Provence Verte & Verdon offers a number of different landscapes, but if there is one you shouldn’t miss, it is the Basses Gorges, Verdon's finest. Wild, unmissable and naturally protected - a few of the adjectives that will accompany you along the way. For 4 hours, bring back to life the path used by the canal guard, in charge of the maintenance of the Verdon canal. On the path located on a natural balcony above the lake, cross the Basses Gorges before climbing up to Saint Maxime chapel and crossing the Mole Soque plateau.

Rwana

With a passion for sport and nature and the great outdoors. I walk the footpaths of Provence Verte & Verdon to discover its wonders and try new activities.

FULL STEAM AHEAD

I can't wait to discover this majestic setting from a new angle. I leave Montmeyan beach to get to the start of the canal guard footpath.

Bright colours

I admire the azure blue of the water enhanced by the sun's rays caressing this elegant river. The cliffs with their lush green tresses show off their most beautiful colours. On either side, the river moves quietly, protected by its guardians.

HELLO MOTHER NATURE

The hike allows me to climb higher and to appreciate the maternal side of these giants, shaped by time and the elements. I know it, I feel it, Mother Nature will be with me all along the Basses Gorges du Verdon footpath.

IT WORKS ITS MAGIC

From the various vantage points, I admire the spectacle that nature has put on for me. My pace, which is usually faster, is slowed by the magical, almost unreal atmosphere that emanates from everything around me.

AND THE CATERPILLAR BECAME A BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY...

There are lots of butterflies in their finery – in every colour, small ones, orange ones, furry white ones. I’m delighted because it’s increasingly rare to catch a glimpse of them.

TIME STANDS STILL

Between the Verdon and the canal I take my time. I have regular and fairly long breaks because I don't know where to look first, everything surprises me!

A HISTORIC CONSTRUCTION

It's lovely walking along the canal, with its shady stretches. This structure, built starting in 1864, represents 10 years of work and 20 kilometres of tunnels all dug by hand!

A REAL PRIVILEGE

I like watching the few passers-by on their watery steeds. They smile at me and they too know how fortunate we are to be able to roam this place, which still feels like a secret.

A TOUCH OF COOL AIR

I take advantage of being so close to the water to refresh my neck a little. It's not too hot yet, but I know that once I'm up there, the vegetation will become scarcer - and I won't have a better opportunity!

WILL YOU INVITE ME IN?

Here I am in the canal guard's shelter where I read about the history and learn more about the wildlife inhabiting in this little paradise. What seems to be a window is for me a frame for a living painting that will change with the seasons. 

ANOTHER SPACE AND TIME

I go down the ladder to a 120-metre-long tunnel. This passage will be my transition between two worlds. The sun succeeds in partly penetrating the tunnel and allows me to admire the walls that undulate and dance as I walk along. As soon as I get out, a noise attracts my attention and I listen intently. Ah! It’s a goat bleating. He looks in my direction, the sounds coming out of the tunnel must have warned him.

I'M JUST VISITING MY HOSTS

I see him in the distance, I try to imitate his cry to make him stay. It doesn't work, I must have scared him. He turns his back on me elegantly but nevertheless with a haughty air. I don't blame him, I'm just passing through and the goat is my host.

WHAT’S THAT STRANGE SOUND?

I'm moving a little off the path to get to a secret little beach. Another noise, and then another one. Mmmm, that's not a bird... there's two inhabitants in that shrub. I listen, I get closer. I finally see them, delightful wild toads! The female and the male are wearing different outfits....

EXCUSE MY CURIOSITY

I intrude on their privacy. I apologize and walk away. Clearly, I am fortunate, I know that there is a lot of wildlife but it is rare to be able to see and get close to these little creatures. 

IN THE SHADE OF THE FOLIAGE

I continue on my wonderful journey. The atmosphere is different, the river is more timid on this side. I walk the most heavily wooded section of the trail. Here I am at the bottom of the valley of Sainte Maxime.

A FANTASTIC WORLD

I discover a poetic forest… angels and spirit guides would be in their element in this fairy-tale setting. Here, everything is mystical and the birds answer me when I whistle. 

SILENCE, THE FOREST SLEEPS

The light pierces the canopy and tries to make a place for itself in the green forest, dressed in moss. The bark on the trees reminds me of sleeping dragons. 

VERDON’S LITTLE SECRETS

The climbers, brambles and cobwebs are delightful in this fantastic setting. Mother Nature lives her life as she chooses and this freedom suits her perfectly. I leave a stone on the cairn, the only witness of my passage.

A DAZZLING SPECTACLE

I seem to be on the rooftops of the Verdon, the panorama before me is majestic. I try to spot the sleeping forest but it is now hidden secretly away, drowned in all the vegetation. I am stunned, what a magnificent sight. 

THE EXPLORATION CONTINUES

I go inside the chapel for coolness, its simplicity soothes me. Nearby, I see an abandoned house with a picturesque dead tree anchored in the rock.

TIME TO EAT!

I look for a spot of shade, I find a small tree whose trunk will make a perfect backrest and the nearby rock an improvised table to cut bread, cheese and sausage – simple fare.

A TOUGH CHOICE

Now replete, I head back out on the same route. I continue under the oaks, I pass the ruins. For about 1 km, I walk on the Mallasoque plateau. Once I reach the route indicated on the left, the "Draille des Vaches", I have two options. I hesitate about taking the path along the Verdon, it was so beautiful and relaxing.

ANOTHER CHANGE OF DÉCOR

After some hesitation, I decide to go into the unknown and quench my curiosity. I will return to the canal guard trail with my loved ones - no doubt about it! I am curious to see what is on the path on the right. I set off on the route which is not wooded and is a little more deserted. The earth is red, then sandy. Little by little, there are more stones. It's a new atmosphere that has its own charm.

With this clear weather, I am lucky enough to see the high Gorges du Verdon. In the distance a couple of birds of prey are hunting, they are probably golden eagles, which are found in this environment.

WHAT A PLEASURE TO SEE YOU AGAIN BEAUTIFUL VERDON

Here, in this peaceful and beautiful space, the notion of "difficult" is impossible to evaluate if you forget to take a look at the time. I look at my watch, it's one o'clock. I have stayed a long time but I have the feeling that I have lived a fleeting moment etched only in my mind.

A LAST PHOTO

I immortalize the end of this humble journey in the company of Mother Nature. Where I started it, on the bridge with a superb view of the Verdon and its cliffs.

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