The Verdon gorges - Cycling tour 05

Sport, Cycling sports, Cycle tourism route in Comps-sur-Artuby

97.0 km

6h 40min

Very difficult

This mountain route, which alternates between panoramic views of the Verdon gorges and crossings of villages in the Haut-Var, is sure to win you over!
The beauty of this route is only matched by the energy you'll need to complete it, so make sure you're prepared for the significant difference in altitude.

From the parking area, leave the village on the D 71 (west) following the sign "Les gorges du Verdon - n°5". You start this route in a pre-Alpine landscape, surrounded by broom shrub. After the Pas des Averses, go north of the Commandery (13th-century Hospitaliers), then head down to the Mescla balcony. Before the Artuby bridge... Read more
The beauty of this route is only matched by the energy you'll need to complete it, so make sure you're prepared for the significant difference in altitude.

From the parking area, leave the village on the D 71 (west) following the sign "Les gorges du Verdon - n°5". You start this route in a pre-Alpine landscape, surrounded by broom shrub. After the Pas des Averses, go north of the Commandery (13th-century Hospitaliers), then head down to the Mescla balcony. Before the Artuby bridge (overlooking the bottom of the gorges at around 150 m), be sure to stop off at the viewpoint and admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the Verdon and Artuby gorges.

Cross the Artuby bridge , then begin the long climb up onto the sublime corniche. Pass through the Le Fayet tunnels (beware, there is no light in the first one), and savour the spectacular panorama in front of you. Be careful on this sometimes busy stretch, especially in summer. You can stop at the various viewpoints overlooking impressive cliffs, some of them over 300 m high, including the Boucher cliff through the magnificent beech forest.

From the Petite Forêt, continue climbing towards the Vaumale cirque at an altitude of 1,169 m (there is a refreshing water source at the Vaumale ice spring along the way).

Take the plunge towards the Col d'Illoire (964 m). Stop to discover the chapel and the orientation table, then enjoy the view as you reach Aiguines .

From this village, there's a lovely panoramic view over the Sainte-Croix lake. At the entrance to the village, turn left onto the D19, then the D 619, overlooking the lake. Then take the D 957 to the Domaine de Majastre, where the D 49 leaves on your left. On a slightly gravelly road, cross a magnificent undergrowth and reach Vérignon .

After 2 km, pass the Roman column and continue on to Ampus .

Go through the fortified village, and turn left onto the D51 through the Prannes wood to Châteaudouble .

Go downhill and, left on the D 955, reach Montferrat .

Go through the village, then climb up a few hairpin bends to La Magdeleine. Leave the D 19, which joins Bargemon, to continue left onto the D 955 (start of the Canjuers military camp. Caution! It is forbidden to stray from the road.)

Follow a beautiful cliff road up to the entrance to the camp (810 m), cross the Défends plateau and go over the bridge spanning the Artuby on a panoramic road. Drive up the steep valley and out of the military camp before reaching Comps-sur-Artuby.

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Departure

Comps-sur-Artuby
Difference in height

2374 m
Plain text period

All year round.

Subject to favorable weather.
Environment
- In the country
- Lakeside or by stretch of water
- Waterside
Documentation
GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)