Ecotourism in the Verdon
At a time when our planet is suffering, ecotourism—which is part of a sustainable and eco-friendly approach—must become a model for travelers who wish to reduce their environmental impact. The breathtaking ecosystem of the Gorges du Verdon—further weakened by the recent summer drought—demands our utmost care. Here’s why and how to preserve the landscapes, natural heritage, and resources of this region, so beloved by vacationers, during your stay at our campground in the Gorges du Verdon.
The Verdon: Protected Natural Areas to Be Preserved
Every summer, thousands of tourists choose the Verdon Gorges as their vacation destination. There’s a huge rush of visitors to Lake Sainte-Croix as well as to the various spectacular natural sites in the Verdon.
The region’s ecosystem, a victim of its own success, is threatened by steadily increasing visitor numbers as well as by some unscrupulous tourists.
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And that’s not to mention global warming, which is also destabilizing the region’s ecosystems—home to a variety of flora and fauna—and in some cases even endangering certain rare species found there.
The Regional Biodiversity Observatory, along with numerous organizations, regularly speaks out to protect the iconic Gorges and the Verdon Regional Nature Park. Their shared goal is to promote ecotourism, greener tourism, and a harmonious relationship between visitors, the natural environment, and local residents.
Some Best Practices for Eco-Friendly Travel in the Verdon Gorges
To preserve the region’s scenic beauty and biodiversity, everyone should take care to minimize their impact on the environment and travel responsibly.
- Leave your car behind and opt for a bike or an e-bike, which will help you on the climbs without polluting. Follow the many bike routes offered by the region—it’s good for the Verdon and good for your health! In fact, there’s no better way than bike touring to explore the magnificent, listed medieval villages (Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Rougon, Palud, and more) at your own pace.
- To protect the trails and the natural environment, please stay on the marked hiking trails and follow all instructions from the instructors (canoeing, paragliding, etc.).
- During your stay, support local businesses to help the local economy, which is heavily affected by seasonal fluctuations.
- Choose a lodging option committed to minimizing its environmental impact at every level. L’Oasis du Verdon in Aups—the capital of the Haut Var—is just such a place, ideally located less than 20 km from Lake Sainte-Croix. This 4-star campground in the Verdon is set on a 2.5-hectare family-owned, wooded estate and has been dedicated to nature conservation since its inception. Book now for a comfortable wooden chalet, a unique rental, an eco-friendly mobile home, or a spacious campsite.
- At the campground and during your outings, always bring reusable containers and utensils and aim for zero waste ( solid shampoo, etc.). Also, remember to conserve water and sort your trash.
Finally, don’t forget that the Verdon is breathtaking in every season. Try to travel outside of the summer months to avoid overcrowding the natural environment. To ensure that future generations can enjoy the Verdon Canyon as we do today, make your vacation meaningful. Be part of the collective effort, become an “e-tourist,” and spread the word about the guidelines for the Verdon and other regions.
