Sustainable tourism

Help us to protect this species, endemic to the Rhone basin and present on the course of the Verdon in the canyon between Castellane and the tail of Sainte-Croix lake as it is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Regional Natural Park Values

is a national brand, collective to the Parks network, owned by the State and implemented by the 56 Regional Natural Parks of France. It values the companies committed alongside the Park for the respect of nature, the blossoming of Man and a more responsible and united local economy. Find our marked establishments directly on the pages of our site or on parcs-naturels-regionaux.fr

Conservatoire du littoral

The areas protected by the Conservatoire du littoral are coastal or lakeside areas acquired by the State to be permanently shielded from property development and to preserve their exceptional biodiversity. Our destination is home to several such areas (explanations on the following websites are in French only): Campagne de la Grande Forêt and les Cavaliers in the Gorges , which are themselves also protected, Sulagran on the shore of the Sainte-Croix lake and the Domaine des Eouvières in the Lower Gorges.

Natura 2000

is a European network of protected natural sites, designed to preserve threatened species and habitats whilst reconciling human activities with local development. Some of the natural sites in our destination are protected under this designation.

Please enjoy your activities whilst respecting our biodiversity: www.youtube.com

Sensitive Natural Area

Designed to slow down urban expansion, Sensitive Natural Areas (Espaces Naturels Sensibles) are rare and fragile natural sites that the Departmental Council preserves and develops in order to protect their biodiversity whilst making them accessible to the public.

Listed Site

The Verdon Gorges and the Villecroze Caves represent an essential part of our local heritage. Recognized for their exceptional natural and architectural value, both benefit from formal protection as listed sites.

Grand Site Gorges du Verdon

And to take the protection of our iconic site a step further, the Verdon Gorges are on their way to becoming a ‘Grand Site de France’!
This state-awarded label may be granted by the Minister responsible for heritage sites to a classified site of great renown and high visitor numbers.
The award of the designation for a period of eight years is conditional upon the implementation of a project to preserve, manage and promote the site, in line with the principles of sustainable development. Far from being an additional regulatory requirement, it is a management approach for an iconic, previously classified site that welcomes a large number of visitors and is committed to a partnership-based approach to sustainable management. Further information: The 'Grand Site de France - Gorges du Verdon' project - Verdon Park

Find out about the measures we are taking to protect our destination and promote a more respectful, inclusive and socially responsible form of tourism.