A 5-hour hike, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Verdon.
What is the most beautiful hike in the Verdon Gorges? The Imbut trail is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Verdon Gorges. It is also a hike that requires good experience of this type of mountainous terrain.
I have taken this hike almost 50 times, and I am really happy to help you discover it…
The trail will allow you to discover the Styx, a secondary canyon that has become mythical and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Verdon.
Trail then continues to the Imbut (include the Imbuq, i.e. the funnel in Provençal).
The Verdon disappears under a huge chaos of blocks overhung by 400-meters peaks. Indeed, the landscape of these narrow gorges is so grandiose that one would not be surprised to see a dinosaur appear in this exceptional place.
To know before leaving to hike the Imbut trail
During spring 2018, the trail was redesigned and some of the passages that have become slippery are now easily accessible.
In practice, this hike is suitable for children from 9 years old, as long as they are accompanied by experienced adults who are used to this kind of terrain… In family or in a group, being accompanied by a guide can be a good idea for your safety in order to enjoy this hike as much as possible.
Learn about water releases: indeed the Verdon will be less beautiful on water release days. So in order to to take the most beautiful pictures with the turquoise river, it is better to avoid Tuesday and Friday (but it depends on the years). Do not hesitate to contact us or just use the “chat”. Explore the Verdon with a professional guide and enjoy hiking, climbing, and other adventures.
Some precautions to remember:
This is a mountain trail, so it’s advisable to dress accordingly (trail boots are recommended, but avoid sneakers or sandals!).
Take one to two liters of water per person (two liters in summer).
Bring a backpack and polar fleece in case of unexpected weather or issues.
Don’t forget: a sprain on this type of trail = helicopter rescue! so if you don’t have insurance, it’s better to go with a guide.
Landslide Reported in Winter 2022 and Trail Closure Order as of July 5, 2022 (Still in Effect)
A landslide occurred during the winter of 2022, and photos were taken to document the event. The trail remains accessible, but the landslide affects a limited area above the Styx.
⚠️ A trail closure order was issued in early July 2022, restricting access to certain sections.
The closure impacts the left bank descent from the Hôtel Grand Canyon, the section of the trail between the Estellié Footbridge and the Vidal ascent, as well as the Vidal ascent itself.
It is important to note that the Imbut remains accessible from the right bank (La Palud sur Verdon) via aquatic hiking. This alternative route avoids the landslide area and offers a more challenging experience. A guide is required for this excursion, which is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the Verdon.
For more information, contact us via the chat on our website.
Access to the Imbut trail:
Two access points exist: the most convenient is the access from the left bank via the cliff path of the Riders’ Cliff and the (impressive) ascent via the Vidal path.
It takes about 5 hours for the round trip, or 6 hours if you take the time to visit the “Baou Béni”.
We will describe this itinerary here (see also on our website “Randonnée de l’Imbut” if you wish to be accompanied by a guide).
Park at the Grand Canyon Hotel on the road from Aiguines to Trigance (about 18 km after Aiguines).
Some ideas of activities to do in the Verdon during your hike
Here are some ideas of activities to book before or after your Imbut hike.
– Rent an electric boat on Lake Sainte-Croix
– Book the tour of the lake by electric bike
– Book an evening of astronomy on the shores of Lake St. Croix and sleep on site
– Watch the Verdon Secret 3D movie on a giant screen
Our stay “all inclusive” in the Verdon Gorges
We propose stays including accommodation and activities during 6 days.
– La descente aquatique des Gorges du Verdon
– 6 days adventure trip in Verdon Gorges
– 6 days Hiking Tour in Verdon Gorges : all the best in an organized tour
Starting point of the most beautiful hike in the Verdon
From there a path descends into a ravine zigzagging and then by small stairs.
In about 30 minutes, you will reach the footbridge of the Estellié above the Verdon.
Leave the footbridge on your right and continue downstream on the left bank, passing a sign announcing the dangers of the trail.
So here you are warned but fortunately the most beautiful and impressive is yet to come…
From the Estellié, the path follows the Verdon on the left bank.
To your right, beautiful turquoise water basins invite you to swim, but you will need to think twice before jumping into the water.
You will now come across a first body plate that reminds you that the Verdon is dangerous. Swimming is prohibited here because of the “rappels”: these rapids take you under the cliff or under huge stones and suck you in, literally without any hope of getting away.
The most beautiful hike in the Verdon: the thousand-year-old cade
After about 45 minutes of walking, the trail rises and overlooks the river by about 50 meters. The path then follows a series of magnificent turns: carved steps and a small staircase lead you to a photogenic promontory with a small cave. You will discover the millenary cade, a thuriferous juniper tree that is over 1000 years old, according to specialists. Don’t forget the picture!
No one knows the age of this old cade who would be the oldest in the Verdon. The view is exceptional: you are in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Verdon. And yet, you are not at the end of your surprises….
After 15 minutes, the path begins to descend and you will arrive along the Verdon at a pebble beach: the Baouché beach. It should be remembered that swimming is always prohibited. Continuing along the path, you will reach the passage of the Styx.
The secondary canyon of the Styx on the Imbut trail
To describe the Imbut as the most beautiful hike in the Verdon is no exaggeration. Exceptional spots follow one another through grandiose landscapes. From Baouché beach, continue to the very large rocks: at this point, you can leave the trail and discover the secondary canyon of the Styx.
The canyon continues to the Styx cave, impressive! It is also one of the most dangerous passages of the Verdon for kayakers. We filmed this passage in the film “Verdon Secret”, a must see for enthusiasts! Kayakers classify the Verdon in class V, which shows a high level of difficulty. Continue on the path and you will reach a ledge carved into the rock.
The trail, cut into the cliff, overlooks the river by about 5 to 6 meters (you definitely won’t want to fall).
Fortunately, a handrail has been installed for support.
The passage of the Maugué:
You then arrive at a small cave (second body plate) at the place called “le Maugué”.
For more information about this place, see also on our website the film “Verdon Secret”, the story of the shooting of an unusual film.
From the cave, the path begins to climb in increasingly steep zigzags. You arrive at the base of a large sign with the indication “Vidal trail”.
That’s where you’ll go up (maybe) this afternoon. For the moment, leave the path that rises to the left and continue to the right towards the bottom of the Verdon.
The chaos of blocks of the Imbut rail and the “Baou Béni”
Further down, the path descends and you arrive at the famous chaos of blocks of the Imbut.
You can cross the chaos of boulders as long as you do a bit of easy climbing: a passage (follow the paint marks) over large boulders and then under a huge boulder (a small tunnel) will take you to the Baou Béni, this place is magnificent and grand. It marks the true entrance to the Secret Verdon.
The cliffs above you make you dizzy: this is the start of the Secret Verdon, but you will turn around at this point. Discover the Secret Verdon in 3D with our immersive film.
To see, not to miss
Secondary canyon of the Styx, the Styx cave: magnificent and photogenic places.
Thousand-year-old cade: the oldest thuriferous juniper tree in the Verdon.
The chaos of blocks of the Imbut: the Verdon disappears underground for 300 meters to reappear upstream of the Baou Béni.
Le Baou Beni (the blessed baou): the turquoise blue water and its shimmering reflections against the overhanging rock.
The return by the Vidal path
On the way back, you will have to take the same path in the opposite direction until you reach the sign indicating the exit via the Vidal path. Stairs carved into the rock will lead you to ladders a little higher. Attention! Let’s reserve this return variant for those who don’t have vertigo.
I do not recommend it with children unless you have belaying equipment. On the contrary, for thrill-seekers, it is a fast, vertiginous and pleasant outing. Once at the road, turn left to return to your car at the riders’ car park.
Note: In the fall of 2022, the left bank access was closed due to a rockfall on the riders’ trail. The hike is therefore possible from the right bank, i.e. the Chalet de la Maline. On-the-ground tips for exploring the Verdon Gorges.
