The l'Imbut Trail, Gorges du Verdon
Get a close look at the Verdon Gorge with this amazing trail
Regarded as one of the more difficult trails of the Verdon region, the l'Imbut trail is perfectly manageable for the competent hiker with the use of the fixed cables and ladders.
Located just 20 minutes south of Aiguines along the D71, there is parking just next to the Hotel des Cavaliers, or on the adjacent road. This fantastic hike uses fixed wires and ladders to give you access to places you would not normally find yourself, and as a result offers some amazing views overlooking the Gorges du Verdon
Worth knowing
It is not advisable to walk this route alone and walking poles are not needed as you will need both of your hands for this trail to hold the ladders and wires. This trail should be avoided on or just after rain as the trails and ladders become very slippery when wet.
The route has warning signs regarding the loose rock and the dangers of quick rising water, so be aware of the conditions before undertaking this trail.
What to bring
This walk can be found on IGN map 3442 OT, Gorges du Verdon
Directions
After parking near the hotel, walk back along the road (north) for a few minutes and you will see a large wooden sign on the right hand side of the road giving details of the hikes.
Follow the GR99, signposted to Estellier for about 25-45 minutes down to the river and the high tech bridge that crosses the Gorge. For the l'Imbut trail you must not cross the bridge but take the path to the left that follows the river downstream. The trail follows the river and along the way it gets very narrow and give the exposed feeling of a climbing route but with the cables in place it offers great security.
Along this route there are a few places to escape the summer sun and take a dip in the river. Caution is advised and be aware of the river levels.
After an hour and a half you will start to climb and you will soon see a signpost for the Vidal trail, if you are running out of time you can take this trail out of the canyon (small yellow and red markings), otherwise take a right at the sign, marked l'Imbut 30 minutes. The trail down will bring you to some rocky beaches where the trail is hard to follow, look out for the white markings on the rocks.
To return follow the trail back up towards teh Vidal signpost (30 minutes). From here you can follow the same route back or take the Vidal trail that climbs quite quickly back out of the canyon.
If you take the Vidal trail it leads to the D71 road, you can either follow this back to the car park (3km) or continue over the road and take the GR99 trail back which is further up the hill.
