The Verdon and the Mercantour offer exceptional landscapes, remarkable biodiversity and a unique natural heritage. They are also living areas, shared by residents, livestock farmers, visitors and people committed to protecting them.
Discover the natural areas around us, the species that make the area so rich and the initiatives that protect them, along with the good habits to adopt during your stay.
Protected areas
Our area is bordered by two exceptional natural areas: the Verdon Regional Nature Park and the Mercantour National Park.
These areas are home to remarkable biodiversity and unique landscapes. A few simple habits are enough to limit your impact:
The best way to enjoy a natural site is to leave it as you found it.
From 1 June to 30 September, access to forest areas is regulated according to the fire risk level: check the maps before any outing in the forest. Whatever the season, do not smoke, do not light fires and do not throw anything away in nature.
Starry skies and ecotourism
In the north of the area, the Mercantour National Park also protects the night and encourages more responsible tourism.
An International Dark Sky Reserve. The Mercantour holds the « International Dark Sky Reserve » label (RICE), which recognises the exceptional quality of its night sky and commits the area to reducing light pollution, which matters to many species. During your evenings outdoors, keep lighting to a minimum and point it towards the ground: once night falls, let the stars shine.
Mercantour Écotourisme. The Mercantour Écotourisme association brings together people committed to more responsible tourism, which helps visitors discover natural areas while contributing to their protection. Together with the Mercantour National Park, it has signed the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST).
Wildlife
From the cliffs of the Gorges to the rivers, remarkable wildlife to be watched… from a distance.
The return of the vultures. Since 1999, thanks to the work of dedicated ornithologists and associations such as the LPO (French bird protection league), vultures have returned to the skies above the Gorges du Verdon: there are now more than 300 of them. Watch them through binoculars without trying to get closer, and respect regulated areas, especially near nesting sites.
The Rhône apron. This small freshwater fish, found only in the Rhône basin, is now endangered; a National Action Plan (2020-2030) is working to save it. It is a reminder that rivers are fragile environments: by the water, respect regulated areas, protect the riverbanks and leave no litter.
Hikers and flocks
In summer, shepherds, flocks, guard dogs and hikers share the mountain pastures.
Meeting a flock can be impressive. A few good reflexes help you respect the shepherds' work and carry on with your hike safely.
The Pastorando app tells you where flocks and guard dogs are, helps you adapt your route and reminds you of good practice: check it before you set off.
Every day
Simple habits, out walking as well as in your accommodation.
Litter left behind spoils the landscape, pollutes soil and rivers and endangers wildlife. When out walking, bring a small bag to carry your waste back, then sort it at the collection points in villages and accommodation. Better still: use a water bottle and reusable containers, and limit packaging.
Water is precious, especially during droughts: take short showers, do not leave the tap running and respect any water-use restrictions.
When you leave your accommodation, switch off lights and appliances, and use heating or air conditioning sparingly, with the windows closed.
Walking, cycling, public transport, car-sharing: discover all the ways of getting around the Verdon without always taking the car.
Producers, craftspeople, shops and restaurants keep the area alive. A local souvenir tells its own story: discover our producers, local produce for sale and arts and crafts.
Verdon Tourisme is committed too: discover the sustainable development commitment of our tourist information centres.
Discover
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