The Sorgue, an exceptional river

The Sorgue is a river that springs from Fontaine de Vaucluse. The village of Fontaine de Vaucluse has had the privilege of giving its name to the department (Vaucluse) and derives its etymology from its geographical curiosity “Vallis Clausa”, which means “The Closed Valley”. The emerald-green water source is ranked among the world’s most important outbreaks. The chasm from which it flows is located at the foot of a 230 meters cliff.  All year round, the secondary sources supply the river: the Sorgue flows for 35 km and passes through many villages, which forms a hydraulic network of “Sorgues” arms. The spring has an average flow of 630 million m3 per year, resulting from the emergence of a huge underground network. The chasm, located 80 meters above sea level, remains a mystery to this day that has been the subject of a large number of scientific studies. Shaped by man, the hydrographic network of the Sorgue works “in reverse”: it arises from a single arm and then divides. The water temperature is constant; it displays 13 degrees all year round, which gives it a special flora and fauna unique in France. This natural site is surrounded by the Clause valley, which forms a setting, made up of the Monts de Vaucluse. The flow, always regular, gives this river a very good oxygenation. These ideal conditions allow it to host a very diverse ecosystem. It has been classified as a “Natura 2000” zone throughout its course. Some species are relatively rare at regional, national or even European level.

Source : Syndicat Mixte du Bassin des Sorgues – Google Trad