Belvédère du Couloir Samson

Belvédère du Couloir Samson is a lookout point marking the entrance to the Grand Canyon du Verdon, in the commune of Rougon in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France. It sits right next to Point Sublime, one of the most visited sites in the whole Verdon region, drawing more than a million visitors a year.

How do you get there?

The starting point is the car park at Point Sublime, just off the road leading into Rougon. From there, a short walk of roughly ten minutes brings you to the viewpoint itself. No hiking experience is required — the path is gentle enough for families and casual visitors who simply want the view without committing to a full day of trekking.

What will you see?

The terrace looks straight into the mouth of the Gorges du Verdon and the Couloir Samson, the narrow passage where the Verdon river squeezes between two rock faces. On one side stands the Falaise du Duc, on the other the Escalès cliffs — both rising close to 400 metres and facing each other across the gorge, framing one of the most photographed views in the canyon.

The corridor's name comes from a local legend: a natural rock formation near the entrance resembles a human silhouette, which tradition identifies with the biblical Samson. According to the story, Samson split the mountain apart to rescue Delilah, who was said to be living in the village of Rougon, and in doing so carved out the Gorges du Verdon.

Point Sublime also marks one end of the well-known Sentier Blanc-Martel, a roughly fifteen-kilometre trail connecting the Chalet de la Maline to Point Sublime. Walking the full route takes around five and a half hours, and hikers who want more can add another thirty minutes to reach La Mescla, the spot where the Artuby river joins the Verdon. Near the end of the trail, walkers pass through a series of tunnels left over from early twentieth-century exploration of the canyon. The Couloir Samson also marks the start of the lower, water-level walking routes that follow the riverbed below Point Sublime.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best times to come, offering milder temperatures than the height of summer and quieter paths. Summer can get crowded around midday, so an early morning visit is worth planning if you want the terrace to yourself. The rock faces look their best in morning or late-afternoon light — the flat light around noon does the scenery no favours.

Who is it for?

The belvedere isn't really a destination for a full day of hiking on its own — it works best as a stop along a longer visit to the Gorges du Verdon, combining a short walk with a striking panorama. For those planning a full day on foot, it doubles as the natural start or finish line for the Blanc-Martel trail, one of the best-known hiking routes in this part of Provence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reach the viewpoint? About ten minutes on foot from the Point Sublime car park — a short, easy walk that most visitors can manage without difficulty.

Where does the name Couloir Samson come from? It comes from a rock formation at the entrance to the gorge that resembles a human figure, linked by local legend to the biblical Samson, who is said to have split the mountain to save Delilah.

Can you start a longer hike from the belvedere? Yes — Point Sublime is one end of the Sentier Blanc-Martel, a roughly fifteen-kilometre trail that takes about five and a half hours to walk to the Chalet de la Maline.

Which rock faces frame the viewpoint? The Falaise du Duc and the Escalès cliffs face each other across the gorge, both rising to nearly 400 metres and framing the entrance to the canyon.