Discovery guidebook natural regional park

Discovery guidebook
natural regional park
Summary
Welcome to the
Verdon natural regional Park
© David Allemand
The unsuspected wealth
of a remarkable region
Off the beaten track
in all seasons
6 The Verdon: 1 Park... 7 landscapes
10 Another form of tourism starts here
12
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21
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Accompanied outings
Hiking sheets
Tourism and handicap
Nature accommodation
26 Heritage and places to visit
27
30
31
32
Museums and theme houses
Other visits, exhibitions and monuments
Visits of villages
Theme circuits and trails
34 Regional products and know-how
35
36
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38
Park products
The markets
Enjoying food
Fine craftsmen and artists
41 Find out more about the Park
42 Practical info
This document is not contractual and does not engage the
responsibility of the Verdon natural regional Park.
Printed on paper from sustainably managed
forests and by a company anxious to reduce
its environmental impact.
Illustrations et mise en page : Sylvain Rollandin
Mise à jour : Mimoza Graphic Lab
Set up in 1997, the Verdon natural regional park covers 46
municipalities, the departments of the Var and the Alpes-deHaute-Provence as well as the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
region around a territorial project with 5 objectives :
- Protection and management of the natural and cultural heritage;
- Territorial planning;
- Economic and social development;
- Reception, education and information;
- Experimentation.
A land of courage and sharing
The Verdon natural regional park gets its name – and probably
its energy – from a brave river which has cut a spectacular
passage through the rocky masses of the Prealps. Following
the example of the river, Man has, since Prehistoric times,
modelled the landscapes of a difficult soil which has never
been a land of plenty. This immense, inventive and constantly
renewed work carried out by nature and mankind, as well as
the marriage of Alpine and Mediterranean influences, extremely prolific in wildlife, today make up the remarkable and
recognized wealth of a territory which is neither a wilderness
nor an amusement park.
Man at the centre of the project
The joint sustainable development project that the Verdon
natural regional Park represents demonstrates the trace that
men of today want to leave. A natural regional park is a territory whose inhabitants are invested with a project. Faced
with the great stakes of preserving the natural heritage, water
management, tourist activity, the maintaining of farming activities and employment, property pressure, the welcoming of
new inhabitants, the organisation of the territory and habitat,
the charter of the Verdon natural regional park serves as
a guideline. It defines how the inhabitants and visitors can
live intelligently with a territory whose exceptional wealth has
been entrusted to them.
Le Verdon
One park… 7 Landscapes
THE 46 communes
members of the Park
D9
55
A5
1
Aiguines
Allemagne-en Provence
Gap
Allons
Digne les Bains
Grenoble
D 4085
Le Fugeret
5
Angles
95
D
Mézel
Beynes
Aups
La Mure
Bargème
Allons
Norante
Annot
Puimichel
La Bastide
Saint André
les Alpes
N2
Bauduen
02
Saint Jeannet
Moriez
Angles
Barrême
Blieux
D 33
Le Castellet
Entrevennes
02
N2
Bras d’Asse
Le Bourguet
Estoublon
La Brillane
Saint Julien
Saint Julien
Brenon
du Verdon
d’Asse
Majastres
Castellane
Saint Jurs
Oraison
Vergons
Senez
8
Villeneuve
Ubraye
D 10
Châteauvieux
402
D
D8
Comps-sur-Artuby
Brunet
1
D2
Demandolx
Volx
Demandolx
Puimoisson
Blieux
Soleilhas
D 102
Moustiers
Esparron-de-Verdon
3
Castellane
6
4
95
Sainte Marie
D5
D
D
2
La Garde
D 95
Valensole
MANOSQUE
D6
La Garde
2
Ginasservis
D 95
Riez
D 452 Peyroules
Pierrevert
D8
Gréoux-les-Bains
D 911
D6
Roumoules
Majastres
D
Rougon
2
12
D 95
3
Allemagne
La Martre
Sainte Tulle
La
Palud
Le Bourguet
en Provence
Les Salles
11
Montagnac
sur Verdon
Châteauvieux
22
Moissac-Bellevue
Saint Martin
Route Napoléon
D
D 111
sur Verdon
2
de Brômes
1
5
7
9
D
D
Sainte Croix
Montagnac-Montpezat
085
D 52
4
Corbières
Trigance
D
La Martre
Gréoux
Aiguines
Montpezat du Verdon
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Brenon
D
les Bains
Esparron
95
D2
Beaumont
Grasse
3
5
D 71
La Palud-sur-Verdon
de Verdon
de Pertuis
9
1
6
Vinon
Nice
Bauduen
Bargème
Saint Laurent D
D
D 82
Peyroules
9
sur Verdon
du Verdon
La Bastide
1
D
D7
Puimoisson
8
D 21
1
31
La Roque
D
D
Quinson
Comps
69
Baudinard
Esclapon
Camp
militaire
de
Canjuers
2
Quinson
5
D9
sur Artuby
sur Verdon
Régusse
Artignosc
Saint Paul
Saint
Julien
sur
Verdon
Riez
36
D
lès Durance
le Montagnier
D 111
D
69
Rougon
D 554
Moissac
Vérignon
Ginasservis
Roumoules
Bellevue
Aix-en-Provence
La Verdière
Les Salles-sur-Verdon
Marseille
Régusse
D9
Montpellier
Aups
Montmeyan
Saint-André-les-Alpes
D 23
D 30
D7
Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
7
D 60
Rians
Bargemon
Saint-Julien-du-Verdon
5
22
D6
Montferrat
D
D
Tavernes D 13
55
4
Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier
Saint-Jurs
Sillans
la Cascade
Nord
Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon
Barjols
Salernes
Saint-Martin-de-Brômes
Valensole Plateau
Artuby
Draguignan
Sillans-la-Cascade
Cotignac
Hills of the Haut Var
Gorges du Verdon
Soleilhas
Trigance
Lower Gorges
Lake of Sainte-Croix
Valensole
La Verdière
Lakes and mountains 0
5 km
10 km
Vinon-sur-Verdon
D
85
40
5
D1
D
85
02
40
17
D1
D
D
11
1
D9
1
11
A5
D
D1
1
0
2
D4
D8
D
49
D1
D 957
15
54
D 37
D5
D4
70
D 13
The Valensole plateau
A sea of wheat and lavender
A vast sea of stones accumulated to A
depth of several hundred metres, the Valensole plateau is the realm of durum wheat and lavandin (a
hybrid of two types of lavender). Its colours follow the
seasons: lavender-blue and gold at the beginning of
summer, russet and grey in the heart of winter. The
geometrical alignment of the plantations, the limit of
the fields lined by almond trees, small square woods,
villages sheltered from the mistral in the dales, all
paint a sort of formal garden stretching into the
distance. This landscape, which is one of the most
spectacular in Provence, owes its beauty to the work
of man.
Gallo-Roman civilisation has left traces everywhere:
temples, basilicas, a baptistery in Riez, thermal
baths in Gréoux les-Bains. Farming, crafts, and particularly fine crafts which have been present here
since ancient times, still represent the plateau’s main
activities.
Lakes and mountains of the Verdon
Alps in Provence
Harvesting lavander in July on
the Plateau de Valensole
Powerful peaks mark the Alps’ presence
in the region of the Verdon natural regional park: Montdenier (1750 m), Chiran (1905 m), and Mourre de Chanier (1930 m). Long rocky bars close off small hilltop
regions. The valleys, crowned by vast pastoral mountains, are scattered with little villages which ingeniously
hold on to life and where the heat of the sun serves
to remind us that the Mediterranean is only a stone’s
throw away. This is the realm of the stars, one of the last
places, far from light pollution, where the sky is clear
enough for you to see them.
On the road to the Alps, the Verdon has carved a valley
where farming and craft activities and the villages as
well as two artificial lakes, Castillon and Chaudanne,
are concentrated. The town of Castellane, built at the
foot of its famous rock is laden with centuries of history. It once housed a number of tanneries but nowadays shelters another treasure, the fossils of the geology reserve of Haute-Provence. Further to the north,
Saint-André les Alpes, a once important place for cloth-making, is one of the stops on the train des Pignes
railway line which links Nice to Digne.
The lower gorges
Gardens of life dating back to prehistoric times
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One
An open book on geology, wildlife and the history of Mankind, the Park’s territory offers a wide variety
of landscapes and environments. With a third of French flora, its plant wealth is unique.
The little bustard, the vulture, the ocellated lizard (the biggest in Europe) and 22 species of bat out of
the 32 listed in France are all examples of its varied wildlife.
165 kilometres long and with a storage capacity of 434 million m3, the Verdon River is the water
reservoir of Provence and, along with the Durance River, supplies quality drinking water to major towns
in the region.
Less impressive and hostile than those
of the Grand Canyon, the lower gorges were a
dwelling place from very early times. Prehistoric
man set up home there in a multitude of caves
and secret gardens. Water which has been
tamed and calmed cuts a narrow luminous trench
through the plateau dotted with a rosary of little
lakes and their peaceful, welcoming coves.
Holm and scrub oaks occupy the maquis and
were for a long time the raw materials of a quality
charcoal industry. Overlooking or lining the river
which shelters almost all the species of freshwater fish of the South of France, the villages
offer their castles, gushing fountains and shady
alleyways. The Museum of prehistory of Quinson, the biggest in Europe demonstrates the link
between prehistoric man and man of the future.
In the privacy of the lower gorges, below the Sainte-Croix dam,
the dwelling place of prehistoric man
One park - 7 Landscapes
7
The gorges du Verdon
From the light to the dark depths
From Plein Voir, far from the road
and the crowds, a majestic view of
the gorges, the lake of
Sainte-Croix and the mountains
The upside-down mountain of the grand canyon
of the Verdon frightened people for a long time. Only a
few intrepid box-cutters roped themselves to adventure
into the green depths which can be seen, between the
high rocky walls, from the panoramic viewpoints hanging in some cases at over 700 m above the river.
Nowadays, climbers have taken over from the box-cutters and hikers follow the ways opened by Isidore Blanc
and Edouard-Alfred Martel in 1905, to get closer to the
river which has been tamed by the dams. Up there in
the light, under the sweeping flight of the vultures which
have been reintroduced to the region, the 7 villages
of the gorges are the keepers of this great classified
mineral monument, and from their observation posts,
with the necessary distance, the images are at their
most beautiful. Inside their walls, secrets are shared
from one museum to another. With the guides, some of
the most incredible encounters with the mineral or the
vegetable world occur, along with history or heritage.
The hills of the Haut-Var
Black gold and multiple horizons
The haut-Var, with its alternating forests
and cultivated areas with their quiet villages, stretches
into the distance in a succession of hills. Its economy
which was for a long time a farming one, still draws its
black gold from its truffles and green gold from its olive
oil. Here the Republic has a glorious history – in 1851,
they took up arms to defend it against Louis-Napoleon
Bonaparte’s coup and again in 1940 during the German
occupation. The words « Liberté, égalité, Fraternité »
(Freedom, Equality, Fraternity) are repainted every year
in big letters on church walls, walls against which, in
The lake of Sainte-Croix
A reflection of the sky and the past
The Verdon has its great Lake : a 2208 ha
turquoise expanse, whose calm waters mirror the sky
on one side, and a drowned valley on the other. The
creation of the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix in 1974
led to the disappearance of the village of Les Sallessur-Verdon which was rebuilt above the waters and
separated the riverside villages, once linked by four
bridges. Among them, asleep under the water, are
the Roman bridge built to the south of Sainte-Croix
on the Roman way linking Fréjus to Riez, and to the
north the mediaeval bridge of Aiguines.
Protected by the coastal law, the lake of Sainte–Croix
is first and foremost a reservoir which supplies a
large part of the inhabitants of Provence with water.
In the middle of a preserved and beautiful landscape,
water activities can be carried out all year round and
complete older activities such as faïence-making
in Moustiers which has been famous since XVIIth
century.
The Artuby
The foster forest
The Artuby basin stretches from Castellane
to the military camp of Canjuers, from the Verdon to its
tributary, the Artuby, and another tributary, the Jabron.
Made up of valleys divided by often high rocky landscapes, the forest has a predominant role as it supplies
most of the activities, offering renewable energy, wood,
and by-products such as perfume plants. Stockbreeding, particularly sheep farming, has its itineraries
and resources. This means that pastoralism, borne
by a living profession, has left its mark on the region.
From the summer pastures to the depths of the valleys,
transhumant herds rhythm the seasons. Hunting and
mushroom-picking complete human presence in this
forest area which covers 60 % of the territory.
The villages, often perched, group people together.
The architectural heritage, linked to everyday life, has a
large number of chapels, fountains, bridges, mills, etc.,
which all bear witness to a rich social life and give a
cultural dimension to the many hiking trails.
the calm shade of the plane trees, they still know how
to make the jeu de paume ball crack. Today, resistance
has taken the form of a challenge for the future. The
quality of life attracts people from the north and townspeople and room must be made for them whilst maintaining the villages in tight bunches, the plains with their
agricultural lands and the beauty of the landscapes.
The economy of the future relies on this landscape,
which can be made to blossom sustainably via quality
tourism.
The management of this field of cereals without
pesticides offers a variety of harvest flowers
One park - 7 Landscapes
9
11
which allows the valorisation of local resources and
know-how by encouraging the networking of professionals and building an offer which respects the
environment and life
style.
To reach these
targets,
the
Verdon park, like
other parks in the
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, has joined the
European network of protected areas by subscribing to the European sustainable development
Charter. To follow up this subscription, the 5 parks
in the region launched a support approach by
volunteer professionals towards the values of sustainable tourism in 2012.
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A new form of
The fame of the grand canyon of the Verdon and
the creation of the artificial lakes in the 1970s has
caused an essentially agricultural activity to migrate
towards seasonal tourism (over 1.5 million visitors
per year). The natural environment and farming are
all the more in need of preservation as they are
the foundation of the identity of the landscapes and
allow them to remain alive and attractive, and preserve the region’s quality of life. The Park’s territory
is therefore beautiful because it is looked after by
man. It will remain attractive to its inhabitants, for
a day or a lifetime, if they also take part in main-
taining the natural balance. Along with the Park,
communes, associations, businesses and citizens
are committed to a more sustainable form of development. These partners preserve and enhance
the wealth of the heritage of this remarkable region
of which they are both stake-holders and ambassadors.
The transformation of local economy towards a
predominant tourist activity, orientates the Park’s
action towards recomposing the region’s equilibrium. In this movement, tourism must be a lever
The « Parc naturel régional du Verdon » brand
The presence of this logo means that the « Verdon natural regional Park »
brand has been awarded to the service or product offered.
This brand guarantees products which respect the environment, and which
convey the authentic quality of our territory in perfect harmony with those
who live there.
These tourist products meet the requirements of a value charter and are
regularly inspected. The Park is therefore committed to offering you the
keys to discovering the region by providing a warm and personalized
welcome.
This network of committed tourism companies will
reinforce the products or services which bear the
« Accueil du Parc naturel régional du Verdon »
brand. By choosing them, you will discover another form of tourism in the Verdon and in the natural
regional parks of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
region and France.
Businesses committed to the CETD approach: è
Firms
Municipalities
Bastide de l’Estre
Aups
L'Oustaou
Castellane
Château de Laval - villages
vacances
Gréoux-les-Bains
Camping la Colle
Castellane
Altitude 823
Aiguines
Refuge du Chiran
Blieux
Château de Trigance
Trigance
Camping les Restanques
Bauduen
Le Monastère de Ségriès
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Moulin de Saint André
Vinon-sur-Verdon
Le mur d’Abeille
Rougon
Chalet de la Maline
La Palud-sur-Verdon
Grand hôtel Bain
Comps-sur-Artuby
Aquatittude
Montpezat
Aérogliss
Saint-André-les-Alpes
Errances
La Verdière
Roc’n’Vol
La Palud-sur-Verdon
Association voile et nautisme 04
Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
Geneviève VALLART
Roumoules
Canoë Verdon
Regusse
Canoë kayak découverte
Saint Laurent-du-Verdon
Club nautique Esparron
Esparron-de-Verdon
Andréa BACHER
La Palud-sur-Verdon
Club nautique
Les Salles-sur-Verdon
To discover all these activities, visit the site www.mesescaparcs.fr
Along with the travelog, the blog and a gallery of mini-videos, you are invited to a real escapade in
the Parks !
A new form of tourism
10
Christophe Trémeau
Hi, I’m Christophe! You’re in the Verdon region at the moment? What a coincidence, me too! Why don’t you
join me and share a pleasant moment in the gorges I love so much! No discrimination: From little (from age
4), to big (up to 99) and handicapped, scared, enthusiastic or wary, let’s go!
06 79 21 03 77 | www.aquattitude.com
Go back in time along the water
Christophe offers you the possibility of sailing back in
time in the heart of the lower Verdon gorges. Discover
the history of this site and the river as you learn navigation techniques (canoe or kayak).
Caves and dams: the river’s secrets
Come and wield a paddle in the exceptional surroundings of this very secret part of the Verdon
which are only accessible by canoe or kayak and
discover the natural and hydraulic history of the
small Verdon canyon.
On the trails of the lower gorges
Take a mountain bike discovery ride through the
fields and along the Verdon River from the dam in
Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon in the farming landscapes
of the lower gorges of the Verdon.
Time of year: spring, autumn and winter for set
groups preferably (but not exclusively)
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These hikes bear the « Accueil
du Parc naturel régional du
Verdon » brand and are led by
professional nature guides. All
of them live in the Verdon, and
convey their knowledge of the territory and their
passion for discovering heritages.
Légende
All these hikes are
accessible to families.
The hike is guaranteed if there are a
sufficient number of participants.
Prior booking is compulsory.
Marque parc
Handicap
à pied
Qualité
tourisme
En VTT
En parapente
Sur l’eau
Place : Quinson
Time : 5 h
Price : € 37
Place : Montpezat
Time : 5 h Price : € 37
Price : 2 h Price : € 23
Place : Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon
Time : 2 h 30
Price : € 25 - children from 12.
Guided Discovery hikes
13
Andréa Bacher
I was born in Austria and I’ve been a mountain leader in the Verdon for over 20 years, and I’m passionate
about geology and wildlife. I speak German and English fluently. I organize outings for schools and can also
organize outings for the handicapped.
06 88 63 26 38 | [email protected]
See how rocks were born
See how the gorges and the earth were created, how tuff and
waterfalls formed on a walk to help you discover and understand our planet’s geological phenomena … in the magical surroundings of the reserve of Saint-Maurin. See the marriage of
water and rocks unfold.
Full moon outing
Yannick Bernier
I have been a guide in the Verdon since 1988. I have been working with the Prehistory Museum of Quinson
for 6 years, which explains that my outings are oriented on prehistory and geology.
As I am handicapped myself, I can accompany anyone, valid or handicapped.
As you walk in the moonlight you will be projected into a mysterious atmosphere which is ideal
for discovering the abandoned village of Châteauneuf-les-Moustiers. Andréa will tell you about
the past life of the inhabitants in a magical landscape under the stars.
06 08 54 50 02 | http://canoeverdon.free.fr/
Canoeing into prehistoric times
Yannick takes you on a canoe outing to discover a
major prehistoric site in the Verdon, which was once
inhabited by prehistoric Man. A speaker from the
Museum of Prehistory will help you grasp the secrets
of a world gone by.
The hidden face of the Verdon
A trip back in time to understand the history of this
unspoiled site. The cliffs, stone, water and vegetation
will astonish you. Yannick will help you to discover all
the mysteries of the river.
Place : La Palud-sur-Verdon
(possibility of visiting the Ecomuseum of
the Gorges du Verdon, €2 per head) Meetup at 10 am on the spot (or at 9 am at the
museum in La Palud)
Time : 4 h Walking time : 2 h
Price : € 15 Child price : € 10
Place : Chateauneuf-les-Moustiers
Meeting at 9 PM in La Palud-sur-Verdon
Time : 3 h Walking time : 1 h 30
Price : € 13 Child price : € 8
Geneviève Vallart
I’ve been a Regional Guide for around ten years and this is an invitation to discover the hidden treasures and
life in the area of the lower Verdon region with me on short family walks along trails and through villages. Bus
groups can also discover the area with commentaries on board and guided tours.
Place : Quinson
Time : 6 h
Price : € 30
06 74 49 48 09 | | www.genevieve-guide-provence-verdon.fr
Place : Montpezat
Time : 3 h
Price : € 25
06 08 54 50 02 | www.canoeverdon.free.fr
Village communities throughout history
A day to discover the history of a rural territory through the
heritage left by its inhabitants. The mills, church and old stones
in Saint-Julien, chapels and narrow streets in Ginasservis, all
tell us the story of this corner of Provence.
Place : St-Julien-le-Montagnier / Ginasservis
Time : hole day (ends around 5 pm.) Meet-up: 10 am at the foot of the village of St-Julien
Price : € 20 | € 15 for under 16s
Includes a picnic with regional produce.
The Tales trail
Gaëtan Hemery
If the Verdon means beauty, tranquillity and respect to you, then we’ll have a really good time sailing, chatting,
resting and discovering the setting offered by the Verdon. Parents, children, couples, persons with reduced
mobility, I’ve accompanied them all. Sailing possible during the day and in the evening.
06 77 08 68 42 | www.canoe-verdon.com
Moonlight Canoeing in the lower gorges
A magical trip on the water to the rhythm of light: the
canoe drifts along the water, the sun sets on the cliffs,
and Gaëtan invites you to plunge into the natural surroundings which are getting ready for night. When
you reach the half-way point, Gaétan will invite you
to share a Provencal cocktail. Make the most of this
excellent moment !
Place : In the basses gorges
Time : 5 h
Price : € 25 under 12s : € 20
On the botany trail of domaine de Valx in Moustiers-SainteMarie. A path, beautiful trees, a little stream... and a step into a
world between real and imaginary.
July-August, on Wednesday if enough people and on request
all year round for groups of 6 or more people.
Place : Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Time : 2 h Meeting : Domaine de Valx
Price : € 6 / adulte
€ 4 moins de 16 ans.
Guided Discovery hikes
15
The Park territory offers a multitude of rich and interesting landscapes. Make the most of a few hours in the
autumn or several days in the spring to discover these splendid decors along the 1200 km of marked trails
which cross this region.
A few suggestions :
Les Grands itinéraires de randonnée (Hiking itineraries) GR4 - GR99 - GR49 - The Route Napoléon on foot and on horseback GR406
The Verdon by bike
Vélo Loisir Provence: a network of enthusiastic professionals, all approved by the Accueil Vélo label.
Accommodation providers, restaurant owners, tourist offices, rental companies, cultural and leisure activity
sites, transporters and travel agents are at your service
to guarantee you a quality welcome and cycling without
Keep well away from herds and
a care. 04 92 82 20 13 www.veloloisirprovence.com
guard dogs!!
Les Grands Itinéraires VTT (mountain biking
itineraries)
Roc’n’vol
Paragliding and multiactivity school (climbing, via corda and hikes) open all year round, we have a cocktail
of activities to help you discover the Verdon Natural Regional Park from the sky, the cliffs and along the trails!
After a short walk (launch site accessible on foot)
and by the magic of thermal flight, float as free as a
bird and discover the contours of Moustier’s landscape from above with its cliffs, plateaus, canyons and
valleys with their traces of past civilizations (Ligurian,
Roman, Medieval, etc.) and a panoramic view of the
lake of Ste. Croix and the Gorges du Verdon.
The FFC mountain biking sites
Verdon 3 terroirs www.verdon3t.com
Verdon des Collines www.greoux-les-bains.com
Espace VTT du Verdon et des Vallées de l’Asse :
www.cc-moyenverdon.fr
06 89 30 75 74 - 04 92 72 54 08 | www.rocnvol.com
Flight to discover the Roman Way
Les Chemins du Soleil or Grande Traversée des
Préalpes à VTT (crossing the preAlps by mountainbike)
www.grande-traversee-alpes.com
La TransVerdon (Grandes Traversées des Alpes de
Haute Provence) www.vtt.alpes-haute-provence.fr
Place : Moustiers-Sainte-Marie , Les Magnans
Time : 4 hours - (half-day), the flight lasts
20-30 minutes.
Price : € 80
Booking compulsory
Maximum weight per person 85 kg, minimum 30 kg.
On roads
The cycle-touring loops Cycloguide 04 : www.alpes-haute-provence.com/cycloguide-04
Publications to guide you
There are several types of trails on the territory and for all levels. According to your choice, you will find
publications to help you find your way around. Whatever the case, it is not a good idea to set off into the
wilderness, on such a complex territory, without knowing where you are. A detailed map (scale 1: 25 000)
is indispensable for your safety.
Cathy Dauthier
I was born in Castellane and I’ve been a mountian leader for 15 years and I’m more than happy to help you
discover the exceptional sirenian fossil site. This easy walk is accessible to all and is a trip back in time and
the hstory of the region. Come and share some time with me on the heights of Castellane.
04 92 83 19 23 | www.maison-nature-patrimoines.com
The Sirenian trail
An outing to discover the landscapes of the Préalpes
which have been modelled by natural phenomena
and mankind. As we walk from the Col des Lecques
and through the pastures and Mediterranean-type
forest, you can see the fossils of manatees over 40
million years old in a site which is the only one of its
kind in the world.
Place: Castellane (Col des Lèques)
Time: 3 h; Walking time : 2 h
Price: 12€, Children: 8 €
Entrance to the Maison Nature &
Patrimoines for museum visits is included
In the mountains shepherds take several
dogs with them to help them in their work.
When hikers come near, the patou (guard
dog) protects its herd. Please be careful to
do the following:
4 avoid as much as possible the grazing
area or the place where the sheep rest
and do not cross them,
4 keep calm and stay passive in order to
reassure the dog,
4 keep you dog on a leash,
4 get off your bike before you get near the
herd.
Remember to take with you:
4 Hiking boots
(the paths can be steep and slippery)
4 2 litres of water per person
(dry, hot climate)
4 Sun protection (hat, sun cream, etc.)
4 A map or an itinerary to guide you
4 A bag to bring back your litter
4 A torch
(indispensable for the Blanc-Martel path)
4 Sufficient food
Hikes for all seasons
17
Hikes for all seasons
H I K I N G L E AF L E T S
The Park’s hiking LEAFLETS
The park has a collection of leaflets where you will find maps, illustrations
and information on the environments and heritage that these paths unfold
for you. These leaflets are on sale in Tourist offices and in the Park
offices.
On each leaflets, one or several trails are described. Price : € 0.90 each
Key
Level :
Easy
Medium
Difficult
Athletic
Type :
Mountain
bike
Basses gorges
Communes
Leaflet available in :
Quinson
St Laurent
du Verdon
Allons
English
French
On foot
Esparron de
Verdon
Angles
O/B : Out and Back Time : Walking time
Blieux
Sentier de Ste Madeleine
M
Time
2 h AR
+ Sommet du Lachens
D
Le Bourguet
Sentier de Bagarry
Chateauvieux
La Martre
Artuby
La Bastide
Compssur-Artuby
La Martre
Trigance
Bauduen
Lake of Sainte-Croix
Type
Moustiers
Ste Marie
Trails
Distance
Elevation Version
260 m
5 h AR
3 km
8 km
E
1 h 30
5 km
180 m
Sentier de l’Avelanié
M
2 h 30
8.5 km
250 m
Circuit des Chapelles
+ Le pont de la Souche
+ Le Mauvais Pont
E
45 min
1 km
50 m
E
1 h 45
5.5 km
150 m
E
1 h AR
3 km
100 m
Le Fayet
M
3 h 30
12 km
200 m
+ Le sommet du Siounet
E
1h
3 km
90 m
Sentier de la Combe et du
Brouis
Les granges,
M
3 h 30
10 km
400 m
le belvédère des Vautours
M
810 m
3 h
8.5 km
260 km
Castellane
Trails
Level
E
Elevation Version
160 m
6 km
130 m
E
2 h
2 h
Grotte de la Baume Bonne
E
2 h 30
5 km
200 m
Le Vieux Quinson
E
1 h 30
3.5 km
150 m
La chapelle Ste Maxime
M
3 h 45
9.5 km
350 m
La source de Poiraque
M
3 h 30
9.5 km
250 m
Coteau Chiron
+ ND du Verdon
E
2 h
2 h
6 km
150 m
6 km
100 m
100 m
D
1 h 30
6 h 30
3.5 km
16 km
730 m
E
1 h 30
4 km
100 m
Tour des Champons
+ Crête des serres
Le tour des serres  
+ Le tour des sources
+ La Basse d'Angles
E
E
E
2 h
4 km
250 m
D
4 h 30
10 km
620 m
Le sommet du Chiran
D
6 h 30
16 km
950 m
Le tour du Roc  
+ le tour du Serre
E
1 h 30
1 h 30
4 km
190 m
4 km
190 m
Les Cadières de Brandis (d2)
+ les Cadières de Brandis (d1) 
+ Brandis
E
D
D
E
10 km
750 m
7.5 km
400 m
6 km
250 m
5 h 30
6 h
12 km
960 m
16 km
600 m
4 h 30
3 h 30
2 h 30
Le sommet de Robion  
+ le tour de Robion
D
Le sommet de Destourbes
D
5 h
14 km
820 m
Sentier des Siréniens
E
1 h 30
2 km
150 m
Demandolx
La Ferme brûlée
+ Saint-Barnabé-Vauplane
M
2 h 30
6 h
6.5 km
300 m
18 km
550 m
Garde (la)
La chapelle St Martin
+ le sommet du Teillon
E
2.5 km
100 m
D
1 h AR
6 h
10 km
980 m
Peyroules
La circulaire de Peyroules
M
2 h
4.5 km
200 m
Soleilhas
Le tour du défens des Colettes
+ la chapelle Saint-Pierre par la Sagne
M
3 h 30
5 h 30
8.5 km
300 m
13 km
500 m
1 h 30
2 h 30
5 h
4.5 km
150 m
6 km
350 m
14 km
750 m
1 h 30
3 h 5 h
4.5 km
250 m
8 km
320 m
12 km
140 m
2 h
3 h
5 km
320 m
D
D
M
3 h
10 km
360 m
M
2 h 30
7 km
200 m
3 itinéraires VTT [F-M-D]
M
Tour du village
E
1 h
2.5 km
100 m
+ Tréguier
E
2 h AR
4 km
100 m
Vincel
M
4 h
8.5 km
430 m
+ Castillon par les Baumes
M
5 h
12 km
550 m
Le plateau d'Ourbes
D
5 h
12 km
500 m
Montdenier
D
5 h
12 km
670 m
+ sommet du Pavillon
D
6 h 30
18 km
950 m
Le Coulet 
+ Le Seuil
M
Le Lac
E
1 h AR
10 km
100 m
La crête des Serres
D
+ Les Lavandes
M
1 h 30
15 km
150 m
+ Mont Denier
D
2 h 30
15 km
500 m
E
1 h
2 km
10 m
M
2 h15
5km
220 m
Le circuit des Muletiers
Distance
De la Séouve à Ste-Magdeleine
+ Autour de la Colle
Sentier de Veris
de Valx
Time
6 km
Le tour de Breis
Sentier découverte du Domaine
Ste Croix
du Verdon
Level
Lakes and mountains of the Verdon
Communes
Type
La Route Impériale
+ La Dindière
+ le sommet de Chalvet
Saint André
les Alpes
St Julien
du Verdon
Promenade des Subis (d1)
+ promenade des Subis (d2) 
+ le hameau de Courchons
D
E
M
D
E
E
M
M
Le Crémon
D
Le Pidanoux
M
3 h
7 km
375 m
21 km
900 m
14 km
860 m
9 km
325 m
Hiking leaflets
19
21
H I K I N G L E AF L E T S
Communes
Level
Time
Distance
La chapelle St Marc
E
1 h 15
3.5 km
150 m
en-Provence
+ le château d'Allemagne
E
30 mn
600 m
10 m
Promenade autour du Verdon
E
1 h 30
3.5 km
25 m
+ la chapelle ND des Œufs
E
2 h AR
4 km
120 m
Gréoux-
Buffe Arnaud
M
3 h 30
10 km
220 m
les-Bains
+ Les Maurras
M
4 h 30
11 km
380 m
Vallongue
M
4 h 13 km
230 m
+ Draye des Troupeaux
M
4 h 30
14 km
210 m
La chapelle ND de Bellevue
E
1 h 15
3.5 km
150 m
+ la plaine de Rème
M
3 h 30
13 km
300 m
La chapelle St Maxime
E
2 h
3 km
130 m
+ les colonnes romaines
E
30 mn
1 km
0 m
+ le long du Colostre
E
1 h
3 km
0 m
Plateau de Millarettes
E
3 h
10 km
250 m
+ Revesca par Valvachères
E
2 h
7 km
130 m
+ Revesca par Peyronnet
E
2 h
6 km
130 m
Plateau de Valensole
Puimoisson
Riez
[F-M-D]
Elevation Version
M
3 h
5.5 km
350 m
Château d'Allès (1)
M
2 h
11 km
200 m
+ Château d'Allès (2)
M
3 h
17.5 km
380 m
La Trinité
E
3 h
10 km
110 m
+ Chante-Bri
E
3 h
8 km
90 m
Tour de Tarabuc
M
3 h 30
9 km
150 m
+ la croix des Maïsses
M
3 h 30
9 km
50 m
+ Adrech de Notre Dame
E
2 h
5 km
100 m
Le coulet de Bourre
E
1 h 30
4.5 km
60 m
+ la plaine St Jean
M
2 h 30
8 km
150 m
Sentier des Grottes
E
1 h 30
2 km
100 m
+ la Croix des Pins
M
4 h
11.5 km
450 m
Chapelles ND de Liesse
D
6 h 30
22 km
700 m
et de St priest
D
5 h
16 km
600 m
La plaine
E
2 h
7.5 km
80 m
Moissac-
+ les Eyssariades
M
3 h
11 km
280 m
Bellevue
Le Pelenc depuis Moissac
M
4 h
12 km
200 m
+ le Pelence depuis Régusse
M
3 h 30
11 km
100 m
La Colle
M
4 h 30
14 km
430 m
Le sommet du Grand Margès
A
5 h
9 km
800 m
Aups
Régusse
Aiguines
Palud (la)
Rougon
Palud (la)
/ Rougon
Outing in a « Joëlette » on
the banks of the lake. This wheelchair with its single wheel makes
it possible to take
a person with reduced mobility
on most of the trails..
Tourism and Handicap
An approach whose objective is above all to improve the
quality of the reception and accessibility of all types of
structures to a wide range of people. Tourism professionals in the Verdon have this approval.
E
Le sommet de l'Agra
Valensole
Haut Var
Trails
Revesca (3 itinéraires VTT)
Saint Jurs
Gorges du Verdon
Type
Allemagne-
L'imbut
A
5 h
9.5 km
400 m
Sentier des pêcheurs
M
3 h
6.5 km
300 m
Tour de Barbin
M
4 h
11 km
580 m
Sentier du Bastidon
D
6 h 30
16 km
750 m
Plateau de Suech
M
3 h 30
9 km
400 m
Le sentier Blanc-Martel
A
6 h 30
15 km
600 m
Accommodation
Castellane | Camping La ferme de Castellane
04 92 83 67 77
Gréoux-les-Bains | Self-catering gite Le petit
étang
04 92 74 35 52
Gréoux-les-Bains | Furnished accommodation
Campagne La Palud
04 92 78 05 33
Moustiers-Ste-Marie | Hôtel Les restanques
de Moustiers
04 92 74 93 93
Moustiers-Ste-Marie | Group gite Monastère de
Ségriès
04 92 74 64 12
Activities
Castellane | Water launch system
04 92 83 60 07
Esparron-de-Verdon | Club nautique
04 92 77 15 25
Gréoux-les-Bains | interpretation boards and
All-terrain Module
04 92 78 01 08
Les Salles sur Verdon | Tyralo and Hypocampe
available on the beach for launch
04 94 70 21 84
Montagnac | Aquattitude canoeing and kayak
06 79 21 03 77
Quinson | Museum of Prehistory of the
Gorges du Verdon
04 92 74 09 59
Saint-André les Alpes | Camping Les Iscles
04 92 89 02 29
Saint-André les Alpes | Beach launch system with
Tyralo and Hypocampe available
04 92 89 13 60
Paraglider tandem flight
04 92 89 11 30
Valensole | Self-catering Gîte Lou coquelicot
04 92 74 91 43
Saint-André les Alpes | espace VTT/FFC du Verdon
et des vallées de l’Asse | All terrain chair, joëllette
Quinson | Stopover Gîte L’Escargot
04 92 74 09 73
Valensole | Les Grandes Aires
04 92 74 92 88
For specific information on visual, hearing,
mental and motor deficiency and to make it
easier to prepare your stay you can find all
the activities in the Alpes de Haute Provence,
the Var and even in the Provence-Alpes-Côte
d’Azur region.
Vénascle | Verdon paramotoring
06 77 42 52 80
Vinon-sur-Verdon | Air Var Incendie Maiden
flight Ultralight
04 94 14 96 77
www.alpes-haute-provence.com | 04 92 31 57 29
www.visitvar.fr | 04 94 18 59 60
www.handitourismepaca.fr | 04 91 56 47 18
Accommodation bearing the « Accueil du Parc» brand
is recognized by the Verdon natural regional Park, for
its commitment to integrating the protection of the environment and the discovery of local heritage. These
accommodation providers are strongly attached to their
region and as true “ambassadors” willingly transmit their
knowledge and help you to discover the Verdon natural
regional Park in a different way.
La Ferme
Saint-Pierre
In Bargème
Hôtel des gorges du Verdon
n
o
i
t
a
d
o
m
m
o
c
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A
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Several types of accommodation take in nature enthusiasts and offer, in an exceptional setting, the
discovery of all the Verdon’s heritage. Some are even committed to environmental management
approaches. These accommodations are the privileged partners of the Park.
In an enchanting setting, just below the listed village
of Bargème and its medieval castle, a family welcome Farm with a multitude of outings to share with
you (on foot, mountain bike, pony, or with a donkey
along with farm activities (looking after and feeding
animals, organic vegetable garden, etc.). Different
types of accommodation are available for an original
holiday in the middle of a natural environment, for
families or groups in gîtes, yurts, wigwams, gipsy
caravans and bed & breakfast...
Mr et Mme MARCELIN-GABRIEL
04 94 84 21 55 | www.fermesaintpierre.net
Hôtels au naturel Hotel-owners acting sustainably to make the protection of the environment an additional skill to serve the hotel-trade.
The natural hotel-owner knows the Park well and loves it. He’s there to help you discover a different aspect of his
region.
Le Moulin
du Château
Gorges du Verdon
hôtel&Spa
A former oil mill, this charming hotel welcomes you and
guides you in your discovery of the Park, the Verdon
and the lower gorges close by. 10 rooms, Mediterranean
cuisine fresh from the market with organic local produce
reserved for guests. Member of Clef Verte.
Perched on its hill overlooking the valley, this 3-star hotel
with its 30 rooms will be the ideal starting-point for all your
hikes into the depths of the Gorges du Verdon. Cooking
by a Maître-restaurateur. Château & hôtel Collection.
European ecolabel. New in 2015: Spa with 3 massage
and treatment rooms, hammam, sauna, balneotherapy
and jacuzzi.
In Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon
Edith et Nicolas STAEMPFLI
04 92 74 02 47 | www.moulin-du-chateau.com
In la Palud-sur-Verdon
Hélène et Jean-Michel BOGLIORIO
04 92 77 38 26 | www.hotel-des-gorges-du-verdon.fr
La Ferme St. Pierre
23
Vauvenières
In Saint-Jurs
A big farming property located on the Valensole plateau, the ferme de Vauvenières welcomes you to its
organic farm where lavender and hybrid lavender,
barley and soft wheat, almonds, fruit and seasonal
vegetables are cultivated, along with saffron and
truffles.
Hélène et Christian SAUVAIRE
04 92 74 44 18 | www.ferme-de-vauvenieres.fr
La Commanderie
In Trigance
At the entrance to the grand canyon of the Verdon, the gîte is located in a former commandery
of the knights Templar with typical architecture
in the middle of 80 ha of grounds. Ninon, the
she-donkey and a few goats bred there will welcome you and you can try our goats cheese.
You will enjoy the peace and quiet, walks around
the property and sharing pleasant moments with the
owners.
Maguy AUDIER
04 94 76 91 23 | http://saintmaymes.free.fr
Nature Accommodation
The Accueil du
Parc accommodation
La Bastide de l’Estré
Le Petit Ségriès
In Aups
A stone’s throw from the village of Aups, la Bastide de
l’Estré awaits you in a preserved and sunny dale. In this
peasant house filled with history, you can discover real
rural life surrounded by olive trees, donkeys and saffron.
Françoise and Jean-Claude open the doors of their two
gîtes to visitors all year round.
Jean-Claude MARIE
04 94 84 00 45 | http://estre.net
Le Monastère de Ségriès
In Moustiers-Ste-Marie
This former Cistercian monastery, 6 km from the village, is a
blend of a warm, friendly atmosphere and peace and quiet.
The 16 rooms and 5 suites, the chapel with its piano and
cloister are all available for groups : seminars, art courses,
weddings, theme stays. You will enjoy a cuisine which follows the seasons, with products from our vegetable garden.
Annemarie et Dhruv BHANDARI-DESMET
04 92 74 64 12 | www.monastere-de-segries.com
Château Laval Vacances Bleues
In Gréoux-les-Bains
La Garonne
In Ginasservis
Le Petit Ségriès
In Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
In an old XVIIIth century building, a self-catering gite
and two big, comfortable bed & breakfast rooms in the
middle of natural surroundings await your visit. Sibylle
and Joël will tell you about the region, the walks to
discover a still-unspoiled Provence in the heart of a
forest of downy oaks typical to the haut Var.
For lovers of open spaces, at the foot of the Serres du
Montdenier, le Petit Ségriès is located on 18 hectares of
moorland and woodland with a magnificent view over the
Ste Victoire and the Grand Margès. Through the seasons
you can discover work on the Farm or go for hikes and
mountain bike rides.
Sibylle de MAISONSEUL et Joël NICOLAS
04 94 80 14 00 | 06 75 07 14 84 | www.gite-la-garonne.fr
Noël et Sylvie VOYER
04 92 74 68 83 | www.chambre-hote-verdon.com
Campagne
Les Chaberts
La Vincence
In Saint-Martin de Brômes
In a quiet unspoiled site, the gîte is a former sheepfold
renovated with warm, natural materials. Off the beaten
track you will be able to discover varied landscapes, historical remains, do a number of different sports, go for walks
or just rest in an almond grove, in colourful and sweet smelling surroundings.
Joëlle et André LE METER
04 92 78 16 41 | www.les-chaberts.com
L’échappée verte on the domaine de Château Laval, village club*** in Haute-Provence. The 91 rooms and 40
apartments all open onto the 30 hectares of grounds with
an outdoor swimming pool and a heated indoor pool. The
village club offers an archery trail, an educational farm…
The art of reconciling respect for the environment and
happy holidays.
Jean-Paul DAUPHIN et Franck POURRIERE
04 94 80 04 80 | www.gite-panda-la-vincence.fr
In Trigance
Built on the ridge of a rocky promontory, this XIth century
fortress steeped in history was made into a hotel by the
Thomas family. The rooms, which are all different, with
four poster beds and antique furniture, open onto a big
panoramic terrace looking over the village and the valley.
A refined cuisine with regional products is served in the
former vaulted dry-stone armoury.
Famille THOMAS
04 94 76 91 18 | www.chateau-de-trigance.fr
L’Oustaou
In Castellane
A stopover gite and bed & breakfast, L’Oustaou is on
hiking, cycle touring and riding paths and itineraries : GR
4, les chemins du Soleil and the Transverdon (Espace
VTT), voie Impériale route Napoléon. Close to outdoor
and white water activities, Catherine and Christian welcome you to a warm, friendly, family atmosphere.
Catherine et Christian
04 92 83 77 27 | www.oustaoucastellane04.fr
04 92 70 23 00 | [email protected]
Other approaches
écogite : www.ecogite.fr
La clef Verte : www.laclefverte.org
In La Verdière
This quiet gîte de charme is located on the edge
of certified Organic farming land and a huge forest.
A 4 km discovery trail shows you the interaction
between Man and nature. Swimming, water sports
and hiking in the Verdon 20 mins away.
Le Château hôtel
Le Château hôtel de Trigance
Bienvenue à la ferme : www.bienvenue-a-la-ferme.com
Accueil Paysan : www.accueil-paysan.com
Rando Accueil : www.rando-accueil.com
Rando Camp : www.rando-camp.com
Nature Accommodation
25
View of the village
of Aups
Museums and theme houses
Maison Nature & Patrimoines (Nature and heritage house)
The museums of Castellane
Installed in the maison nature & patrimoines in the
middle of the town, the museum of Sirenians and Fossils and the museum of the Moyen Verdon will help
you understand the history of Castellane and the vallée du Moyen Verdon.
Go back 40 million years in time with the museum
of Sirenians and Fossils, a time when the region
of Castellane was under the sea. Sirenians, peaceful aquatic mammals of the Manatee family swam in
the lagoons. They could be behind the mermaid myth
and their story is told with the help of full scale animal
models, video films and landscape reconstruction..
Discover local heritage and traditions with the musée
du Moyen Verdon, arts et traditions populaires. This
museum, which strives to remain close to the region
and the people, offers temporary exhibitions which
are renewed each year. Everyday objects, photos,
and people’s words illustrate the chosen themes.
Price : € 4 | pass offer: € 3 1st floor free access (Information, Relais du Parc, temporary exhibition, shop)
Opening times of the Maison Nature & Patrimoines
19th April – 29th September: from 10 am to 1 pm and from
3 pm to 6.30 pm. April-May-June-September: week-ends,
Wednesdays and holidays. July-August: every day.
© Bruno Vacherand
Heritage
and places to visit
The Verdon’s natural environment will charm you with its diversity and wealth! The Verdon’s culture
will take you on a journey whose themes are never-ending: geology, prehistory, antiquity, faience,
popular art and traditions… Follow the regional guides or open the door to museums and theme
houses, you will be able to see beyond the picture postcard and discover local culture and identity.
Invent your own cultural circuit !
Maison Nature & Patrimoines. The
gateway to exploring
the Verdon territory
Temporary
exhibitions 2015-16
Musée du Moyen Verdon :
Living in the region during the Great War
With the letters, photographs and objects of the
time, discover the day-to-day lfe of the inhabitants
of the « pays de Castellane » during World War 1,
from the men who were mobilized to the families
left behind.
Expositions gratuites en 2015
APril 2015 : The identities of the Verdon, in
partnership with the Parc du Verdon
May 2015 : Exhibition of sculptures by “Le
Césaron”
July-August 2015 : Napoleon and the 1st
Empire, for the bicentenary of Napoleon
September 2015 : Vultures of the Verdon,
in partnership with the French bird protection
association
November 2015 : The orchards, in partnership
with la Thomassine and the Parc du Verdon
Information : 04 92 83 19 23 | 04 92 83 60 07
(Castellane Town Hall outside opening period)
[email protected]
www.maison-nature-patrimoines.com
Heritage and places to visit
27
Museum of Prehistory of the gorges du Verdon
In Quinson
The museographic circuit of one of the biggest
museums of Prehistory in Europe, traces back
through a million years of Man’s adventure in
Haute-Provence. Its course is rhythmed by its exhibition of original archaeological objects, explanatory
panels, videos, interactive consoles and spectacular
3D reconstructions.
Final touch to the visit : the life-size herd of prehistoric animals.
A reconstructed prehistoric village, the Bonne
Baume cave, a major archaeological site which can
be accessed along a footpath, Prehistory days, on
19th and 20th July.
Maison des gorges du Verdon
In La Palud-sur-Verdon
On the 1st floor of a XVIIIth century castle, in a surprising eco-museum, you can follow the emerald
river and discover the different aspects of the Verdon and its grand canyon; from the summits to the
depths of the gorges, you will learn all about wildlife,
geology, hydrology, the history of Mankind, arts and
professions, exploration, the early days of tourism…
An educational trip for all the family where you will
see the different presentation panels, picture wall,
historical film, showcases and original stagings
Very useful as a starting point to really understand this
territory which is the only one of its kind in the world…
Information, events, guided nature outings, temporary
exhibitions, talks, specialized bookshop.
“Neo! The seamen-shepherds of 8000 years
ago - Fouilles Jean Courtin” from 13th May to
30th November 2015.
Price : € 7 | children from 6 to 17 : € 5 | Pass offer : € 5 Opening times
February - March - October - November - December : 10
am to 6 pm, closed Tuesdays. April to June - September:
10 am to 7 pm, closed Tuesdays. July - August: 10 am to
8 pm every day. Open on Tuesdays during Zone B French
school holidays
04 92 74 09 59 | www.museeprehistoire.com
In Aiguines
Price : € 4 | Pass offer and reductions : € 2
From 1st April to 30th June and from 1st September to
1st November: from 10 am to 12 and from 4 pm to 6 pm,
except Tuesdays.
From 1st July to 31st August: from 10 am to 1 pm and
from 4 pm to 7 pm, except Tuesdays (possibility of
booking for groups).
04 92 77 32 02 | www.lapaludsurverdon.com
Installed in a building in the village, the Musée des
Tourneurs sur bois (wood-turning museum) takes you
on a trip back in time. Find out all about the art of woodturning over the centuries and see, among other things,
the reconstruction of a wood-turner’s workshop at the
beginning of xxth century and the different tools they
used, the objects they made, the famous studded box
boules, an unavoidable heritage of Provencal culture.
This museum also shows the quality of the work done by
today’s craftsmen.
Price : € 3 | Pass offer : € 2
Open: March to June and October: 10 am – 12.30 and 2 to 6 pm
November and December : weekends and Zne B French
school holidays, 10 am – 12.30 and 2 – 5 pm
July and August: 10 am – 12.30 and 2 - 7 pm
Closed on Wednesdays. Closed every year from 1st January
to 28th February.
Full price : € 3 Reduced price : €2 Free for children up to 16.
Please note: the Museum is accessible to persons with
reduced mobility, bookshop-boutique, and guided visit on
prior booking.
04 92 74 61 64 | [email protected]
Ecomuseum « la vie d’Antan »
à Esparron-de-Verdon
Price : € 2,50 | Pass offer : € 2
Opening times
- 15th April to 30th June: 2.30 to 6.30 pm,
- 1st July to 31st August: 10 am to 12 and 3 to 7 pm,
- 1st September to 1st October from 2.30 to 6.30 pm.
04 92 77 13 70
© Exubis conseil général 04
In Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
To make sure that our heritage does not fall into neglect,
two enthusiasts have collected authentic costumes,
stitched blankets, embroidered cloth and objects from
everyday life and tools from XVIIIth century to early XXth
century. A new showcase with an apothecary was set
up along with an additional room in the basement since
2005.
“The Quinson point, a prehistoric tool from
here and elsewhere” from 2nd February to 3rd
May 2015
Wood-turning Museum
Musée de la Faïence (Museum of Faience)
Presentation of materials and techniques of faience-making, from the ceramics of XVIth century to the Moustiers faience production from XVIIth au XXIst century,
i.e. nowadays. The permanent collection is completed
by the temporary exhibition of contemporary creations.
Temporary
exhibitions 2015
Price : € 2,50 | Pass offer : € 2
Free for children under 12
Price for groups and schools: €1.50 (12 minimum)
Open: April, May, June and September, October: from
9.30am to 5.30 pm except Wednesday afternoon and all
day Saturday. July and August: open every day from 10.30
am to 6.30 pm.
Information:
04 94 70 99 17 | [email protected]
Heritage and places to visit
29
Painting on faïence in the atelier
Lallier in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Aiguines : 18th June to 10th September 2015, on
Thursdays ar 10 am minimum 5 people and on prior
booking (the day before at the latest); all year round
for groups on prior booking.
04 94 70 21 64 ou [email protected]
Allemagne-en-Provence : Tuesdays at 4 pm, all year
round from 5 persons.
04 92 77 46 92 | 06 81 65 54 56
The windmills of Régusse
Other visits, exhibitions and monuments
The Windmills of Régusse Former chapel
of the Ursulines
In Régusse
Guided visit of two wind and grain mills dating back
to the times of the knights Templar, restored in 1995.
One of them houses a collection of agrarian tools
and the other, whose mechanism has been entirely
rebuilt, is one of the last in the region capable of
producing flour.
The association les Amis des Moulins de Régusse
offer guided visits, on the history, the restoration and
the operating.
Prices : private individual visits free or group visits
during season opening hours.
Opening
May, June and September: Sundays and holidays, visits
from 10.30 am to 12.30.
July and August: from Monday to Saturday from 6 pm to
8 pm. Wednesdays from 9 am to 7 pm.
Sundays from 10.30 am to 12.30.
Group visits by appointment on.
04 94 70 19 01 | lesmoulinsderegusse.fr
Château d’Allemagne-enProvence
In Allemagne-en-Provence
From 1st April to 1st November: Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays.From 1st July to 16th September: Every day
except Monday.
Visits at 4 pm and 5 pm | 04 92 77 46 78
Château de La Verdière
Open to the public from 3rd June to 31st August
www.chateau-delaverdiere.fr
L’association “Culture,
Loisirs et Patrimoine”
In Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
The “Mémoire de la Vallée” exhibition hosted by the
“Culture, Loisirs et Patrimoine” association in SainteCroix-du-Verdon has number of documents on show
about the valley which was drowned when the lake
of Sainte-Croix was impounded. Period films shown.
04 92 77 81 51
In Aups
In this former chapel you will find the Musée d’art
contemporain Simon Segal which covers 3 schools
of painting: Bourges, Paris and Toulon; an exhibition
on the Resistance in France and in the region of the
Haut Var; and temporary art exhibitions of sculpture
and painting.
From 15th June to 15th September: 10 am – 12 and 4 pm
to 7 pm, every day (except Tuesdays). 04 94 70 00 07
La Maison des Lacs
In Salles-sur-Verdon
Offers an animated dia-projection on the history of
the construction of the Sainte-Croix dam and its
impoundment, discovery of the historical and naturalist trails of Les Salles-sur-Verdon.
For groups only, paying | 04 94 84 22 83
La Maison de la truffe
In Aups
An educational area, a diaporama and a shop area
await you for your introduction to truffle growing, all
year round during the tourist office opening times.
04 94 84 00 69
At the Tourist Office
In Salles-sur-Verdon
A video, models of the old village and a photo
exhibition tell you the story of the village.
From 15th January to 15th November, open at Tourist
Office opening time and the rest of the year on booking 04
94 70 21 84
Musée de Faykod
In Aups
The visitor is invited to roam around this openair park full of sculptures by the artist Maria de
Faykod, a place filled with the harmony between
Art and nature.
04 94 70 03 94
Aups : with the booklet «Balade à travers l’histoire»
published by the Tourist Office - Available in French,
English, German and Dutch, all year round
04 94 84 00 69
Bargème : from 1st July to 31st August, every day
04 94 50 21 94
Castellane : from 15th June to 15th September on Wednesdays at 4 pm (French) and Thursdays at 10 am
(English) and all year round for groups on prior booking.
04 92 83 61 14
Gréoux-les-Bains and its Castle : every other
Thursday, at 2.30 pm except from June to
September,
At 4 pm. All year round for groups on prior booking
04 92 78 01 08
31
Moustiers Ste Marie : in July, August, on Tuesdays
10 am and Thursdays 5 pm. All year round for
groups on prior booking. 04 92 74 67 84
Quinson : during the school holidays and by
appointment for groups all year round.
04 92 74 01 12
Régusse : with the guide-booklet published by the
tourist office, all year round. 04 94 70 19 01
Riez : with the leaflet-guidebook published by the
tourist office. All year round. 04 92 77 99 09
Saint André les Alpes : in July and August on
Tuesdays at 9.30 am, on prior booking. All year
round for groups on prior booking. 04 92 89 02 39
Valensole : 15th June to 15th September on
Thursday at 10 am on prior booking. All year round
for groups on prior booking. 04 92 74 90 02
Vinon-sur-Verdon : Every 3rd Wednesday in the
month. At 5 pm from 1st April to 30th September and
at 3 pm from 1st October to 31st March. (outside
mairie). Booking for groups on request.
04 92 74 04 39
Moissac Bellevue : All year round, on request.
04 94 60 15 97
Regional guides
The Regional guides in Haute-Provence will
help you to discover all the riches of the lands
that they know all the better for living there.
Each guide has his own style of story to tell: the
history, the heritage, the inhabitants and the
traditions of the territories they will guide you
through.
Guided visit of the village of
Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier
For unique, privileged moments with one of the
guides, go to the guidedepays.com site
Village d’Allemagne en Provence and theme days:
the olive tree, the almond tree, lavender
Arlette Arnoux | 06 81 65 54 56
The gypsum circuit from Riez à St Jurs
Sabrina Da Conceçao | 04 92 76 66 23
Villages of the Valensole plateau, the Haut-Var, the
lower gorges and the great gorges of the Verdon
Geneviève Vallart | 04 92 77 72 40 | 06 74 49 48 09
Heritage and places to visit
Visits of villages
Discover all the variety and uses of Mediterranean
plants with the discovery booklet co-published by
the municipalities of Esparron and the Park.
Office de Tourisme : 04 92 77 15 97
Gypsum circuit between Riez and Saint-Jurs
Discover gypsum plaster, from its manufacture to its
many uses with the discovery booklet co-published by
the association des amis du vieux Riez and the Park.
Bureau du tourisme de Riez : 04 92 77 99 09
Toine’s trail, a site and a story
in Les Salles-sur-Verdon
A discovery trail to observe plants and their uses and a
historical itinerary in memory of the old village which is now
under the waters of the lake. Guidebook co-published by
the Park and the Maison des Lacs..
Informations : 04 94 84 22 83
The Passage of Time,
the Sundial route
The Community of Municipalities of the Moyen
Verdon invites you to discover its territory through
sundials. These witnesses to the passage of time
demonstrate the wealth of the municipalities and
convey a reflexion led by the inhabitants on their
heritage and their identity.
Information leaflet available in the Tourist Offices or
contact the Communauté de Communes du Moyen
Verdon. 04 92 83 68 99
Discover the star-filled sky of the Verdon
The astronomy observatory of Mont Chiran at an
altitude of 1905 metres – sky observations with the
help of a skilled astronomer. Hikers will also find a
warm welcome in the hut.
www.astro-blieux.fr | 04 92 74 70 85 | 04 92 34 23 93
Outings to discover vultures in Rougon
Guided by an ornithologist, these outings will help
you discover these giants of the sky, its life and
habits (July and August).
Info and registration : 06 26 47 50 00
The Châteauneuf-les-Moustiers discovery trail
Châteauneuf-les-Moustiers, a village in ruins, emptied of its inhabitants, will show you evidence of its
past. The discovery booklet can also complete your
visit.
Informations : 04 92 77 32 02
Relaxing discovery cruise on the Lake of Esparron
Commented cruise in an electric boat with La Perle
du Verdon
www.laperleduverdon.fr | 04 92 77 10 74
On the heritage paths
Fountains, wash houses, campaniles, chapels, oratories, bridges, terraces... over 600 buildings make up
the collective heritage of the Verdon and reveal the
life and history of the people of this region. A number
of these small monuments that you will find as you
go through villages, along the roads and through the
landscapes over all the territory of the Park are marked with explanatory panels.
To complete your visit, get the booklet « Sur les chemins du patrimoine » published by the Park.
Informations : 04 92 74 68 00
Heritage and cloth industry of Saint-André-les-Alpes
A discovery walk lined with 9 panels which tell you
the story of the village and its important cloth industry.
Information leaflet available from tourist office. Info: office
de tourisme: 04 92 89 02 39. Plus tablet and Smartphone
applications: www.secrets-de-fabriques.fr
Trigance interpretation trail
This imaginary itinerary is the result of the work of
the schoolchildren of Trigance. Dotted with modules,
it gives another aspect of the village and its inhabitants through a subtle blend of discovery, sensitivity
and poetry.
Discovering Chalvet
In Saint André les Alpes at an altitude of over 1600
metres, with the viewpoint finders, the botany trail
and discovery of the hang-gliding sites.
In July and August every Wednesday at 9 am by prior reservation. Shuttle leaves from in front of the Tourist Office. All
year round for groups by prior reservation | 04 92 89 02 39
Les Salles sur Verdon, « one site – one story »
Plunge into the traces of a valley, and a village
whose customs and economy were upset by work
on the dam of Sainte Croix and the lake.
All year round on Friday mornings at 10 am or on prior
booking.
Booking: Office de Tourisme des Salles sur Verdon
04 94 70 21 84 | [email protected]
The Sirenians Trail at the Col des Lecques in Castellane.
Open-air Musée-Promenade free visit to discover
bones preserved on the spot, dating back 35 million
years.
Réserve Géologique de Haute Provence | 04 92 83 19 23
(or hiking sheet on sale in Tourist Offices).
Commented circuit of the gorges
To discover the gorges in a different way, without
the stress of driving and with explanations, commented drive in minibus with Provisito.
06 82 93 88 72 | www.provisito.fr
© David Allemand
Botany trail in Esparron-de-Verdon
Discovery trail: Aiguines,
from nature to heritage Follow the guide through the village streets and discover its history, its natural and cultural heritage.
Information leaflet available from tourist office
04 94 70 21 64
Tales and legends of Moustiers
Take the family on an outing to discover all the stories of the village.
July and August at 10 am every Friday | 04 92 74 67 84
Griffon vultures were reintroduced
successfully into the gorges du
Verdon in 1999. This giant of the
sky plays an important role as
nature’s garbage collector..
33
Heritage and places to visit
The discovery booklets
Selected according to various criteria for their quality, these circuits have the Park’s recognition, which guarantees
that you will be able to admire, roam, understand and taste this land at one with nature using the discovery
booklets.
Patrimoine et Lieux de visites
Theme circuits and trails
History and Legends Circuit
Linking 9 municipalities in the Artuby, this circuit
uses local history and legends and artists from the
area with 9 representative sculptures.
Booklet available on the artuby-verdon.fr site, at the
Artuby-Verdon tourist office : 04 94 76 92 91
Saffron is Crocus sativus.
Growing it is a traditional activity all around the
Mediterranean introduced
into Provence over 2 000
years ago. Ignored for a
long time in our region, it is
regaining fame thanks
to the work of keen farmers.
The best time to discover
saffron is during its flowering
period in October.
Products of the Verdon
natural regional Park
Producers who have the « Produits du Parc » brand which is the expression of the
values of the natural regional parks: a territory, a preserved and enhanced environment and a human dimension.
Flower, garrigue
and mountain honey
Food specialities
Traditionally, the food of the people of the Verdon was based on local farming productions: lentils,
chickpeas, potatoes, garlic and onions accompanied pork, poultry, lamb and the goats bred on
each farm. These were stewed in olive oil, to which were added the riches offered by our dry and
sunny region: the famous black truffle, aromatic plants and various wild fruit.
Therefore, according to the seasons restaurant owners offer local specialities accompanied, of
course, by marvellous little goats’ cheeses and typical wines.
Isabelle Rufo à Montpezat
sale in the markets of Riez and
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and in
the Maison de produits de pays
d’Allemagne-en-Provence.
04 92 77 52 48 ou
06 38 58 26 79
Marie-Hélène Ribière
direct sale on the farm in la
Palud sur Verdon.
06 83 52 27 78
Christophe Botta
sale in the markets from
June to September: Thursday
in Les Salles-sur-Verdon and
Sunday in the farmers of the
Verdon market in Moustiers
and in local fairs.
06 01 98 87 35 ou
04 92 77 35 93
[email protected] et à la
Maison des Produits de Pays
d’Allemagne en Provence
Regional productns d Know-how
a
Aromatic plants
Georges Huet,
Brenon, sale in the markets
of Castellane, Comps,
le Logis du Pin.
06 10 79 10 28.
Manu et Felizia Pozzoni.
Sale in the markets of Riez, La
Palud sur Verdon or in summer
at the salespoint of La Palud
“ Le panier du Verdon”.
06 81 37 64 15.
Saffron
Bruno Carron
in Roumoules : sale in the market
of Riez (Saturday), Valensole
(Wednesday) and in the Maison
des Produits de Pays d’Allemagne-en-Provence, le panier du
Verdon in la Palud-sur-Verdon.
06 22 40 65 24
Guy Mombel
in Esparron, sale in the markets
of Riez, Gréoux and Esparron.
Guy will accompany you for
a visit of his saffron-farm by
appointment. (Accompanies
visits accessible to persons with
reduced mobility.
06 81 15 22 38
Harmony Guis
Saffron and aromas of the Verdon:
direct sale on the saffron-farm,
visits and conferences by
appointment.
06 86 71 65 04
www.safran-provence.eu
Regional products and Know-how
35
Tasting regional
products
Les bistrots de pays
Ensuring one of the only permanent
salespoints in some villages, these establishments offer a warm, friendly atmosphere, a number of services (grocery,
bread, tobacconist, newspapers, etc.) and provide information for walkers and hikers. They are also a showcase
for regional products as they all offer local, family-type
meals. Come and be tempted !
www.bistrotdepays.com
Comps-sur-Artuby : Café de France | 04 94 76 91 59
La Martre : Le Brouis | 04 94 84 07 23
Moissac-Bellevue : Le Bellevue 04 94 85 87 45
Rougon : La Terrasse | 04 92 31 47 74
Sillans la Cascade : La Cascade | 04 94 04 77 00
Where can I buy local products?
Maison de produits de pays in Allemagne en Provence
This shop is one of the best places for the sale and promotion of local agri-food and artisanal productions.
Open all year round 7 days a week
Opening times 9.30 am to 12 and 2 pm to 7 pm
From June to September 9.30 am to 8 pm,
Closed every year in January.
04 92 77 40 24 | http://produits-de-pays-du-verdon.fr
Le Panier du Verdon in La Palud-sur-Verdon
Collective producers sales point, in the main street of the
village. Local produce: honey, essential oils, goat’s cheese,
bread...
Open from May to September.
The best tables in
the Pays gourmand
From the resident meal to the gourmet restaurant, the
restaurateurs of the pays gourmand are supplied by
local producers and artisans or by their own garden and
their chefs will introduce you to the flavours of a cuisine
on the borders of the Alps and Provence.
www.paysgourmand.com
Trigance : Le Moulin de Soleils | 04.94.76.92.62
La Martre : Le Bruis | 04.94.84.07.23
La Bastide : L’Hôtel du Lachens | 04 94 76 80 01
Rougon : L’Auberge du Point Sublime | 04 92 83 60 35
Soleilhas : Lou Jas 04 93 60 43 54
Castellane : ô Délices | 04 92 83 58 38
St Julien du Verdon : Le Pidanoux 04 92 89 05 87
La Palud-sur-Verdon : L’Hôtel des Gorges du Verdon |
04 92 77 38 26
The Routes and farm visits
Follow the discovery circuits which take you to meet craftsmen or farmers of the Verdon
and show you local know-how.
Couleurs Paysannes in Valensole and Manosque
Local producers’ shop with a wide variety of products:
fruit and vegetables, meat, charcuterie, fish, dairy
products, organic artisanal bead, fruit juices, honey, olive
oil, almonds and natural cosmetics, etc. direct from the
farms.
In Valensole : Les Quatre chemins, between Valensole
and Manosque
Open every day, from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7
pm (7.30 in summer)
04 92 72 14 96 | www.couleurs-paysannes.fr
Les routes de la lavande (The lavender route) www.routes-lavande.com
Itinéraires paysans (Peasant itineraries) www.itineraires-paysans.fr
Bienvenue à la Ferme (Welcome to the farm) www.bienvenue-a-la-ferme-alpes-provence.com
Découverte des terroirs du Var
(Discovery of the regions of the Var) www.visitvar.fr/terroirs
The markets
Markets only in summer months
Monday Les Salles-sur-Verdon (night market).
Tuesday Ste Croix du Verdon.
Wednesday Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (night market)
Thursday Riez (night market).
Friday Gréoux-les-Bains (night market).
Sunday Quinson, La Palud sur Verdon, Régusse, Bauduen
The farmer’s markets in the Verdon
Composed exclusively of producers from the Verdon
for poultry, honey, goat’s cheese, lamb, fresh fruit, beer,
saffron and sirops, olive oil, etc.
These markets are held in unusual places (roadsides,
beaches, etc.) in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie every Sunday
from July to mid-September from 4 to 9 pm, in MoissacBellevue every Sunday morning, in Les Blaquets-Bas
all year round and on Friday mornings from April to
November, on the Cours.
Truffle markets
Truffles have always grown naturally in our hills and on
our plateaus. The region of the haut Var and Valensole
are recognized as the “grands crus” of the black truffle in
France. From November to May, truffle markets and events
are organised in the villages ofAups, Montagnac and Riez.
For the dates, ask the Tourist Office.
Lamb bred in the Verdon gives a high
quality meat. This very old know-how
continues to shape our landscape and plays
a part in maintaining the diversity
of ecological environments.
© Pierre Psaltis
Markets all year round
Monday Saint Martin de Brômes.
Tuesday Gréoux-les-Bains, Aiguines.
Wednesday Riez, Castellane, St-André-les-Alpes, Aups.
Thursday Gréoux-les-Bains, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Montagnac.
Friday Esparron-de-Verdon, Moustiers-Ste-Marie.
Saturday Riez, Castellane, Aups, St-André-les-Alpes, Valensole.
Sunday Vinon-sur-Verdon, Régusse, La Palud-sur-Verdon.
Regional products and Know-how
37
39
The Verdon an exceptional, fragile region
In order to preserve it, but also for your
safety, here is some advice :
A turned wooden item during
a demonstration day in the
Escoulen school in Aiguines.
Fine craftsmen and Artists
As in other regions, the inhabitants of the Verdon have developed a savoir-faire which is strongly linked
to the resources of the territory. As family activities, these crafts were varied: wood or stone work,
tanning, weaving, basket weaving, processing of products from gathering or farming... The knowhow has sometimes been enhanced by other crops through the many exchanges that the Verdon has
encouraged over the years.
Besides this traditional knowledge, the Verdon has seen the development of a considerable movement
of craftsmen which adds a new touch to its wealth.
Le Cesaron
Along the banks of the Verdon, watch out for
sudden variations in the level of the water
following the release of water from the hydroelectric dams and do not cross the river..
Fires are a threat to the forests of the
Verdon! Do not light fires in the natural areas
(cigarettes, campfires, barbecues, etc. Penalty
fine: €135). If a fire starts, call the fire brigade
(112). Fir all information on the closing off of the
forests for call 04 98 10 55 41.
Camping in the wild, under whatever form
(tents, caravans, etc.) is forbidden on the
banks of the lake and in the gorges. Outside
areas where camping is regulated, please ask
for permission from the owners.
In the mountains and in the gorges, the weather
can change fast. Be careful of storms and the
rise in water! Information for Alpes de Haute
Provence on 08 99 71 02 04 and for the Var on
08 99 71 02 83.
In the natural environment, stay in the developed areas, paths and trails!
In Rougon - Trigance - Bargème
Five sculptors working on stone, wood and metal
take you on an artistic walk in the heart of haute
Provence between the Verdon, the Jabron and the
Artuby.
www.lecesaron.fr
07 62 62 19 23
Discovering Fine Crafts of the Haut Var Verdon
Haut Var
A network made up of around twenty craftsmen and
artists invites you to meet them in their workshops
and offer « specific get-togethers » in addition to
free visits (introductory visits, mini-workshops,
courses….) on specific dates..
Programme on www.visitvar.fr
04 94 61 99 31
www.metiersdart-verdon.com
The Escoulen school
In Aiguines
Once famous for the turning of studded bowls,
the village now hosts a school of wood-turning.
Throughout the year, it offers beginner’s courses and
advanced courses, conferences and demonstrations. Its vocation is to share techniques and savoir-
faire in this very well-equipped area (workshops,
materials, accommodation, documentary fond, etc.).
www.escoulen.com.
04 94 76 55 24
The ecoguards scour the region
to inform you, talk to them.
Take your refuse home with you! Leave everything as clean as you yourself would like to
find it when you arrive. Toilet paper takes over
3 months to disintegrate, and a plastic bag up
to 800 years!!
Drive carefully. It is dangerous to film when driving or to stop at the side of the road to look at
the view; this may cause jams or even accidents..
The B0 board at the entrance to the
paths warns that they are forbidden to
vehicles.
Do not pick plants, even lavender (this is an
agricultural production, and you must ask permission). Many wild species are protected. It is
forbidden to extract fossils.
To discover our famous landscapes and understand more about the mysteries of our land,
be well-accompanies by choosing the « Parc
naturel régional du Verdon » brand.
For a discovery which respects the wealth of
the heritage of our region, we rely on your civic
attitude !
• www.parcduverdon.fr website, gives a lot of
information and all the news. The site has been
updated for 2015 ! Have a look !
• The territorial information system www.pnrpaca.org
allows you to access information on the territory (administrative, geographical, regulatory, naturalist, cultural,
tourism and socio-economic data).
• Join us on Facebook :
find all the events organised by the
Park and news of the actions led on the territory.
• La Mescla, the cultural
portal of the Verdon, lists the
events and cultural stakeholders
(pictures and directory), and has resources for all
sorts of projects (directories, documents, small
ads).
www.mescla-portailculturel.fr
On the air
Listen to news, announcements and
programmes on Radio Verdon :
96.5 MHz (for the lower Verdon) and
91 MHz (for the preAlps and the
Artuby).
• A blog to continue discovering things to do in the
Park: discovering or reviving special moments,
taking part in the debate and continuing discussions, see www.lesrencontres.parcduverdon.fr
The « Paroles d’ici, rencontre des
habitants » site - restoring
dry-stone access to the
chapelle Notre-Dame de la Baume
in la Palud-sur-Verdon.
True or False ?
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Fin
To take you further on the discovery of the territory and understand the Park’s action better,
A direct welcome
At the maison du Parc
Domaine de Valx à Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12.30 and 2 to
5.30 pm. 04 92 74 68 00
At Relais du Parc in Castellane
Place Marcel Sauvaire.
Ouverture
19th April – 29th September: from 10 am to 1 pm
and from 3 pm to 6.30 pm.
April-May-June-September: week-ends, Wednesdays and holidays.
July-August: every day.
Information : 04 92 83 19 23 | 04 92 83 60 07
See l’agenda du Parc (park calendar) to see where
we are www.parcduverdon.fr
Events
See the Park diary on our www.parcduverdon.fr site
and on the Park’s Facebook page.
Books
On sale at the maison du Parc, at the relais du
Parc or in the tourist offices.
« Par Nature » news bulletin
The news bulletin which tells you about life on the
territory and the Park’s actions, available in paper
format, on Internet subscription or to be downloaded on the : www.parcduverdon.fr website.
•T
he Park has a say in the
award of building permits
FALSE : The Park has no influence on building
permit awards which are under the authority of the
municipality . It can indirectly influence them by giving
an opinion on the planning documents which define
areas suitable for housing. It provides the applicants
with free architectural advice in information sessions
in the municipalities..
•T
he Park can fine
FALSE : The park has no authority to fine. The
ecoguards, for example, have a mission of awareness-raising and work with sworn officials (policemen,
game wardens, etc.) that they contact whenever
necessary.
• The Park is fenced and has
opening and closing times
FALSE : The Park is not an enclosed area, to be
hidden under wraps, and it is not a reserve, it is a
living territory, which is evolving and preparing for the
stakes of the future..
•T
he Parc is limited in time
TRUE : The Parc label is awarded on the basis
of the objectives of the charter for 12 years and is
renewed through an assessment.
•O
ne of the Park’s missions is
economic development
TRUE : development is one of the 5 missions of the
natural regional parks. This means encouraging a
form of development which respects the environment
and people.
•T
he Park defends wolves
TRUE and FALSE : this is an example of how
difficult it is to find a balance between biodiversity
and pastoralism - a local economy indispensable for
our territory.
•T
he Park does not award
subsidies
TRUE this is not the Park’s role, but it can help
project leaders who work along the lines of the
charter to find subsidy.
41
Find out more about the Park
On the web
Getting to the Verdon
The Verdon is not on any easy to access major roads, which certainly helps to preserve its
beauty. There is not a great variety of means of transport but there are alternatives to using
your car.
Buses
TOURIST INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme d’Aiguines
04 94 70 21 64 | [email protected]
www.aiguines.com
Office de Tourisme Artuby-Verdon
Département des Alpes de Haute Provence | www.cg04.fr/routes-transports/
Département du Var | www.varlib.fr
Trains
SNCF 3635 - Nearest railway stations | Manosque (04) | Les Arcs-Draguignan (83)
TER Trains Express Régionaux | 08 91 70 30 00 | www.ter-sncf.com/paca
LER Lignes Express Régionales | 08 21 20 22 03 | www.info-ler.fr
Chemin de fer de Provence | 04 97 03 80 80 | www.trainprovence.com
Nearest access to the Verdon: Saint André les Alpes railway station
See the whole regional offer for the transport network: www.pacamobilité.fr.
See also PACA Mobilité on your smartphone, download applications for Androïd and Iphone.
Carpooling
A number of Sites on the web offer carpooling possibilities.
Economical, ecological and good for making friends!
Here are a few addresses | www.covoiturage04.fr | www.covoiturage.fr | www.123envoiture.com | www.wigowiz.com
Getting around in the Verdon
When you are calculating the time it will take you, don’t forget to include the fact that the roads in the
Verdon are narrow and winding and that there may be a lot of traffic, especially in mid-summer.
In the gorges
To travel in comfort use the shuttles in the gorges and the taxis in many villages in the Verdon (information
in the tourist offices).
La navette des gorges* du Conseil général des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (shuttle in the gorges)
www.cg04.fr (rubrique Transports/réseau des Transports / Bassin Riez-Castellane)
Tourist office of Castellane | 04 92 83 61 14
Tourist office of La Palud | 04 92 77 32 02
*Operates every day during the Easter holidays (zone B only), every day during the summer period July and August). And
every weekend, holiday and the “long weekends” of 1st April and 30th June and 1st September to 15th September.
On the «route des crêtes»
This 23 km circuit starting from la Palud sur Verdon, is one-way between the Jas d’Aire and Chalet
de La Maline. Following a departmental order, this road is closed partly from 1st November to 15th
April..
Change your travelling
habits in the Verdon!
04 94 76 92 91 | [email protected]
www.artuby-verdon.fr» www.artuby-verdon.fr
Office de Tourisme d’Aups
04 94 84 00 69 | [email protected]
www.aups-tourisme.com
Syndicat d’Initiative d’Allemagne-en-Provence
04 92 75 01 73
[email protected]
Office de Tourisme de Bauduen
04 94 84 39 02
[email protected]
www.bauduen-lac-verdon.fr
Office de Tourisme de Castellane
04 92 83 61 14
[email protected]
www.castellane.org
Office de Tourisme d’Esparron-de-Verdon
04 92 77 15 97
[email protected]
www.esparrondeverdon.com
Office de Tourisme de Gréoux-les-Bains
04 92 78 01 08
[email protected]
www.greouxlesbains.com
Point Info de Moissac-Bellevue
04 94 60 15 97
[email protected]
Office de Tourisme de Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
04 92 74 67 84
[email protected]
www.moustiers.fr
Office de Tourisme de la Palud-sur-Verdon
04 92 77 32 02
[email protected]
www.lapaludsurverdon.com
Office de Tourisme de Quinson
04 92 74 01 12
[email protected]
www.quinson.fr
Office de Tourisme de Régusse
04 94 70 19 01
[email protected]
www.regusse-tourisme.fr
Bureau du Tourisme de Riez
04 92 77 99 09
[email protected]
www.ville-riez.fr
Mairie de Rougon
04 92 83 66 32
[email protected]
www.rougon.fr
Bureau d’Information Touristique
de Sainte-Croix du Verdon
04 92 77 85 29
[email protected]
www.stecroixduverdon-tourisme.fr
Office de Tourisme de Saint-André-les-Alpes
04 92 89 02 39
[email protected]
www.ot-st-andre-les-alpes.fr
Office de Tourisme des Salles-sur-Verdon
04 94 70 21 84
[email protected]
www.sallessurverdon.com
Office de Tourisme de Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier
04 94 77 20 95
[email protected]
www.saintjulienlemontagnier.com
Mairie de Saint-Martin-de-Brômes
04 92 78 02 02
[email protected]
mairie.wanadoo.fr/mairie-smdb
Office de Tourisme de Valensole
04 92 74 90 02
[email protected]
www.valensole.fr
Office de Tourisme de Vinon-sur-Verdon
04 92 74 04 39
[email protected]
www.vinon-sur-verdon.fr
Agence de développement touristique
des Alpes de Haute Provence
Tél. : 04 92 31 57 29 - Fax : 04 92 32 24 94
[email protected]
www.alpes-haute-provence.com
Agence de développement Touristique du Var
Var Tourisme
Tél. : 04 94 18 59 60 - Fax : 04 94 47 08 03
[email protected]
www.visitvar.fr
Practical Informations
43
Maison du Parc naturel régional du Verdon
© WeGo Productions
Domaine de Valx
04360 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
www.parcduverdon.fr | [email protected]
Tel. 04 92 74 68 00 | Fax. 04 92 74 68 01