Grottes de Saint-Maurin

Grottes de Saint-Maurin is a cluster of caves and former troglodyte shelters cut into the cliffs above the Verdon Gorges, in the municipality of La Palud-sur-Verdon (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence). The openings sit above the tufa cascades of Saint-Maurin, at the point where the river's right bank opens onto the western end of the canyon. The site falls entirely within the Saint-Maurin Regional Nature Reserve, a protected area of roughly 26 hectares.

What makes this landscape distinctive?

The reserve is shaped by travertine, a porous limestone deposit formed when calcium carbonate carried by spring water precipitates out as it cascades over the rock. Water seeping from the base of the Barbin cliff has built up layered rock steps over time, and several of the resulting cavities were later adapted into shelters. The damp, moss-covered springs contrast sharply with the dry, wooded slopes of the surrounding gorge, creating a small but distinct microclimate within a few steps.

What is the history behind the caves?

Human presence here likely goes back to the 5th century, with evidence pointing to a religious settlement linked to the Abbey of Lérins. The name Saint-Maurin later turns up in 9th-century records belonging to the Abbey of Saint-Victor. The carved and adapted rock chambers still visible today confirm that the caves served as troglodyte dwellings over a long stretch of time, into a relatively recent past.

What plants and animals live here?

The wet cliff faces and springs support dense growth of mosses and liverworts. Several bat species roost in the crevices and cave openings, including the lesser horseshoe bat, Geoffroy's bat, the mountain long-eared bat, and Cestoni's mastiff bat. The reserve is also known for a notably rich variety of insects and plants tied to its damp, tufa-fed habitat.

How do you get to Grottes de Saint-Maurin?

The most straightforward approach starts from the Provençal village of Rougon, where a marked trail winds through woods, clearings, and viewpoints over the gorge before reaching the caves. A longer, more demanding option links the area around Lake Sainte-Croix with Saint-Maurin, covering around 8 km with several hundred metres of elevation gain. Hikers looking for a full loop often combine the visit with the Crêtes de Plein Voir ridge route. Trail difficulty varies, so it's worth checking current conditions and route notes before setting out.

Is there an entry fee, and what are the rules?

Access to the reserve is free and open year-round, but visitors must stay on the marked paths. Picking plants, swimming in the springs, camping, and lighting fires are all prohibited. Given the fragile terrain and ecological value of the site, going with a local guide is recommended, particularly on the less obvious stretches of trail.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the Saint-Maurin reserve free? Yes, access is free, but movement is restricted to the marked trails.

Where's the best starting point for the hike to the caves? The simplest route begins in the village of Rougon; a longer alternative starts near Lake Sainte-Croix.

Are the caves lit or set up for guided tours inside? No, these are natural and partly historically adapted shelters with no visitor infrastructure — they're viewed from the trail, from the outside.

What's the main draw of this site? The combination of geology (tufa cascades), history (traces of troglodyte settlement), and nature (bats, spring-fed vegetation) packed into one small reserve above the Verdon Gorges.

Can you swim or camp here? No — swimming, camping, and campfires are all banned within the reserve.