French gendarmes patrol Verdon lakes to prevent illegal camping and forest fires

Gendarmes and eco-guards from the Verdon Regional Park are conducting nighttime patrols on Sainte-Croix Lake and near the Verdon Gorges to prevent illegal camping and bivouacking. These measures aim to reduce the risk of forest fires in an area highly susceptible to wildfires.

Since the beginning of 2026, the Var gendarmerie has recorded 310 infractions related to forest protection. Specifically, around Sainte-Croix and Artignosc lakes, 89 similar infractions have been documented. Violators face fines of 135 euros for unauthorized camping or smoking in high-risk zones.

The operations come amidst a record year for wildfires, with the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis) reporting that 93,000 hectares have already burned this year.