Cadières de Brandis Loop
Cadières de Brandis Loop
4.8
(235)
1,114
hikers
Cadières de Brandis Loop
02:41
7.84km
410m
Hiking
Hike the moderate 4.9-mile Cadières de Brandis loop, gaining 1337 feet for unique rock formations and panoramic views of the Verdon Valley.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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3.36 km
Cadières de Brandis
Highlight • Natural Monument
path in the shade going up
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.75 km
Cadières de Brandis Rock Formations
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.28 km
View of the Verdon Valley
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
7.84 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.67 km
1.13 km
340 m
329 m
328 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
4.35 km
2.79 km
329 m
328 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,540 m)
Lowest point (1,140 m)
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Weather
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Friday 8 May
19°C
3°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Cadières de Brandis loop trail start and where can I park?
The trail typically starts near the village of Brandis or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. While specific parking areas aren't detailed, you'll usually find designated parking close to the trailhead. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for the most current parking information.
How challenging is the Cadières de Brandis loop?
This hike is generally rated as moderate to hard. It requires good fitness and sure-footedness due to varied terrain, including steep climbs and challenging descents over rocky and potentially slippery gravel sections. Sturdy hiking shoes are strongly recommended.
What is the terrain like on this route?
The terrain is quite varied, featuring ascents through pine forests, dry southern slopes, and unpaved paths. You should expect rocky passages, including sections with scree on descents that may require using your hands for stability. Some routes even include a natural 'tunnel' to crawl through amidst a chaos of stones.
What can I see along the Cadières de Brandis loop?
The main attractions are the impressive Cadières de Brandis rock formations themselves, often described as 'chairs' in Provençal. You'll also enjoy magnificent, breathtaking views of the Verdon Valley and the Gorges du Verdon.
What is the best time of year to hike this loop?
Spring and autumn are generally the best times to hike this trail. In spring, you can enjoy blooming wildflowers and the scent of lavender. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful colors. Summer can be very hot due to exposed sections, and winter may present challenging conditions with ice or snow on rocky paths.
Is this trail dog-friendly?
Dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Parc naturel régional du Verdon, but they must be kept on a leash to protect local wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers. Always clean up after your pet.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this hike?
No, there is typically no entrance fee or permit required to hike the Cadières de Brandis loop, as it is located within the Parc naturel régional du Verdon, which is freely accessible. However, always respect local regulations and environmental guidelines.
Does this trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, approximately 36% of this route follows sections of the 'Route Napoléon à pied', a historic long-distance hiking trail.
What wildlife might I encounter on the trail?
While hiking, you might be lucky enough to spot chamois or various bird species, including vultures, which are known to inhabit the Verdon region. Always observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
Are there any specific safety considerations for this hike?
Given the trail's moderate to hard difficulty and rocky, sometimes slippery terrain, it's crucial to wear sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support. Be particularly cautious on descents with scree. Carry enough water, especially during warmer months, as exposed sections offer little shade.
How long does it typically take to complete the Cadières de Brandis loop?
The Cadières de Brandis loop typically takes around 2 hours and 41 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your fitness level, the number of stops you make, and trail conditions.
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Trail Reviews
Beautiful views, but downhill was in the beginning very hard and need technical skills.
A wonderful hike, definitely do it if you're nearby. The return journey involves a bit of scrambling, but otherwise it's a good walk. Great panorama, fantastic scenery!
Very scenic hike and (if you like) climbing to the Cadières de Brandis in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. The Cadières de Brandis mountain dominates the Verdon valley. The hiking car park is on the Route Napoléon between Castellane and Barrême in the Parc naturel régional du Verdon nature park. On the way down I got a little off the path, so pay attention to the markings (yellow bars), because off the path it can quickly become exposed and even dangerous.
Highly recommended hike, but you should start with a very good basic condition. On the descent it gets a bit more demanding, there are a few small climbing sections and there is a lot of scree on the steep incline, be careful of slipping!
Beautiful hike, Attention walking shoes strongly recommended, two difficult passages with dogs. The hike your the look..👍👍👍
Fabulous walk starting through pine forest with the path getting steeper and narrower until it turns into a rocky scramble. Through a gap between rocks and more scambling to the path at the flat top. The detour to the menhirs was spectacular. Emerging over the crest of the hill the tumbling amphitheater of rock gives views that change every ten steps.. A more gentle descent through lavender and rose and back into the forest.
Very nice trail with yellow bars throughout and climbing sections. It was fun. The area here is sensationally beautiful for hiking.
Before we continue to Lac de Sainte Croix today, the bizarre rocks still have to be seen. The starting point for this tour is a hiking car park at the ☆Col des Lèques (D4085 - route to Digne). Caramia and the 🐺 head in a different direction to look at ☆Les siréniens fossiles. Right at the start of this tour, I come across signs warning of wild boars, not very reassuring. 😅 I come across a nice hiking couple and we decide to do the tour together. 3 against 🐗 gives a safe feeling. After just a few steps, fantastic views open up in front of us. I immediately spot ☆le Roc of Castellane and the ☆Lac de Castillon, and we also have a view of the Verdon, which winds its way through an enchanting mountain landscape. Beautiful paths lead us to the spectacular rock formations of the ☆Cadières de Brandis (1626 m), which immediately inspire us. My companions want to extend the tour with a detour over a mountain ridge, but since we still have to go further, I walk the planned tour back alone. The second part of the path is a bit more scrambling, rock fractures and a crevice with a wire rope await me. (Surefootedness is required!) After this section, which at the same time offers great views again, the path runs moderately back to the starting point. Enriched with many new impressions, which are immediately exchanged actively, we roll along the ☆Col Clue de la Roche Percée and finally end up at a campsite at the ☆Lac de Sainte Croix, from which we have a wonderful view of the lake. More Lac 🩵 is not possible! 😊