As an integral part of the Verdon regional nature park, there are numerous walks in the immediate vicinity of Quinson: gorges, lakes and small peaks make up a program of varied sensations.
This makes Quinson an excellent base camp from which to explore the region on foot, through the magnificent landscapes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The Gorges du Verdon, one of the most beautiful natural sites in France, are the focus of much attention, but other beautiful hikes around Quinson are also an opportunity to feast your eyes and exercise your legs.
In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the hiking season starts early: spring is perfect for discovering nature in full bloom, and the autumn is pleasant for its milder temperatures. Sunny winter days make for great outings, but beware, the mood of the Gorges du Verdon changes quickly with bad weather… In summer, always remember to protect yourself from the sun, adapt your walking schedule to the heat, and take a good supply of water with you!
1. Basses Gorges du Verdon
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 9.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 325 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- See the route
Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter with this hike in Quinson, set in the Basses Gorges du Verdon. The hike starts directly from the center, on the Pont du Verdon.
Initially, the route follows an ancient network of canals running alongside the river, which is embedded in its cliffs, in an absolutely magnificent setting. You then pass over the gorge via the Chapelle Sainte-Maxime, before returning to the starting point. A superb, well-marked loop, with a few more technical sections (chains, ladders) for fun, but not recommended for the very young.
If the route seems too difficult, it’s perfectly possible to make the return trip to the bottom of the gorge, undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the itinerary.
2. Bauduen and Lac de Sainte-Croix
- Duration: about 3h30
- Distance: 11.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 399 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- See the route
Bauduen, a 30-minute drive away, will be the starting point for this hike around Quinson, with Lac de Sainte-Croix as its main theme. Fed by the Verdon river, this lake is actually an artificial reservoir, created by damming the river’s course.
The route takes us directly along the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix: a dip in the cool waters promises to be a lifesaver on days when the mercury soars! After that, the route becomes a little more demanding in terms of altitude, as you climb up to appreciate some beautiful views over the lake, before descending back to the starting point.
3. On the shores of Lake Esparron-de-Verdon
- Duration: about 1h30
- Distance: 6.4 km
- Height difference: 160 m
- Difficulty: easy
- See the route
Another lake, for another lovely hike around Quinson. This time, we’ll meet on the banks of Lac d’Esparron-de-Verdon, upriver from our drop-off point: it’s not far as the crow flies, but you should allow 45 minutes by car to reach the start, as the road is not direct.
The itinerary is both easy and well-marked, so it’s suitable for all levels: you’ll stroll along the edge of the lake through beautiful Provençal vegetation, and when the weather’s right, you won’t hesitate to land on a small beach to take a dip in the water, just to prolong the pleasure of the walk…
4. Climbing the Grand Margès
- Duration: about 4h30
- Distance: 9.8 km
- Ascent: 797 m
- Difficulty: difficult
- See the route
The aim of this hike around Quinson is quite clear: to climb to the summit of Grand Margès and back, following a well-marked trail from start to finish. The difficulty lies not in the orientation of the hike, but in the altitude difference accumulated by this sporty outing.
Departure is from the village of Aiguines, a 45-minute drive from Quinson. From here, the GR99 leads straight to the summit of Grand Margès, which rises to 1577 m : the assurance of a superb panorama of the surrounding area, including Lac de Sainte-Croix, the Basses Gorges du Verdon, the Valensole plateau, as well as the increasingly rugged relief of the Pre-Alps.
The way back is identical, but you can use your sticks!
5. The lookouts of the Gorges de Baudinard
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 6.4 km
- Height difference: 259 m
- Difficulty: easy
- See the route
Another great hike around Quinson, just 20 minutes’ drive from Baudinard, takes you to a new section of the Gorges du Verdon: the route takes in a number of belvederes, each offering a different view of the river and its deep canyon, a view you’ll never tire of, but also of Lac de Sainte-Croix and its dam.
An accessible outing and a well-marked trail, partly in the shade of the forest, with an educational section retracing the history of the local charcoal makers: ideal for a half-day outing.
6. Loop around Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 9.8 km
- Difference in altitude: 448 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- See the route
A beautiful hike around Quinson, coupled with a must-see visit to the region: the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, listed as one of France’s most beautiful, is just 30 minutes away.
From the village, the route progresses over impressive rocky escarpments to join a network of paths, including an ancient Roman road, overlooking the surrounding area. The itinerary is peaceful, perfect for enjoying the views over Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Valensole plateau.
On the way back, take time to soak up the scenery and atmosphere of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, to round off a superb day.
7. Col de Plein Voir and Col de l’Âne
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 679 m
- Difficulty: difficult
- See the route
Let’s stay in the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie area for another hike around Quinson, a 35-minute drive away. The route is quite steep, with a number of difficult, fairly vertiginous and steep passages, reserved for walkers with a bit of stamina.
As you climb to the Col de Plein Voir, 1168 m above sea level, you’ll be treated to magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix, in a steep, mineral setting. The itinerary then switches to the Col de l’Âne, before looping back to the starting point.
8. The Sillans waterfall
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 3.7 km
- Height difference: 115 m
- Difficulty: easy
- See the route
Heading south this time, for an easy hike around Quinson, closer to a stroll in terms of difficulty. So much the better, as it allows us to take everyone to admire the beautiful cascade de Sillans, a must-see natural site in the area.
The trail starts in Sillans-la-Cascade, a 25-minute drive from Quinson. The trail, well shaded by the forest and cooled by the whitewater, is a pleasure in any season, with several fine views of the waterfall along the way.
9. From Pontevès to the summit of Petit Bessillon
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Height difference: 290 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- See the route
A hike around Quinson for lovers of fine views, starting from Pontevès, a 30-minute drive away. The summit of Petit Bessillon, at an altitude of 669 m, is the target of this outing. High enough to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding region, with an orientation table to help you find your bearings.
The route is not particularly long, but you’ll need good shoes to tackle the pebbles along the way. A few passages secured by chains and fences may be difficult to negotiate for the unsure or those suffering from vertigo… be warned!