Discovering La Palud-sur-Verdon
Published on 05/02/2025 by CAMPASUN
Situated between Provence and the Alps, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department is brimming with varied landscapes, opportunities for outdoor activities and places to visit.
The Gorges du Verdon, known as Europe’s largest canyon, is home to perched villages such as La Palud-sur-Verdon, 45 km from Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon and 19 km from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Campasun’s campsites in the south of France, such as Camping International in Aups and Camping de l’Aigle at Lac de Sainte Croix, are ideally located for enjoying the calm and authenticity of La Palud-sur-Verdon.
La Palud-sur-Verdon: a village steeped in history
Nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, the commune of La Palud-sur-Verdon traces its roots back to medieval times. The village was founded in the 13th century around a fortified castle built on a rocky outcrop. Designed to watch over the Gorges du Verdon, the bastion’s role was to protect strategic communication routes.
Over time, the military function of La Palud-sur-Verdon declined, giving way to an economy centered on agriculture and pastoralism. The surrounding land, renowned for its fertility, was ideal for growing crops and raising livestock.
In the 19th century, improved roads helped integrate La Palud-sur-Verdon into the economy of the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, and facilitated access to the village.
Today, this charming commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region is renowned for its exceptional natural environment, attracting visitors curious to discover the Verdon Gorge, a must-see site in south-eastern France.
La Palud-sur-Verdon: between landscape and heritage
Located at an altitude of 800 meters, La Palud-sur-Verdon has a population of around 350.
This mountain village, located between Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, offers a remarkable view of the Verdon Gorge. The north of the village is crossed by the Montdenier massif, while the Baou stream winds its way through the territory.
The Château de La Palud-sur-Verdon, built in the late 14th century, dominates the commune from an altitude of 1143 meters. Listed as a historic monument, it has been renovated several times, notably after the French Revolution. Now owned by the commune, the castle houses La Palud-sur-Verdon’s town hall and the Gorges du Verdon Ecomuseum.
Close to the château, the parish church of Notre-Dame-de-Vauvert boasts a Romanesque bell tower dating back to the 11th century. Rebuilt in the 19th century, it is now a listed building.
A commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region offering a wide range of activities
La Palud-sur-Verdon is an ideal starting point for all kinds of sporting activities, while admiring the Verdon gorges.
Hiking on the Bastidon trail
From the heart of the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon, a rocky path leads hikers to the Belvédère de Mayreste, overlooking the grand canyon.
Below, the emerald waters of the Verdon draw the eye. Above, the panorama reveals the Cirque de Vaumale and the Col d’Illoire. The 8-kilometre route takes you through an unspoilt natural environment, ideal for nature lovers.
Mountain biking from Châteauneuf-lès-Moustiers
Do you like mountain biking? Here’s a trail to explore, starting from Châteauneuf-lès-Moustiers, 9 km from La Palud-sur-Verdon.
This route follows an ancient Roman road through the foothills of the Mourre de Chanier massif to Rougon. The loop then returns to La Palud-sur-Verdon with a demanding climb.
If you’re looking for a challenge, or if you’re a keen mountain biker, you can extend the route by taking in the Tour des Belvédères de l’Escalès, before finishing with a pleasant descent. This route, close to La Palud-sur-Verdon, can be completed in around 3 hours.
Water sports in the Verdon gorges
The Verdon Gorge offers a wide range of water sports: rafting, hydrospeed, canyoning, canoeing, kayaking and aqua hiking. These activities allow you to discover the wild beauty of the gorges from a unique angle, while enjoying turquoise waters and landscapes of rare beauty.
When it comes to aquatic activities, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for near La Palud-sur-Verdon!
Have you fallen in love with the beautiful village of La Palud-sur-Verdon in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence? Book a stay at one of our two campsites close to this village in south-east France, and get ready for a pleasant vacation in splendid natural surroundings!
