Lake Esparron is worth a visit for its nice beaches and transparent water. Smaller than its neighbor Lake Sainte-Croix but just as exceptional, Lake Esparron is an artificial reservoir with magical colors. It offers to all those who approach it a magnificent landscape. Outstanding, it is both wild and mysterious. Even if it is the most inaccessible of the artificial lakes downstream of the Basses Gorges du Verdon, this lake will offer you calm waters and a very Provençal character.
Book your boat or canoe in the Verdon Gorges
We propose you to book online at the best price on our website or at the shop of Moustiers Sainte-Marie:
– Rent a canoe for a trip in the lower gorges
– From Esparron Lake to Quinson Lake by boat
– Discover the grand canyon by electric boat
– Book your canyoning in the Verdon gorges
What are the most beautiful beaches?
In theory, all the beaches are accessible on foot by the old path that used to allow you to watch the “Canal de Provence”. You can find them in all sizes. Some more sunny, others shadier, but all wild and calm. They are all part of the essential stops on your visit to the lake. In practice, you will have to walk and above all know where to go. That is the whole point of this article.
Near the village of Esparron, you will find small creeks where it is good to swim as long as you walk 300 or 500 meters. Closer to Gréoux Les Bains and located on the other bank, the small beach of Saint Julien is the most famous but also the most accessible. Indeed, it nestles in one of the many coves along the lake. You can rent electric boats, canoes or pedal boats while preserving the lake’s ecosystem and fauna and flora. And of course, you can eat with your family, relax with friends and swim in its turquoise waters!
Finally, for those seeking tranquility, the beach of the “wild lake” is accessible from a hairpin bend on the road from Gréoux Les Bains to Esparron. Canoe rental is possible and camping nearby is reserved for insiders as the area is not very visible.
What to do at Lake Esparron?
The facilities around the lake will allow you to practice all kinds of water sports. Pedal boats, rowing, sailing, canoeing, electric boats and of course swimming and sunbathing. There will be something for everyone!
From the top of its 160 hectares, the lake of Esparron de Verdon offers a splendid landscape suitable for electric boat rides. Knowing that the use of an internal combustion engine is strictly prohibited on the lake, you will discover a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you want to rest in one of the coves of the lake or venture into the Lower Verdon Gorges, there is no better way than to sail aboard an electric boat with family or friends!
Know that you can sail on the biggest boat on the lake: the Perle du Verdon. It is a large electric boat that can accommodate about sixty people. The walks are beautiful and commented for the most curious! The one-hour cruises depart from Esparron Sur Verdon at the exit of the Gorges du Verdon. Be careful, the boat changes its name in 2020 with its purchase by the village of Esparron. Contact us to learn more and book.
There is no better time to visit Lake Esparron than between mid-June and mid-July during the lavender flowering period. From Gréoux-Les-Bains, on the road leading to Esparron du Verdon, you will have the chance to cross some lavender fields. There’s nothing like stopping to take a nice picture! Depending on your itinerary, we advise you of course to take the lavender road that crosses the imposing Valensole plateau.
What are the most beautiful views?
The Basses Gorges du Verdon offer a breathtaking landscape of beauty. Fruit of the erosion of the Verdon River, they now take the form of huge cliffs of limestone rocks. You will discover many caves that bear witness to countless human activities in our history. These caves are visible from the boat if they cannot be visited.
The cliffs of Esparron are full of geological and mineral riches not to be missed. An opportunity to see that Verdon is beautiful from the sky to the earth!
The village of Esparron de Verdon is worth a visit for its picturesque side, its magnificent castle and its 11th-century tower.
Another place that we highly recommend near the lake is “L’Isle au Barbu” (Bearded Island). It is a small peninsula, opposite the village of Esparron de Verdon, accessible by boat. This heavenly place will offer you wild beaches, green meadows, as well as small peaceful creeks. You can enjoy a multitude of shady spots under the old oaks, olive trees, and cades.
Exploring the low gorges by canoe or electric boat
From Esparron de Verdon, you can go for almost 10 kilometers up the low gorges. It is one of the most pleasant walks if you want to discover the Verdon by canoe or on the water. Indeed, the lack of current and turquoise waters are a real invitation to swim. Moreover, you will be much quieter than on Lake Sainte-Croix because the low gorges are still unknown. If you are accompanied by young children, this is really the ideal excursion. The whole family will find happiness there. Finally, what could be more wonderful than stopping for a picnic over the transparent water in a natural setting as wild as this one?
How to book a boat to explore the low gorges?
Electric boats do not require a boat license and can even be driven by children. (In the presence of an adult). However, there are few boats and they are often booked in advance. You can book on our website. We guarantee the best prices and you can cancel without charge up to 24 hours before departure.
For canoes, it is advisable to book for the day (in practice from 10 am to 5 pm). Don’t forget the picnic and sunscreen! Finally, remember to bring water or you will have the water from the lake…
