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Useful advices

An introduction

Corniche sublime-Point sublime-La Palud sur Verdon

Gorges du Verdon-Corniche sublime-Point sublime-La Palud sur Verdon

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You must start somewhere, so let’s do it from a place called LES-SALLES-SUR-VERDON where the D 597 is passing through. We are looking upon the man made lake de SAINTE CROIX created in 1975, an 11 km stretch of water due to the installation of a hydro-electric dam, and the highest in the French Alps excepting the one in Serre-Poncon. Les Salles sur Verdon disappeared completely and was rebuilt on the east side afterwards. As well the lake (that became an enormous water sports centre) as the village shows all lugubrious characteristics of everything, which is not natural.

Bridge at Aiguines

Take now the D 957 and as soon you see a turn right into the D 19 take it. It will lead you to the village of AIGUINES at an altitude of 823 metres with green pastures and breathtaking views and panoramas on the lac Sainte-Croix and the plateau de Valensole. An old 17th century church with a square tower welcomes you as well as a 17th century with a very pretty tiled roof and elegant towers (no visits) chateau Aiguines has an unique charm, walking along its ancient street. Here a belfry, there a fountain…a museum of daily life.
Continue on your route but be careful not the miss the intersection where you have to take the D 71, leaving the D 19. You are on the CORNICHE SUBLIME!
This means spectacular views, like on the col d’Illoire and the cirque de Vaumale, highest point on this route at 1200 m. Nice enfilade at the Falaises de Buchet, at the Falaise des Cavaliers an impressive steep hill. Passing tunnels at Le Fayet, you have a plunging view (second tunnel) on the canyon’s curve. At the Pont de l’Artubuy, the river Verdon looks like a toy river, but the view is fantastic. It’s from this bridge (110 m height) that bungee jumpers have their kicks. It’s one of the classic places in Provence for bungee jumping. The area following the pont towards Point Sublime is called the BALCONS DE LA MESCLA. It is spectacular to see the point where the Verdon and the Artubuy are converging. At a certain moment a road (D 19) will pop up on the left side. Take it! It leads you to the D 955, make a left to the D 955 and when you arrive on the D 952 turn left to  POINT SUBLIME, a dizzy 180 metres above the river. A fantastic natural wonder giving you a wonderful nature show. Never to forget! And get thrilling suspense by seeing the intrepid mountain climbers hooked at the cliffs. It offers two chances to limb down to the Canyon floor, at CHALET DE LA MALINE (branch off from the village of LA PALUD and just east of the Point Sublime (follow signs for Couloir de Samson). Both routes require a half-day trip.

La Palud sur Verdon

 LA PALUD SUR VERDON, called “la petite capitale du Verdon” is not more that a few peasantfarms with cows and a pretty 12th century church, where you could take a short break.
A few hikes:
--sentier du couloir Samson, short, easy promenade enabling you to see most of the gorges. Take a flashlight with you since you will pass a tunnel. It’s a 2 hours promenade.
--sentier Martel, the classic hike of the gorges, starting from the “Maine” refuge. Count 8 hours.

Bibliography

A guide to Provence, by Michael Jacobs (Viking, London 1988), "Guide de la Provence mysterieuse" and "Provence Antique"by Jean-Paul Clebert (Ed.Sand, 1986 “Aspects of Provence, by Pope-Henessy James (Penguin Travel 1988), Guides du Routard, (1999) –« Towns in Provence », by M.F.KFischer (New-York-Vintage books 1983), « Regain » by Jean Giono, « Hannibal’s footsteps » by Bernard Levin (Sceptre paperback 1987)