Esparron-de-Verdon, on the banks of the Pearl of Verdon

Esparron-de-Verdon , vue générale

Esparron-de-Verdon, perched above the lake of Esparron, the famous “pearl of the Verdon”, is just at the entrance des Basses Gorges du Verdon. It nestles in a splendid intimate setting housing only 413 souls. Overlooking the lake of Esparron between Gréoux-Les-Bains and Quinson, the village is an excellent starting point to discover the Verdon, its lakes and gorges, but also to enjoy the gentle way of life of the Provencal country.

Some ideas of activities to do in the Verdon during your hike

Here are some ideas of activities to book before or after your hike in Esparron-de-Verdon.
Book a guide for the Imbut Trail
Book a guide for the Martel White Trail
– Book an evening of astronomy on the shores of Lake St. Croix and sleep on site
– Watch the film Verdon Secret in 3D on a giant screen

What to do in Esparron-de-Verdon?

Lovers of old stone and the charm of the small villages of Provence will have the pleasure of wandering through the narrow streets. They may also discover the picturesque old houses and finally enjoy the magnificent panorama offered by the lake’s shores. This pleasure alone is a good reason to visit Esparron-Sur-Verdon!

Not to be missed either, the Château d’Esparron, dating from the 10th century and classified as a historical monument. Its proud keep, monumental spiral staircase and courtyard of honor have been remarkably maintained since the 13th century by the de Castellane family. Today, transformed into a guest house, it offers furnished rooms and apartments, restored taking care to preserve the original style and atmosphere of the castle.

For a little more mystery and history, the Aven de Vauclare you must see. In this geological formation dating from the Bronze Age there is even an offering well!

Esparron-de-Verdon vu du lac

Where to swim in Esparron-de-Verdon?

Lake Esparron nicknamed the “pearl of the Verdon” for its splendid emerald color offers many possibilities for swimming. Moreover, the creeks, cliffs and forests that border the lake give it a wild and pristine appearance compared to other lakes.

For a more extensive discovery of the lake, go to the Club Nautique Esparron-de-Verdon. Indeed, it offers you to learn (or improve) how to handle windsurfing, dinghy or rowing.

However, you can also explore these waters in complete relaxation by renting electric boats. No engine noise will disturb the peace and quiet of this beautiful environment. Explorers’ souls will even have the possibility to go up part of the Low Gorges to Quinson Lake!

Discovering the lake with a guide may be a good option. La Perle du Verdon offers a cruise on the lake aboard the Verdon promenade boat. It is also possible to book a cruise for a group.

Do not hesitate to consult the Activities section of our site to find the many offers of water activities on the lake of Esparron.

Where to walk and hike in Esparron-de-Verdon?

Apart from walks in the village, there are some very nice walks around Esparron-de-Verdon.

We recommend the Sentier du Garde-Canal, which is 9 km long, but quite easy, even for families with children! This path, with a balcony above the lake, runs along the old canal intended for the Verdon and its many works. You will thus have the opportunity to combine history and nature!

Other paths start from the village. The Botanical Trail, for example, is an easy 4 km loop where you will discover the various facets of the vegetation while enjoying the walk and the landscapes.

Sentier au bord du lac d'Esparron

The Sentier de la Séouve to Sainte-Magdeleine, will take you between the lake and the hills around the village. Moreover, this trail will make you discover the flora of the area and all its diversity. Allow about 2 hours to cover the 6 km of the entire trail.

Finally, by taking the mythical GR4, you can reach the villages of Quinson and Saint-Martin-de-Brômes in 3 hours and 30 minutes each. You will enjoy several superb viewpoints over the lower Gorges and on arrival in Quinson, or the views of the lake of Esparron on the way to Saint-Martin.

Where to stay?

Apart from the many guest rooms and gîtes, there are no hotels in Esparron. However, there is no lack of quality campsites. Situated in beautiful places, in the heart of nature, you might hesitate to make your choice! Here are a few tips to help you:

Le Soleil, a four-star campsite by the lake, offers interesting furnished tents and mobile homes in addition to the classic pitches. In a two-hectare estate, surrounded by oaks and pines, the campsite also has 100 marked out, terraced pitches.

Outside the village, the Flower La Beaume campsite offers you the possibility to stay in unusual rentals. Cabins, caravans, tipis, in which you will spend an original night and a fun experience for the children. It also offers the traditional pitches for tents, caravans and camper vans. Moreover, its heated indoor swimming pool will be the perfect remedy in case of bad weather!

Last but not least, we love the neat style of La Grangeonne campsite. This campsite offers, among other accommodation, “pods”, original wooden structures. You really feel like you’re in the houses of hobbits! The campsite’s tent-lodges are also very well equipped. These structures offer a good compromise between the pleasure of a stay in a tent and the comfort of a chalet.

Go to our Accommodation page to find the accommodations in Esparron-de-Verdon and organize your stay in the Verdon.

ARTICLES RÉCENTS

Séjour canoé Verdon

Trek ou Descente aquatique du Verdon sur 3 ou 5 jours

Découvrez nos séjours en itinérance

adventure WILL BE back on APRIL 10th

Most of our activities reopen on april 10th.
To know more about our activities and book online, go to this page. We are working on the new season and reservations are open.
For any question regarding your reservation, please consult our FAQ or the “chat”. We’ll answer in a few hours (just return on our website to see your answer)

Location-bateau-gorges-du-verdon
Séjour canoé Verdon

Découvrez nos séjours en itinérance

Trek ou Descente aquatique du Verdon sur 3 ou 5 jours