This 24km scenic drive in La Palud-sur-Verdon takes you on a circuit along the ridges of the Grand Canyon. The 14 belvederes reveal the legendary cliffs of the Verdon and offer unique views of the Verdon Gorges.
Description
The Route des Crêtes can be done by car, motorbike or ideally by bicycle (with or without electric assistance depending on your abilities).
It's difficult to give a travel time for this tour, as there are so many things to see, observe, and admire. However, plan on an hour and a half to three hours, stopping regularly at the lookouts.
You will overlook the legendary Verdon and discover incomparable viewpoints such as the "Carelle", "l'Escales", "la Dent d'Aire" or "Guègues". You will sometimes have more than 700 meters of void under your feet: these are the highest cliffs of the Gorges du Verdon...
During your "escape," you will discover the local fauna (vultures, chamois, foxes, etc.), the flora, as well as the climbers who roam the canyon's cliffs. The start of the Route des Crêtes (D23) is located 800 meters from the exit of the village of La Palud sur Verdon in the direction of Rougon.
As part of the road is one-way, to complete the loop, be sure to take it in that direction (clockwise) as indicated by the signs in and around the village.
Distance : 24km
Elevation : 700m
Duration : 45 min
Other details
The road is one-way between Jas d'Aire and La Maline, this section being closed from the 4th Friday in November to the 4th Friday in March. Buses can go on it, however the road remains vertiginous and it is best if the driver is familiar with mountain roads. The height limit is 3.6 meters on the sides and 4.3 meters in the center.
Comfort and amenities
Services
Rates / opening
Prices
Free access.
Opening
From 01/04 to 06/05/2026, Monday to Friday from 17:30pm to 8am. Weekends.
Please note: due to tunnel works, the one-way section of the Route des Crêtes is closed from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays and long weekends. Access by bicycle or on foot is also not possible.
From 07/05 to 21/11 every day.
From 11/22/2026 to 03/26/2027 closed every day.
The Route des Crêtes closes in the middle (from the Pas de Baou viewpoint to the Chalet de la Maline). The rest remains accessible all year round (Trescaïre viewpoints, La Carelle, La Dent d'Aïre, Chalet de la Maline etc....