Gorges du Verdon
The French Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Verdon, the Gorges du Verdon, by whatever name this natural phenomenon is referred to it will remain to the beholder as one of the most spectacular sites in Europe.

© SeeProvence.com

© SeeProvence.com

© SeeProvence.com
Get a close look at the Verdon Gorge with this amazing trail
Regarded as one of the more difficult trails of the Verdon region, the l'Imbut trail is perfectly manageable for the competent hiker with the use of the fixed cables and ladders.
Located just 20 minutes south of Aiguines along the D71, there is parking just next to the Hotel des Cavaliers, or on the adjacent road. This fantastic hike uses fixed wires and ladders to give you access to places you would not normally find yourself, and as a result offers some amazing views overlooking the Gorges du Verdon
This walk can be found on IGN map 3442 OT, Gorges du Verdon
The French Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Verdon, the Gorges du Verdon, by whatever name this natural phenomenon is referred to it will remain to the beholder as one of the most spectacular sites in Europe.
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After parking near the hotel, walk back along the road (north) for a few minutes and you will see a large wooden sign on the right hand side of the road giving details of the hikes.
Follow the GR99, signposted to Estellier for about 25-45 minutes down to the river and the high tech bridge that crosses the Gorge. For the l'Imbut trail you must not cross the bridge but take the path to the left that follows the river downstream. The trail follows the river and along the way it gets very narrow and give the exposed feeling of a climbing route but with the cables in place it offers great security.
Along this route there are a few places to escape the summer sun and take a dip in the river. Caution is advised and be aware of the river levels.
After an hour and a half you will start to climb and you will soon see a signpost for the Vidal trail, if you are running out of time you can take this trail out of the canyon (small yellow and red markings), otherwise take a right at the sign, marked l'Imbut 30 minutes. The trail down will bring you to some rocky beaches where the trail is hard to follow, look out for the white markings on the rocks.
To return follow the trail back up towards teh Vidal signpost (30 minutes). From here you can follow the same route back or take the Vidal trail that climbs quite quickly back out of the canyon.
If you take the Vidal trail it leads to the D71 road, you can either follow this back to the car park (3km) or continue over the road and take the GR99 trail back which is further up the hill.
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