The Gorges d'Oppedette are the gorges that run south from the village of Oppedette in Provence. They are a local scenic highlight, easily accessible and very pleasant to explore.
Explore the Gorges d'Oppedette
The gorges are several kilometres long, quite deep in places, and have steep sides of rock in mixed terrain of forest and scrub.
Note: because the Calavon river flows through the gorges they are also called the Gorges du Calavon.
A major advantage of the Gorges d'Oppedette is that they are accessible and easy to visit: you can simply admire them from the belvedere (viewpoint) or follow one of the three hiking trails that follow the course of the gorges.
The main viewpoint and car park - the Parking des Belvederes - is close to the village of Oppedette, clearly signposted and linked to the village by a short footpath. There is a second car park several kilometres south of here, at the southern end of the gorges, called the Pont de Grand Vallat / Pont de la Blaque.
Hiking the Gorges d'Oppedette: options
1) La Boucle aval / les Terres du Four
The easiest trail to follow starts at the Pont de Grand Vallat, a few kilometres south of the village. The trail takes about one hour to complete, with the first half of the trail along the gorges and the second half returning through the woods. We chose to also return along the edge of the gorges since that was why we came here and the scenery was lovely!
This option is accessible to almost everyone, although there is unfenced proximity to the edge of the gorges in places so don't led children run off ahead of you! Sensible shoes are needed but walking shoes not necessary.
2) Le Tour des Gorges
The longest route starts at the Parking des Belvederes. This path takes about three hours to complete and is a loop that follows along both sides of the gorges.
There are various places along the trail where you are close to the edge of the cliff and care is required. Those who don't like heights might not enjoy this trail!
3) La Boucle amont / la Traverse de l'échelle
This route also starts at the Parking des Belvederes. It is the most technically difficult of the three, and is a loop in the northern part of the Oppedette gorges.
This trail involves various challenges such as a need to hold on and to cross a ladder, so this trail is only suitable for quite experienced hikers. The trail takes about two hours to complete
Attractions nearby
You will certainly want to take a stroll through the village of Oppedette while you are here, and we also recommend you visit the village of Simiane-la-Rotonde, a short distance north-east of here.
See more scenic highlights in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence guide and the Provence guide.
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Map of Gorges d'Oppedette and places nearby
Visit near Gorges d'Oppedette with France This Way reviews
Oppedette
After a stroll around the historic village of Oppedette you can visit the Gorges d'Oppedette, a lovely local landmark
Oppedette guide
Simiane-la-Rotonde
The medieval castle with its domed rotunda is just one of the sites of interest in the lovely village of Simiane-la-Rotonde
Simiane-la-Rotonde guide
Mane
The citadel above the village is the principal monument in the small Provencal village of Mane
Mane guide
Forcalquier
Forcalquier is a pleasant Luberon town with several interesting historic monuments
Forcalquier guide
Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
It is true that Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt is larger and less visited by tourists than many of the Luberon villages, but find the time and you will discover another scenic small town
Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt guide
Apt
Less touristy than many Provence towns, the highlight in Apt is the baroque style cathedral
Apt guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
The French version of this page is at Gorges d'Oppedette (Francais)