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The fragile natural areas of the Verdon territory

Thanks to its exceptional geographical location, the Verdon territory is home to remarkable landscapes and a particularly rich biodiversity… but also fragile.
Cliffs, gorges, lakes, forests and rivers are sensitive natural environments, strongly impacted by human activities and tourist attendance. In order to preserve these spaces in the long term, the Verdon Regional Nature Park reminds you of a few simple and essential gestures to adopt during your stay.
On land, in the water or in the air, everyone can help protect this unique territory.

When hiking: let’s adopt the right reflexes

Let’s stay on the marked trails

Leaving the marked routes can weaken the flora and disturb the natural habitats of many species. Let’s stay on the paths and avoid picking plants, including lavender, which remains an agricultural production.

Let’s respect the place

Even in the middle of nature, waste has a significant impact on the environment. Too often, guards find tissues, plastic bottles, food scraps or packaging on the trails. Pack a small bag for your garbage and leave the place as clean as you’d like to find it.

Dogs: vigilance on certain trails

In order to preserve wildlife and guarantee the safety of all, the territory requires dogs to be kept on a leash. The regulations also prohibit dog access to certain emblematic routes in the Verdon, such as the Blanc-Marte l trailin La Palud-sur-Verdon and the Garde-Canal trail in Quinson These routes have technical passages and cross sensitive natural areas.

Watch out for difficult trails with young children

Some of the Verdon’s routes include vertiginous or technical passages. For example, the Blanc-Martel trail is forbidden to children under 8 years old and not recommended for children under 10 years old. Before leaving, always find out about the level of the course.

Wild camping
and fires prohibited

The territory regulates wild camping and bivouac and prohibits their practice throughout the park. In order to limit the risk of fire, the park strictly prohibits fires, barbecues and cigarette butts that have not been extinguished properly. Failure to comply with these rules may result in a fine.

Promoting mobility
Gentle

To discover the Verdon in a different way and limit the impact on the territory, favour walking, cycling, shuttles and public transport as much as possible as well as carpooling. Find our tips for a car-free weekend on our blog !

In the Gorges du Verdon: be careful at the water’s edge

The Verdon is a spectacular but sometimes dangerous river. Sudden changes in water levels, linked to hydroelectric dams, can lead to significant risks. Swimming is forbidden in the Gorges du Verdon. Be particularly vigilant with children near the banks.

Water activities: respecting protected areas

The Verdon is home to many water activities, but the territory protects certain sectors in order to preserve aquatic environments and biodiversity. Near the Pont du Galetas, the regulations prohibit going beyond the buoys that delimit the protected area of the Saint-Maurin regional nature reserve. The apron is a protected species that lives in this area. Respecting these areas makes it possible to protect the ecosystems of the Gorges in the long term.

Fishing: a regulated practice

Fishing is allowed on Lake St. Croix, but certain rules apply depending on the species and the time of year. Remember to consult the regulations in force before any activity.

Drones, rock climbing and aerial activities

Use of drones

The use of drones can disrupt wildlife and the visitor experience. Flying over the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is prohibited. Before any flight in the territory, find out about the local regulations.

Climbing: Protecting sensitive species

The cliffs of the Verdon are home to several protected species, including birds of prey and vultures. Some climbing routes may be temporarily closed in order to preserve nesting periods. Respecting these closures contributes directly to the protection of local biodiversity.

Preserving the Verdon together

Discovering the Verdon also means participating in its preservation. Through simple and responsible gestures, everyone can contribute to the sustainable protection of this exceptional territory so that future generations can also enjoy its unique landscapes.