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Natural Exploration

Discovering the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon

Welcome to the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, an unspoilt jewel in the heart of Provence. The Verdon is not just a river and mountains, it’s a rich ecosystem, a mosaic of landscapes of exceptional beauty. This park, created in 1997, covers over 180,000 hectares and is the result of a shared desire to preserve and enhance our natural heritage.

But by the way

What's a park?

The 54 Regional Nature Parks in France are havens of unspoilt nature, home to exceptional biodiversity. These natural sanctuaries not only protect fragile ecosystems, but are also committed to promoting sustainable development.

Between captivating hikes, cultural discoveries and encounters with unique wildlife, each Parc Naturel Régional offers an authentic immersion in unspoilt landscapes, while actively contributing to the preservation of our natural heritage. The Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon (PNR) is a flagship.

Discover an educational approach, sustainable programs and active awareness-raising that make these parks unique places of learning and preservation. Every step in these biodiversity sanctuaries counts, inviting visitors to understand, appreciate and participate in saving our planet. A getaway where nature reigns supreme and every gesture counts towards a more sustainable future.

Qu'est-ce qu'un Parc naturel régional ?
Qu'est-ce qu'un Parc naturel régional ?
Qu'est-ce qu'un Parc naturel régional ?

Chemin des Parcs

It doesn't matter where you go, it's how you get there that counts.

Park walks? For nature and discovery trails, visit the Chemin des Parcs website and app. Over 92 trails to discover the wonders of our region on foot, by bike or on horseback.

More info here

The Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional brand

Committed to respecting nature, promoting human development and supporting the local economy. Consume differently with Valeurs Parc products and services!

Missions of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon

Preserving the Natural Balance

Much more than just a territory, the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon embodies a profound commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Its missions, with their precise and essential outlines, are part of an approach aimed at preserving the natural balance of this unique ecosystem.

Protecting the region’s unique biodiversity

At the heart of its mountains and valleys, the Verdon is home to exceptional biodiversity. The park’s primary mission is to preserve this wealth, by ensuring the conservation of the plant and animal species that find refuge in this natural haven. Concrete actions, such as the management of natural habitats and ecological restoration, are implemented to guarantee the sustainability of this ecosystem.

Promoting respectful agriculture

The Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon is firmly committed to environmentally-friendly agriculture. By encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, the park helps to maintain landscapes shaped by man while preserving ecological balance. The aim is to reconcile local agricultural life with the conservation of natural environments, thus promoting harmonious cohabitation.

Raising awareness and educating for better protection

Raising public awareness is central to the park’s mission. Educating visitors, residents and local stakeholders about the importance of preserving this natural heritage is essential to ensure a collective commitment. Educational actions, programs and special events are put in place to share the beauty of the Verdon and encourage respectful behavior towards nature.

Promoting sustainable local development

The Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon acts as a catalyst for sustainable local development. By supporting environmentally-friendly initiatives, the park encourages the emergence of sustainable economic activities that contribute to the vitality of local communities. The aim is to create a harmonious balance between human development and ecosystem preservation, guaranteeing a sustainable future for this exceptional region.

Ensuring balanced resource management

Balanced management of natural resources is at the heart of the park’s concerns. From water management to soil preservation, every aspect is carefully studied to ensure the sustainability of resources. The park is committed to finding innovative, sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, while involving local stakeholders in the process.

In this way, the missions of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon are part of a global and proactive vision, seeking to ensure an essential balance between the preservation of nature and the harmonious development of local life. A concrete, passionate commitment to a region of unrivalled natural beauty.

Ecogardes du Verdon

Will you have the chance to meet them?

During your trip to the Verdon, you may well meet one of the Verdon eco-guards, passionate guardians of the natural wealth of this exceptional region. Committed to a crucial mission, they jealously guard the fragile ecosystems for which the Verdon is famous. Their discreet but determined presence ensures that park rules are respected and that visitors are made aware of the natural treasures that surround them.

Guided by a shared passion for preserving biodiversity, the ecoguards embody the soul of the Verdon. Their work in the field, close to nature, helps maintain the delicate balance between preserving ecosystems and welcoming visitors. They are the guardians of authenticity, guaranteeing a respectful, immersive experience for all nature lovers exploring these unspoilt lands.

Through patrols, awareness-raising activities and interventions to protect local flora and fauna, the Verdon eco-guards embody a passionate commitment to the preservation of this natural setting. Their mission is much more than a responsibility, it’s a heritage that they ensure is passed on, inviting everyone to discover and protect this natural treasure of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon.

Towards a controlled future

The Grand site de France label

The Grand Site de France label is the ultimate guarantee of environmental preservation. Recognized by an exacting label, a site so distinguished embodies exceptional natural wealth and undisputed heritage value. This label, characterized by strict criteria, underlines the uncompromising commitment to the conservation of exceptional natural sites. Each Grand Site de France stands out for its harmony between nature and culture, inviting visitors to experience an authentic immersion.

The Grand Site de France label is awarded by the Minister for the Environment. Listed in the French Environment Code, it is awarded for a renewable 6-year period. The label is awarded for management of the area that guarantees its long-term preservation. The Grand Site de France label is much more than recognition; it embodies a promise of excellence, a guarantee that every visit will be a unique encounter with a preserved landscape steeped in history. The Grand Site de France label is the assurance of an immersive and respectful experience, at the heart of environmental exceptionalism.

Created in 2000, the Grand Site de France network now has 53 member Grands Sites, welcoming over 38 million visitors. It brings together sites that have been awarded the Grand Site de France label, and others that are committed to sustainable development in order to obtain it.

The gateway to the Gorges: the Maison de Site at Point Sublime

The Maison de Site is a place for visitors to discover and learn more about the Gorges du Verdon. Nestled at the legendary Point Sublime, it’s much more than a visitor center. Boasting breathtaking panoramic views, the house reveals the history and richness of the Verdon. Discover the secrets of the Gorges, get practical information, and let yourself be guided along unforgettable trails. The Maison de Site is the ideal starting point for a captivating exploration, where every visitor becomes an explorer ready to plunge into the magic of the Gorges du Verdon.

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