Parc naturel régional du Verdon

Founded in 1997, the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon brings together 46 villages of the Var and the Alpes de Haute Provence departments as well as the area around a territorial project aiming to protect and manage a rich natural and cultural heritage, to contribute to territorial, economic and social development, to welcome, educate and inform the public, and to conduct experimental projects.

Explicit on geology, fauna, flora and human history, the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon’s territory offers a large diversity of landscapes and habitats. Containing one third of French flora, the extraordinary variety of plants is unique. L’Outarde Canepetière (little bustard), le Vautour (vulture), le Lézard Ocellé (ocellated lizard – the biggest in Europe) and 22 species of bats of 32 identified in France are an example of animal diversity present.

The 165 km long Verdon river, with its storage capacity of 434 million m3, constitutes Provence’s water tower, along with la Durance. It provides largest region’s cities and towns with high quality drinking water.

The collective project of sustainable development constituting the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon draws the so-called ecological footprint the present day man wants to leave behind. In fact, a Parc naturel régional is a territory whose inhabitants elaborate a project. In the face of major challenges such as preservation of the natural heritage, water management, tourist traffic, preservation of agricultural activities and maintenance of employment, land pressure, newcomers welcoming, territorial and housing organization, the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon’s charter is the rule to follow. It defines the way the inhabitants and the visitors will get along with a territory and take care of its exceptional natural resources confined to them.

For more information, please visit the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon’s website or the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon’s information point in Castellane.