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region combines medieval villages, historical fortresses, and natural areas. The region features geological formations like the Demoiselles Coiffées, French Riviera coastal landscapes, and alpine territories. Monasteries, castle ruins, and traditional villages display regional history. Natural landscapes include lavender fields and mountain passes.
Verdon Gorge
1.4 km
Plan de Canjuers
5.2 km
Pont de l'Artuby
3.8 km
Point Sublime
6.6 km
Couloir Samson
6.3 km
Styx du Verdon
1.9 km
L'Estellier Footbridge
500 m
Grottes de Saint-Maurin
8.8 km
Château de la Palud-sur-Verdon
3.7 km
Grand Margès
5.5 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Baume
8.1 km
Canyon de l'Artuby
5.2 km
Château de Trigance
8.1 km
Réserve naturelle régionale de Saint-Maurin
8.7 km
Château d'Aiguines
8.8 km
Église Notre-Dame de Vauvert
3.8 km
Église Saint-Jean d'Aiguines
8.9 km
Col d'Illoire
7.6 km
View from the Balcon de la Mescla
3 km
Château de Rougon
7.3 km
Pont de Sautet
8.3 km
Église Saint-Michel de Trigance
7.9 km
Sentier de L'Imbut
970 m
Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Roche-et-Saint-Romain de Rougon
7.4 km
Grand aven de la Nouguière
6.1 km
Chapelle Saint-Christophe de Rougon
7.3 km
Grand aven de Canjuers
5.8 km
Chapelle Saint-Roch de Trigance
7.8 kmReviews
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