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.
Verdon | |
---|---|
Location | |
Country | France |
Physical characteristics | |
Source | |
• location | Alpes-de-Haute-Provence |
• elevation | 2,819 m (9,249 ft) |
Mouth | |
• location | Durance |
• coordinates | 43°43′6″N 5°44′54″E / 43.71833°N 5.74833°E |
Length | 166.5 km (103.5 mi) |
Basin size | 2,295 km2 (886 sq mi) |
Basin features | |
Progression | Durance→ Rhône→ Mediterranean Sea |
Tributaries | |
• left | Artuby |
Course
editIts 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
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Sandre. "Fiche cours d'eau - Le Verdon (X2--0200)".
- ^ Bassin versant : Verdon (Le), Observatoire Régional Eau et Milieux Aquatiques en PACA