Verdon (river)

Coordinates: 43°43′6″N 5°44′54″E / 43.71833°N 5.74833°E / 43.71833; 5.74833
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Verdon
A view from the Verdon Gorge
Location
CountryFrance
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationAlpes-de-Haute-Provence
 • elevation2,819 m (9,249 ft)
Mouth 
 • location
Durance
 • coordinates
43°43′6″N 5°44′54″E / 43.71833°N 5.74833°E / 43.71833; 5.74833
Length166.5 km (103.5 mi)
Basin size2,295 km2 (886 sq mi)
Basin features
ProgressionDuranceRhôneMediterranean Sea
Tributaries 
 • leftArtuby

The Verdon (French pronunciation: [vɛʁdɔ̃], Occitan: [ˈbeɾðu]) is a 166.5-kilometre-long (103.5 mi) river in Southeastern France, left tributary of the Durance.[1] Its drainage basin is 2,295 km2 (886 sq mi).[2] The Verdon is best known for its impressive canyon: the Verdon Gorge. This limestone canyon, also called the "Grand Canyon of Verdon", 20 kilometres (12 mi) long and more than 300 metres (980 ft) deep, is a popular climbing and sight-seeing area. The name comes from the green appearance of the waters of the river, in the canyon.

Course[edit]

Its source is at an elevation of 2,819 metres (9,249 ft), in the southwestern part of the French Alps (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), between the Col d'Allos and the Trois Évêchés mountain, south of Barcelonnette. It flows southwest through the following departments and towns:

The Verdon flows through several artificial lakes, before flowing into the river Durance near Vinon-sur-Verdon, south of Manosque.

Its main tributaries are the Artuby, Colostre, Jabron and Issole.[1]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Sandre. "Fiche cours d'eau - Le Verdon (X2--0200)".
  2. ^ Bassin versant : Verdon (Le), Observatoire Régional Eau et Milieux Aquatiques en PACA