On the edge
It is just after ten o’clock and the car park at the starting point of Sentier de l’Imbut is already full. Slowly I drive back along the road, looking for a passable spot between the bushes. I find one quickly and it’s even nice and shady.
The walking trail winds its way straight to the destination: the Verdon River at the bottom of the gorge. The river that carved this gorge. I clamber on the boulders that lie in the river. The water gurgles beneath me. The massive rock walls give a secure feeling, they close off this paradise from the rest of the world. I could sit here for hours. Well, ten minutes or so. Because I want to hike further, see more of this paradise.
The footpath runs continuously on the edge along the river. Sometimes low, just above the bank, where you can walk to the river to swim or just watch it. Then up again, far above the river, because that’s where the best passage is. On the edge over a forest path, on the edge over a ledge in the rocks. At narrow edges, sturdy metal handrails are mounted against the rock face to hold on to. And where there is no edge, bridges and steps have been made.
Up against the cliffs
In despair I look at the route up from the gorge. An almost vertical stone wall where you have to work your way up using handholds and step ladders. One slip or misstep and you’re a goner. My doubts are increased by the fact that I don’t see anyone there. But I’d rather not walk the route back through the gorge either. While I stand there in hesitation, two hikers walk up to the rock face and start the climb. That’s what I needed. At some distance, I climb behind them. The climb is strenuous. I make it an interval climb with as many short stops as possible, to keep good control of my muscles. At one of those stops I briefly look into the abyss, towards the river. My stomach turns and I quickly look ahead again.
Once out of the gorge, the route back is not very special. The path runs mostly between bushes and low trees, with occasional views of Gorges du Verdon. After all the impressions and efforts in the gorge, such a relaxing stretch of walking is actually quite pleasant.
Hiking map
- The starting point of Sentier de l’Imbut is clearly marked by a sign board that shows the route map of the hike.
- In the gorge the route is barely marked. It doesn’t need to be, you can only go one way.
- There is another sign board at the spot where you can climb out of the gorge via Sentier Vidal.
- On Sentier Vidal, you have to be cautious not to overlook ladders against vertical rock walls. That happened to me at one point, leading me to descend again on an alternative forest path. And going down on Sentier Vidal is never the intention.
- At the main road (D71) you need to enter the footpath directly across the road. There is no signpost.
- The hiking trail back is not very clear. It runs parallel to the motorway, but higher up. By always keeping to the side of the road at junctions, you will walk the right route.
See more of Gorges du Verdon
A hike on Sentier de l’Imbut is the perfect way to discover Gorges du Verdon from the depths between the canyon walls. A completely different – and less strenuous – way to experience Gorges du Verdon is an extensive scenic drive along ever-changing panoramas of the gorge.
