Verdon

Verdon is a river in southeastern France that is best known for the Verdon Gorge, one of Europe’s most celebrated canyons. The river runs through the Provence-Alpes-Cavoie region, crossing the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var departments. It rises in the Alpine foothills near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and flows generally southeast through the Verdon valley, where the canyon has been forming for millions of years.

The Gorges du Verdon are characterized by dramatic limestone cliffs that reach up to about 700 meters in places and extend for roughly 25 kilometers. The turquoise waters of the river and its associated reservoir near Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon contribute to the landscape’s striking appearance. The Lac de Sainte-Croix, an artificial lake created by a dam on the Verdon, is a notable feature at the eastern end of the gorge and is a popular destination for water-based recreation.

The area surrounding the Verdon has been designated as the Parc naturel régional du Verdon, established in 1997, to protect its landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Towns and villages in the region include Castellane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Aiguines, Quinson, and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. The Verdon valley supports a mix of agricultural activity and tourism, with outdoor activities such as hiking along rim trails, rock climbing on canyon walls, kayaking and canoeing on the river, and boat excursions on the lake being popular options.

The Verdon name applies to both the river and the surrounding landscape, which collectively form a distinctive regional identity tied to mountains, water, and outdoor recreation.