# Gorges du Verdon and Route des Crêtes

> The Route des Crêtes (D23) is a loop of about 22 to 24 km from La Palud-sur-Verdon with viewpoints above the canyon. Large motorhomes are poorly suited becaus

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/verdon-route-des-cretes/

The Route des Crêtes (D23) is a loop of about 22 to 24 km from La Palud-sur-Verdon with viewpoints above the canyon. Large motorhomes are poorly suited because of height, length and the one-way section.

- **Region:** Provence (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Var)
- **Length:** Route des Crêtes about 22–24 km (loop)
- **Start / end:** La Palud-sur-Verdon
- **Open:** Middle section closed in winter
- **Best season:** Spring to autumn

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €20 (France).

## What should you know before visiting Gorges du Verdon and Route des Crêtes?

- The middle section between Jas d'Aire and the Chalet de la Maline is one-way, clockwise, and usually closed in winter. Ask the commune or tourist office about reopening.
- Limits of about 3.6 m in height and 12 m in length are reported. Large motorhomes are better left in La Palud, where parking allows, and the loop toured by car, bike or carpool.
- There are no fuel stations on the crest. Start with a full tank; many sections have no crash barriers and weak mobile reception.
- Wild camping is strictly banned throughout the regional park. Use campsites or service areas in the Verdon villages.

## The drive

The Route des Crêtes starts and ends in La Palud-sur-Verdon and is 22 to 24 km long, depending on the source. It runs along the northern rim of the canyon, with the highest point near 1,300 m. Well-known viewpoints are Escalès, Carelle, Glacières and the Dent d'Aire, about 700 m above the river. The section between Jas d'Aire and the Chalet de la Maline can only be driven clockwise. Allow 1.5 to 3 hours plus stops. The road is free to use, with no reservation.

## Planning

The route is usually fully open from spring to late November; in winter the middle section is closed, and the exact dates depend on snow and ice. Sources differ, so ask La Palud commune or the tourist office. In July and August the car parks are often full from around 10 a.m. and saturated between about 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so start early. Alternative: the Corniche Sublime on the left bank, from Aiguines via the Col d'Illoire (967 m) towards Comps-sur-Artuby.

## Camping

Wild camping is strictly banned in the Verdon regional park, including in La Palud-sur-Verdon and Rougon. For motorhomes, the local tourism board publishes a list of campsites and service areas. In summer, booking ahead is wise. On the Route des Crêtes, limits of about 3.6 m in height and 12 m in length are reported, and one guide strongly discourages vehicles over about 7 m on the crest road because of the hairpins and the one-way section.

## FAQs

**Can the Route des Crêtes be driven in a motorhome?**
Only to a limited degree. Limits of about 3.6 m in height and 12 m in length are reported, and hairpins and the one-way section make manoeuvring hard. One guide strongly discourages vehicles over about 7 m.

**When is the Route des Crêtes closed?**
The middle section is usually closed in winter, from late November to late March, depending on snow and ice. Dates vary, so ask La Palud commune or the tourist office.

**Are there fuel stations on the way?**
Not on the crest. Fill the tank before setting off. Mobile reception is also weak or absent on large stretches, so plan the drive accordingly.

**How much are the tolls on Gorges du Verdon and Route des Crêtes?**
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €20 (France). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.

## Places to see

- [Gorges du Verdon](https://camping-spirit.com/places/verdon/)
- [Pont du Gard](https://camping-spirit.com/places/pont-du-gard/)
- [Mont Ventoux](https://camping-spirit.com/places/ventoux/)
- [Plateau de Valensole](https://camping-spirit.com/places/valensole/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in France](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/france/)