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.
The l'Imbut Trail, Gorges du Verdon
Get a close look at the Verdon Gorge with this amazing trail
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
What to bring
This walk can be found on IGN map 3442 OT, Gorges du Verdon
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Gorges du Verdon
Vast canyon running over 20km with aquamarine waters in the valley floor
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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Musee de Faykod (De Faykod Museum), Aups
An outdoor exhibition of sculptures in a natural setting
Some 50 white marble sculptures by Maria de Faykod, renowned sculptor with numerous existing works. She had the original idea to open a garden which exhibit some of her work to the public.
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Musee Simon Segal Contemporary Art, Aups
Over 280 canvases grouping 3 schools of painting
The museum groups 3 schools of painting - Toulon, Bourges and Paris - with over 280 works on show.
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Maison de la Truffe, Aups
The house of truffles (Maison de la Truffe) is dedicated to the 'Black Diamond'
The truffle has a long history here in Aups; for many years now they have been grown, harvested, retailed, shared and eaten.
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Les Grottes de Villecroze, Villecroze
Network of caves with an interesting historical & geologic story
These caves were formed some 700,000 years at the end of the last ice age. They are the the result of a slow calcification of plants and mosses in a huge waterfall that covered the whole of the current cliff.
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Bargeme Castle, Bargeme 
Bargeme Castle, Bargeme
A medieval castle overlooking the village of Bargeme
Sadly, this castle is not open to the public but there is enough of it on view to get a good feel of what it must have looked like when it was in use.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour 
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Ideal for truffle lovers who are looking for a gourmet experience
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Small friendly restaurant with a great selection wines & cheese dishes
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux 
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Good value small restaurant with great food for non fussy eaters
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
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L'Autruche Restaurant 
L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Beautiful courtyard & local French cuisine in an unusual, magical setting
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark situated in the heart of Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
11 super water slides, rapids & a flying boat, great for the family
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
The largest waterpark in France not far from Avignon
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Enjoy cycling in Provence with experienced local guides, premium electric bikes and a choice of guided tours or independent rides. From tailored cycling experiences and wine-tasting tours to Mont Ventoux climbs, there are options for different abilities and interests, with convenient bike delivery to your accommodation also available.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
Charming guest house in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault
A restored stone farmhouse with great views of Mont Ventoux
This B&B has unbroken views of the mighty Mont Ventoux and is decorated with a charming mix of old and new fixtures and fittings.
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Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene
Small guest house in beautiful surroundings with an outdoor pool
Located just 2 kilometres north of the village of Malaucene, this charming B&B has great views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
A 3 star hotel with a swimming pool at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
Impressive B&B in a great location with plenty of outdoor space
Located a 5-minute walk from the heart of Bonnieux, this charming guest house features 3 comfortable rooms suitable for families as every room has a mezzanine for 2 children.
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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
A four room B&B with outdoor pool and jacuzzi
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
Directions
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.
