What is the history of the Gorges du Verdon?

Welcome to a captivating journey through the Gorges Verdon, a geographical treasure nestled in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. These breathtaking gorges, surrounded by majestic reliefs, are the result of a fascinating geological history. In this article, we will explore the spectacular geography of this unique region in three exciting parts:

• First, let’s dive into the stunning beauty of the Gorges Verdon.
• Next, we will take a step back in time to understand how these gorges were sculpted by titanic geological forces over the millennia.
• Finally, we will discover the imprint of human occupation through the ages, from early prehistoric tribes to the Romans and modern inhabitants.

Let yourself be carried away by the history and geography of this natural gem, and get ready to be amazed by the magic of the Gorges Verdon.

Introduction to the Gorges Verdon – A Natural and Geological Jewel

The Gorges Verdon, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, are a natural and geological treasure of exceptional beauty. This series of articles explores the majesty of these fascinating gorges, starting with their source and their journey through the landscape.

The Verdon springs near the Col d’Allos, in the Trois-Évêchés massif. Its total length reaches 166 kilometers, from its birthplace to its confluence with the Durance near Vinon-sur-Verdon. Throughout its course, the river traverses various gorges and canyons, with the Gorges Verdon being the third in terms of geological challenge, preceded by the cluses of the Porte de Saint-Jean and Chasteuil upstream, and followed by the gorges of Baudinard and the lower gorges downstream.

The Gorges Verdon – A Spectacular Canyon

The Gorges Verdon are renowned worldwide for their stunning beauty. They begin at the Clue de Carajuan and the Carajuan Bridge, just after the confluence with the Jabron. Here, the river enters a deep and narrow canyon carved between impressive reliefs that rise over 1,500 meters in height. In comparison, the riverbed is situated at an altitude of 630 meters upstream and 510 meters downstream.

The most striking feature of this canyon is its narrowness and depth, with vertical walls ranging from 250 to 700 meters high, while the riverbed varies from 6 to 100 meters in width. At the top of the gorges, the width extends from 200 to 1,500 meters from one slope to the other. This exceptional geology has contributed to the worldwide fame of the Gorges Verdon as a unique natural site.

The Winding Course of the Verdon

As it flows, the Verdon generally heads west, then south, and finally northwest. This majestic river is fed by various springs and the Artuby, which flows through its own picturesque canyon. As it meanders through this spectacular landscape, the river reaches its endpoint in the Lake Sainte-Croix, after a journey of 25 kilometers from its entry into the gorges. The final passage through the Cluse de Galetas, crossed by the bridge of the same name, marks a particularly impressive moment in its journey.

The Geographical and Administrative Boundary

In addition to their natural beauty, the Gorges Verdon hold geographical and administrative significance. They serve as a boundary between two French departments, Var to the south and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to the north. This geographical delimitation adds a unique dimension to this already exceptional region.

The Gorges Verdon are a geological gem, a haven of natural beauty, and a must-visit site for nature lovers and adventurers. The next part of this series will explore the activities and attractions these gorges offer to visitors.

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The Gorges Verdon: A Fascinating Result of Geological History

The Gorges Verdon are the fascinating result of the tumultuous geological history of the Alps. This story begins millions of years ago when tectonic forces began shaping this remarkable region.

The Tertiary period and the beginning of the Quaternary, around 7 to 2 million years ago, were marked by intense tectonic deformations in the Digne and Verdon regions. These movements created folds and thrusts, stacking sedimentary and tectonic formations on top of one another. The Gorges Verdon themselves were carved into the limestone massifs of the Alpine chain, which were displaced southward during this period. The limestone of the gorges participated in these movements and was overlain by other limestone formations.

As the Verdon flowed toward the Durance to the west, it adapted its course to the deformations of the massifs, carving its bed through a complex pile of geological layers. However, the key moment in the history of Mediterranean canyons was the Messinian crisis about 6 million years ago.

During this crisis, the convergence of the tectonic plates of Europe and Africa caused the uplift of the Gibraltar arch, interrupting the flow of water from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean Sea level dramatically dropped by 1,500 meters before rising sharply again when the Strait of Gibraltar reopened about 5.3 million years ago.

During this period, rivers carved deep canyons to reach low points, such as the sea and saline lagoons. Once the sea was restored to its normal level, deep erosion ceased, and the canyons began to gradually fill in.

Between 6 and 1 million years ago, these major events, including the Messinian crisis and tectonic deformations, simultaneously impacted the Verdon region. An aerial and underground karst network formed during the Messinian crisis, evolving in parallel with the deformations of the limestone massifs. This forced water to create new passages.

The Quaternary period, marked by glacial periods, caused less dramatic sea level declines than the Messinian crisis. However, it reactivated ancient karsts, clearing their sediments. In areas subjected to alpine uplift, erosion was more intense, promoting the development of new karst networks.

The Gorges Verdon, now a picturesque and popular destination for nature lovers, have a rich and varied history of human occupation. This section will take you through the ages, from the earliest signs of habitation to the more recent transformations of this exceptional region.

The first signs of human occupation in the Gorges Verdon date back to a distant time, between 400,000 and 600 B.C. Initially, the first populations were nomadic, living off hunting, fishing, and gathering. The numerous caves scattered throughout the gorges served as essential shelters for these early inhabitants.

A major turning point occurred with the arrival of Neolithic humans around 6,000 B.C. These settlers developed clustered habitats in the Verdon region, becoming herders and farmers. They mastered the art of wool spinning, pottery, and even erected dolmens. Trade also flourished during this period.

In Antiquity, the Romans had a major impact on the Gorges Verdon region. Around 118 B.C., they established a province called Narbonnaise in the transalpine area. Further east, Emperor Augustus set up the province of Alpes-Maritimes, with the border near the present-day village of Rougon. During this period, two cities emerged: Salinæ (Castellane), known for its saline springs, and Riez, which became the seat of a colony and developed in the Colostre plain.

Under Roman rule, much of the Verdon was focused on agriculture, with numerous rural settlements, including large agricultural estates called villae, which thrived in the region.

During the High Middle Ages, the region underwent significant political changes. In 536, it was annexed to the Kingdom of the Franks. However, in 879, it regained its independence. This period was also marked by the occupation of the Moors in 880, with raids extending as far as the Alps.

The medieval period was marked by feudal recompositions, a monastic revival, and a significant flourishing of Romanesque art. It was a time of prosperity characterized by the development of cities and trade.

The 15th and 16th centuries brought significant socio-economic crises, including outbreaks of the Black Death that wreaked havoc. Provence gradually integrated into the kingdom starting in 1481.

However, this era also witnessed the development of local industry, with population growth, the development of villages, and the emergence of new economic activities.

In the 17th century, the population continued to grow, villages developed, and the local nobility allied with the rising bourgeoisie. This marked the beginning of local industry, with sectors such as glassmaking, pottery, and hydraulic engineering. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie became one of the largest faience centers in France during the reign of Louis XIV.

The 18th century was marked by the Enlightenment, with local figures such as Father Marc de Bauduen and Abbé Bausset. However, this period was also darkened by the Great Plague of 1720, which struck Provence, depleting its population.

The 19th century witnessed profound social, technical, and economic changes in the Gorges Verdon region. These transformations affected landscapes, ways of life, and territorial organization.

In the 20th century, the Gorges Verdon were “discovered” by geologist Édouard-Alfred Martel, although local inhabitants had always traversed these gorges for various activities. The construction of dams and the military camp of Canjuers also played a significant role during this time.

In the face of all these transformations and changes, the inhabitants of the Gorges Verdon chose to adapt by developing new activities that respect their territory. This varied history reflects the resilience and adaptability of the region over the centuries, creating a rich and diverse heritage that visitors can still appreciate today.

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