Cycling through the charming villages of the Verdon gorges

You start with the spectacular “crest road”. This loop is a 24 km panoramic route starting from La Palud sur Verdon. It takes you along a road that leads you through the gorges at heights of up to 700 metres! You discover 14 Belvederes revealing the mythical Verdon cliffs and offering spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. You can observe the local fauna (vultures, chamois, foxes...). You continue onwards to the Point sublime, one of the most impressive sites in the gorges with a panoramic view on the canyon entrance.
Optional : You can take a 4km return detour by bike + 20/30mn return walk to the entrance of the gorges at the “Samson Corridor” that leads through tunnels. You explore the tunnels and its 2 windows carved into the rock with magnificent views of the Verdon canyon and its breathtaking cliffs.
You then continue cycling towards the village of Trigance. Built like an eagle's nest at an altitude of 800 metres, the village proudly wraps itself around the rocky spur on which stands the imposing feudal castle with its crenellated towers. It's a typical Provençal hilltop village, with its high stone houses forming a rampart and topped with Roman tiles.
Ride :
. La Palud > Route des Cretes > La Palud | 24 km | Elevation : +650m/-650m
. La Palud > Trigance | 30 km | +400 / -560m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Trigance

Today, you start with a beautiful climb to the small village of Le Bourguet, in the Robion foothills. You pass through the magnificent Verdon Gorge National Forest. You pass the hamlet of Robion, famous for its Saint Thyrse Chapel, an exceptional building dating back to the 10th century! You continue through the Robion gorges to Castellane, a pretty village of character between the Alps and Provence. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, you'll find a lovely Provencal market!
Optional : you can leave the bikes and walk to the top of the cliff overlooking Castellane to the Notre dame du Roc chapel. Return to Trigance via the Porte de Saint Jean: a magnificent geological chaos jutting out over the road. Continue along the gorge past the Clue de Chasteuil to reach Trigance.
Ride : Trigance > Castellane > Trigance | 40 km | +500 / -500m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Trigance

Market: Wednesday and Saturday mornings in Castellane

Today is the sportiest day of your trip and an another spectacular ride! You cycle along the iconic “corniche sublime” road, via the left bank. This gorge road is as spectacular as it is physically demanding.
Up to the Illoire pass, the terrain is mountainous with great climbs. The last climb, around 8 km long, includes gradients over 12%. To penetrate this steep, mineral environment man has had to demonstrate his prowess. The Artuby bridge, and the Fayet tunnel are the awe inspiring structures that keep the road balanced in this vertical setting and quite incredible when crossed by bike.
Then a long descent on a winding road to the pretty village of Aiguines. Adorned with polychrome tiles, the peppered turrets of the Château d'Aiguines elegantly signal the presence of this perched village clinging to the mountainside. From the foot of the Saint-Pierre chapel, which dominates the village, you can see far and wide: from Sainte-Croix lake to the Valensole plateau and even as far as the Mont Ventoux.
Ride : Trigance > Aiguines | 30 km | Elevation : +860 m /  -840 m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Aiguines or Les Salles

. MORNING : From Aiguines, you descend to the turquoise shores of the  Sainte-Croix lake. In summer, you can cool off and swim in the lake!
Optional : At the galetas bridge, you can leave your bikes and hire a kayak or pedalo to explore the entrance to the gorges (not bookable in advance). You cross the “Pont du Galetas, the junction between the lake and the Verdon Gorges and pedal onwards to the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. A provençal village of character, nestled into the cliffs, with the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel towering above it.
. AFTERNOON :  You ride through the Verdon hinterland, lavender country, to Sainte Croix du Verdon on the shores of Sainte Croix lake: a cycling loop rich in colors and aromas! You are in the land of Provencal traditions: honey, olive oil, lavander essence, truffles... You can opt for the short loop and ride directly to the village of Sainte Croix. Along the way, you come across honey and lavender producers/sellers on the side of the road.
. Option for a longer ride : your first stop is Riez, a Roman town steeped in history. You pedal along small mountain roads through dense forests of oak, pine and cedar. You climb to the lavender-fringed Valensole plateau with its breathtaking views of the turquoise Sainte Croix lake and the Verdon massif. You plunge down to the village of Sainte Croix, nestled on the shores of the Sainte Croix lake. We highly recommend a stop-off by the lake lined with small beaches and coves: ideal for a picnic and a swim! Don't forget your swimsuit!
You climb back up to the beautiful plateau through lavender fields, before descending to Moustiers.
Ride : 
. Aiguines > Moustiers | 15 km | Elevation : + 200m/-360m
. Moustiers > Sainte Croix du Verdon | 15km | +210m/-300m
. Long option : Moustiers > Riez > Sainte Croix du Verdon | 37 km | +500m/-200m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Sainte Croix du Verdon

This lovely cycling loop takes you to the lower Gorges du Verdon: less spectacular but more intimate. You cycle along some superb back roads offering breathtaking views of Lac d'Esparron-de-Verdon with its sparkling turquoise waters, majestic gorges and picturesque coves. You wind your way around Baudinard, Saint Laurent du Verdon and Montpezat.
Optional : possibe detour to Quinson.
You'll be charmed by the little villages with their Provençal atmosphere - where lavender fields blend harmoniously with oak, olive and almond trees and the crystal-clear waters of the lower gorges.
Ride : 
. Sainte Croix > Baudinard > Sainte Croix | 40 km | Elevation : +700m / -700m
. Extra loop out and back to Quinson :  add 12km | +180m/-180m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Sainte Croix du Verdon

Transfer to Moustiers after breakfast. End of the trip
Meals included : breakfast