Discover the beauty of the Verdon lakes. The Basses Gorges du Verdon offer a breathtaking landscape of vistas and gorges.
The result of erosion by the Verdon river, they now take the form of immense limestone cliffs. The best time to visit the Verdon and its lakes is between mid-June and mid-July, when the lavender is in bloom. Throughout the year, however, the climate remains mild and the colors change on the crystal-clear waters of the lakes. The Verdon is an exotic paradise for nature and heritage lovers.
Lake Sainte Croix
This is the must-see lake for your vacation in the Verdon. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water and numerous activities offered by local service providers. It’s a magical vacation destination for families and children in particular.
Its climate is particularly mild, with 300 days of sunshine a year.
You’ll have the chance to enjoy water sports activities with the whole family when you book your campsite at Lac de Sainte-Croix, as there are numerous rental companies and service providers based all around the lake.
What activities are available on Lac de Sainte Croix?
Swimming at Lac de Sainte-Croix
Directly accessible from the campsite, Bauduen beach is a small pebble beach with lifeguard surveillance. In the extension of the main street (rue du petit four), after the nautical center, you’ll discover other coves, wilder and quieter.
The most easily accessible and popular beach is Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, at the bottom of the village. It is supervised and has ample parking and picnic areas.
Below the village of Les Salles sur Verdon, the beach is more private and shaded. You’ll have a breathtaking view of the uninhabited island of Coste Belle, a real playground for children. The island is accessible by boat or pedalo for a family outing. The island offers magnificent panoramic views over the whole of Lac de Sainte-Croix.
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Boats for rent on Lac de Sainte-Croix
We recommend Alize Electronic Location in Bauduen for safe boating on the lake, while respecting nature and the beauty of the landscape. Alize Electronic Location offers boat rentals for up to 8 people. The company has over 20 years’ experience as a designer and builder of electric boats.
You can also swim at the Galetas bridge on the north side of the lake, where the great Verdon canyon opens out. Here too, there are plenty of parking spaces for easy access to the lake. There are also shaded picnic areas. It’s also the ideal starting point for exploring the Gorges, navigating the waters of the lake by electric boat from your campsite in the Verdon lakes.
Walks and hikes on Lac de Sainte-Croix, the most beautiful viewpoints.
During your vacation in the Verdon, take advantage of the many hiking trails that criss-cross these breathtaking landscapes.
The Bauduen circuit runs alongside the lake, offering a loop around the peninsula. The route is well signposted, and gives access to coves where you can swim in the turquoise waters. Bring your bathing suit!
To reach a road offering superb views of the lake, head for Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, then, on the road leading to Riez, turn left shortly after the traffic circle. Winding up to the Plateau de Valensole, this road skirts the plateau and offers beautiful panoramic views of Lac de Sainte-Croix. If you’re feeling more sporty, take the hiking trail down from the plateau to the lake. This takes you to little-known coves where you can admire the turquoise waters!
And to enjoy the most beautiful sunsets over the lake, we recommend the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir belvedere. This superb, listed chapel offers a panoramic view of the valley and lake, and is accessible via an easy, child-friendly and safe path.
The Veris to Bauduen trail, easy and accessible to all, offers one of the most beautiful views of Lac de Sainte-Croix. Experienced hikers won’t want to missthe Montée du Grand Margèsfrom Aiguines for an exceptional panorama.
Between the Gorges de Baudinard and the Lac de Montpezat, downstream from the Lac de Sainte-Croix, a superb path runs alongside the gorges. Grab your swimsuits and descend halfway down to the small beach at Lac de Montpezat.
Must-sees around Lac de Sainte-Croix
During your stay in the Verdon region, you can visit picturesque villages clinging to the hills around Lake Sainte Croix. Great discoveries await you, with family or friends.
The list is not exhaustive, of course, although we do recommend that you visit some of our favorites.
Family discoveries
L’Art en Jouetin the village of Bauduen. You’ll discover three imposing, fairytale Playmobils sets. Kids love it, and adults can smell the nostalgia: not to be missed! Take a stroll through Bauduen and discover the remains of the 15th-century ramparts, the 17th-century oil mill and the sundial with its distinctive motto.
In the Aiguines area, discover the Musée des tourneurs sur bois (Woodturners’ Museum) near Lac de Saint-Croix. A fun museum run by people who are passionate about their craft. Their collection has been awarded the Musée de France label.
Aiguines and its fully restored château combine the charm of a Provencal village with a majestic, unobstructed view over the lake to the Valensole plateau. If you’re lucky enough to visit Aiguines at the end of July, don’t miss its potters’ market to discover unique and original creations. Finally, a little further south, a number of villages are well worth a visit. Aups, for example, with its clock tower and Provencal markets, or Montagnac-Montpezat with its lavender fields.
Don’t miss the Sainte-Croix du Verdon market every Tuesday morning in summer. After parking in the Bellevue parking lot, you can wander the market aisles and sample local specialities such as goat’s cheese and honey, smell the scent of lavender and discover local crafts.
Book at Aux Vallons, camping lakes du Verdon
Lake Quinson
Lac de Quinson is made up of a succession of small lakes stretching over 11 kilometers between the Gorges de Baudinard and the lower Gorges du Verdon. Here you’ll find Lac de Montpezat, Lac d’Artignosc and the main lake, Lac de Quinson. Upstream is the dam of the same name.
Less touristy than the other two lakes on the Verdon, Lac de Quinson has retained its wild character, making it an ideal destination for discovering the region’s flora and fauna, as well as for water sports and hiking.
The upstream part of Lac de Quinson (Lac de Montpezat or Lac de Saint-Laurent-Artignosc) is off-limits to bathers, but each of these areas is ideal for canoeing to discover the wild Verdon. Many species have found refuge here (birds, wading birds, fish), far from the major tourist spots further downstream.
Activities at Lac de Quinson
At Lac de Quinson, you can swim on the many beaches downstream from the dam, near the Pont de Quinson for example. Further upstream, the beach at Artignosc is more suitable for young children.
The Quinson water sports center offers a wide range of activities, including canoe, pedal-boat and electric boat rental for a trip up the lower Verdon gorges to the Baudinard gorges. You’ll admire some extraordinary scenery along the way, and get a real change of scenery! The lake also offers some great walks and hikes along the banks and higher up in the gorges. Please note that motorboats are not allowed on the lakes. The lake has plenty of parking and picnic areas for family breaks.
If you’re passing through Lac de Quinson, stop off at the village of the same name. As well as discovering a village full of character, you’ll find the Musée de la Préhistoire, Europe’s largest prehistory museum! The museum features a faithful reproduction of the 40,000-year-old Baume cave, as well as computer-generated images of the major stages in history on a geological scale. The museum tells the story of the region, from the dawn of mankind to the Roman conquest. Try your hand at the first human gestures: flint knapping, archery, making a fire…
What to do at Lac de Quinson
During your visit to the lake, you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from. An ideal opportunity to enjoy the view and the surrounding air!
The most beautiful viewpoints in Quinson
The village of Quinson is encircled by limestone cliffs that offer a beautiful panoramic view of the lake. If you climb higher, onto the plateau, you’ll have the whole village of Quinson and its lake in perspective.
One of the most beautiful outings is undoubtedly the » low gorge hike » or » Garde-Canal hike « . For 1h30 (short version), you hike overhanging the water via a series of pontoons, suspension bridges and specially-designed ledges. This hike is accessible to all. Ask at the campsite for other ideas for hikes in the Verdon.
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Lake Esparron
Smaller than Lac de Sainte-Croix, but still covering 160 hectares, downstream from the Lower Gorges, it has retained its wild character so characteristic of the Verdon. Less frequented in summer, it is an alternative for those seeking peace and serenity.
The best way to admire the beautiful scenery of the lake or the Lower Gorges is to rent an electric boat or climb aboard a large boat for a guided tour.
The beaches of Lac d’Esparron
Almost all the beaches are within walking distance along the path that once served as a watchtower for the Canal de Provence.
You can swim near the village of Esparron. After a 10-minute walk, you’ll find a number of small coves where you can take a dip.
On the other side of the river is Gréoux-les-bains. You can enjoy a swim at the best-known beach, Saint Julien. You can rent electric boats, canoes or pedalos, the ecological way to preserve the nature of this magnificent site.
For greater peace and quiet, you can opt for the Lac Sauvage beach on the road to Gréoux les Bains when you arrive in Esparron. Find out in advance, as access to this beach is not easy as it is not very visible.
Activities at Lake Esparron
As on the other Verdon lakes, you can enjoy most water sports: canoeing, electric boating, rowing, sailing and, of course, family bathing.
To discover the lake with family or friends, we recommend the one-hour cruise from Esparron to the Lower Gorges. Get your cameras ready for magnificent shots of the Verdon wilderness! Remember to book in advance.
To admire the magnificent lavender fields, head for the Valensole plateau on the Lavender and Lavandin Route! You can stop off to visit sites and museums that will give you a better understanding of lavender production and its by-products.
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Exploration of the lower gorges by canoe or electric boat
The typical village of Esparron de Verdon, with its magnificent castle and 11th-century tower, is the perfect place for a family outing.
Electric boats are the best way to discover the lower gorges. No license is required, and they can be driven by anyone, including children, under adult supervision of course. Take the trouble to book in advance, as demand is high and the fleet of boats is limited in order to reduce the environmental impact of tourism on nature!
Don’t forget your picnic, sun cream and bottle of water.
After renting your boat or canoe, you’ll set off on a 10 km trip to take in the breathtaking scenery. You’ll come across several caves that were once inhabited by early man and are only visible from the boat. Navigate with care and admire a landscape unique in the world.
The crystal-clear waters of the Verdon and the absence of currents are an invitation to swim. Lac d’Esparron and the lower gorges are less frequented. You’ll easily find a quiet spot for a family picnic. With children, it’s the ideal way to experience the thrill of adventure in unspoilt wilderness!
Stop off at Ile du Barbu, opposite Esparron, a heavenly peninsula with creeks, coves and lush green meadows. Enjoy a siesta in the shade of an oak or olive tree. A real playground for children.
We hope these details will help you plan your vacation in the lower Gorges du Verdon.
We’d like to thank the excellent Verdon Secret.com website for the inspiration behind this article.
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