Verdon, Mountain river in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

The Verdon is a 166.5 km river of the southern Alps, rising below the Tête de la Sestrière and joining the Durance near Vinon-sur-Verdon. Between Castellane and the Lac de Sainte-Croix it cuts the Gorges du Verdon, a 21 km canyon about 300 m deep, where grey limestone cliffs drop to turquoise water.

The name Verdon appears in records as Virdones around 1030, from a pre-Celtic root vara meaning water. Between 1923 and 1975 five dams were built along the river, creating the reservoirs of Castillon, Chaudanne, Sainte-Croix, Quinson and Esparron. The Sainte-Croix dam, built from 1971 to 1974, formed a 21.80 km² lake holding up to 761 million m³.

The river serves as a focal point for outdoor recreation, drawing people who enjoy climbing, kayaking, and hiking in the gorges. Throughout the canyon, you see adventurers and athletes making use of the towering limestone walls.

The river is accessible through several entry points along Route D952, which passes through various towns and recreational areas. The best time to visit is spring and fall, when weather conditions are pleasant and water levels allow for activities.

The Verdon's name comes from a pre-Celtic root vara, meaning water; it appears as Virdones around 1030. The river rises from three torrents, including the Chadoulin, outlet of Lac d'Allos, and flows 166.5 km to the Durance. Its flow was measured at Vinon-sur-Verdon from 1969 to 2006, averaging 26.8 m³/s.