Gorges du Verdon Grand Site de France candidacy, Digi Mart USA News (Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France): The Gorges du Verdon could soon receive one of France’s most important national distinctions for landscape preservation. After more than twenty years of work, the emblematic natural site in the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments has taken a new step in its application for the Grand Site de France label.
A state inspector visited the site for three days to assess completed developments and commitments made to protect the territory, which welcomes about 700,000 visitors each year. From October 27 to 29, 2026, the Parc naturel régional du Verdon hosted Philippe Schmit, inspector general for the environment and sustainable development, tasked with evaluating the application.
During the three days, the inspector met with elected officials from the seven municipalities involved and with the various partners engaged in the project. The aim was to present actions taken since the launch of the Grand Site operation in 2009.
Several emblematic locations were visited, including the Point Sublime, the Couloir Samson, the Blanc-Martel trail, the Jabron valley and the Route des Crêtes.
River activity sites were also included in the visits, to assess measures designed to reconcile tourism with the protection of natural areas. The inspection must now produce a report that will be examined at the national level.
With its spectacular cliffs, limestone landscapes and turquoise waters, the Gorges du Verdon is one of the best-known natural sites in Provence. According to the Réseau des Grands Sites de France, about 700,000 visitors visit the gorges each year.
The canyon extends 33 kilometers and reaches depths of 400 to 700 meters in places.
Visitor numbers represent a major challenge for local authorities. Tourist crowds, particularly significant during summer, require organization to limit the impact on landscapes, natural habitats and transportation.
The territory faces issues of parking, traffic, river access and trail preservation, a concern that has been important for several years.
The gorges already benefit from regulatory protection. About 7,600 hectares have been classified as sites since April 26, 1990.
Obtaining the Grand Site de France label would recognize efforts to manage the space sustainably, without constituting a new regulatory classification.
The Grand Site operation has enabled several actions to improve management of the most heavily visited places. The Point Sublime, located in the commune of Rougon, is among the sectors that have benefited from developments to better organize public reception and movement.
The Blanc-Martel trail, one of the most famous hiking routes in the Verdon, is also central to this policy.
About 15 kilometers long, it attracts many walkers wishing to cross the canyon landscapes. To facilitate access while limiting individual vehicle use, the Parc naturel régional du Verdon offers a shuttle linking La Palud-sur-Verdon to the start and end of the route during its operating period.
The development of public transport, improved signage, management of viewpoints and organization of outdoor activities are among the main priorities of this approach. The territory is also working to develop more environmentally respectful forms of tourism, following initiatives for heritage discovery around Lake Sainte-Croix and the Gorges du Verdon.
The Grand Site de France application rests on a collective effort involving seven municipalities spread across two departments. Three Var communes take part: Aiguines, Comps-sur-Artuby and Trigance.
They work alongside Castellane, La Palud-sur-Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Rougon, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
For nearly 25 years, these communities have jointly pursued a policy of preserving and enhancing the gorges, with support from the State, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, the departments and intercommunal bodies. The Parc naturel régional du Verdon coordinates the operation, aiming to preserve the landscapes while allowing residents, tourism professionals and economic stakeholders to continue sustaining the territory.
The inspector general’s visit was not limited to tourism developments. It also presented several initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting local heritage.
Among the sites highlighted was the Ferme des Cavaliers, restored by the Conservatoire du littoral. The Auberge du Point Sublime was also presented during the visit.
Both establishments hold the Valeurs Parc brand, which recognizes businesses committed to respecting their territory. Their participation illustrates the desire to involve local professionals in preserving and enhancing the gorges.
Awarded by the minister in charge of sites, the Grand Site de France label recognizes territories renowned for the quality of their landscapes and for commitments made to ensure their preservation. This recognition applies to sites already benefiting from regulatory protection and facing significant tourism pressures.
The label is granted for eight years, and renewal requires continuing the actions undertaken and maintaining management consistent with preservation objectives.
For the Gorges du Verdon, obtaining this distinction would recognize efforts made over several years. It would also represent a commitment to the future, particularly regarding sustainable tourism, protection of natural environments and enhancement of local heritage.
Philippe Schmit’s visit does not mean the label has already been granted. The inspector general must now write a report to be presented to the Commission supérieure des sites, perspectives et paysages (CSSPP).
This national body will issue an opinion on the Gorges du Verdon application. Examination of the file is scheduled for early 2027, before a possible award decision by the minister in charge of sites.
That deadline will also carry symbolic weight, as the Parc naturel régional du Verdon will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027.
Bernard Clap, president of the Parc, emphasized that the goal goes beyond obtaining a national distinction: “This application is not an achievement, but a new step in our shared responsibility toward the Gorges du Verdon.”
After several decades of commitment, the seven municipalities involved now await the national review of their application, with the ambition of recognizing collective work to protect one of Provence’s most iconic landscapes.
