Verdon Regional Natural Park, Regional natural park in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
Verdon Regional Natural Park spreads across high plateaus, deep gorges, and several lakes positioned between the Alps and the Mediterranean coast. The terrain shifts between sheer rocky walls, flat uplands, and water surfaces that together create distinct natural habitats.
The park was established in 1997 to protect the natural landscape across 46 municipalities spanning two departments. Its land holds traces of Roman temples and prehistoric settlements that reveal human presence stretching back thousands of years.
Farmers across the region maintain centuries-old ways of working the land, particularly on the Valensole plateau where lavender and wheat grow in rolling fields. Their daily practices shape how the landscape looks and how villages remain connected to the seasons.
The area offers marked hiking trails, camping grounds, and several lakes for swimming and water sports throughout the year. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring layers, as mountain weather can change quickly without warning.
The area contains roughly one-third of all flowering plant species found in France, making it a remarkable location for botanical variety. This abundance arises from the different elevations and soil types that support different plants across the region.
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