Quinson Lake, located on the outskirts of the eponymous village, stretches 11 km from the downstream end of the Baudinard Gorge to the lower gorges. It is in fact a succession of small wilderness lakes intersected by the Quinson dam. Quinson Lake itself is located downstream of the dam and upstream of the low gorges just near the village. So we will talk about the lake of Montpezat, the lake of Artignosc and the lake of Quinson.
This is probably the least touristy lake of the Verdon. This is due to its wild character, much more pronounced than those of Esparron or Sainte-Croix. But if you are eager to discover all the most beautiful corners of the Verdon, lake Quinson is a must-see!
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 to do at Lake Quinson?
The upstream part of the lake (Montpezat lake) is forbidden to swimming. However, canoeing is possible and propose a small adventure in a still wild Verdon. Many birds, waders, fish have found refuge there far from the tourist influx of the downstream part of the lake. We speak here rather of the lake of Montpezat or the lake of Saint-Laurent and Artignosc.
Caution must always be the rule in the Verdon. You can swim on the downstream part of the dam near the Quinson bridge. Further upstream, the beach of Artignosc is particularly suitable for young children!
The nautical base of Quinson allows you to make the connection to the lake of Esparron. Departures from Saint Laurent de Verdon and Montagnac-Montpezat will allow you to go up the Gorges upstream from the Quinson dam to the Baudinard gorges.
Where to rent an electric boat or a canoe?
While strolling along the lake, you will find a leisure base where you can rent pedal boats, canoes and electric boats. Motor boats being forbidden on the lake, it has kept its wild character for the pleasure of all. You will be able to go up the low gorges of the Verdon while savouring the sumptuous scenery that parades before your eyes! You should also know that it is very easy to park . Why not come for a picnic with your family and enjoy the freshness of the lake in the background?
To rent canoes, pedal boats or boats, we invite you to go to our “Book your activity” page.
Finally, the village of Quinson located right next to the lake is clearly worth the detour. If only for its extraordinary Museum of Prehistory, which will enchant curious children and adults alike! It is nothing less than the largest prehistory museum in Europe. The reconstruction of the cave of the Baume Bonne and the reproduction in computer-generated images of the major stages of prehistory are certainly not for nothing.
Where to eat around Lake Quinson?
During your visit to the lake, you will notice that many cafés and restaurants are at your disposal. An ideal opportunity to enjoy the view and the surrounding air!
In addition to the many picnic spots, there is no shortage of places to eat around Lake Quinson. You can discover a large part of them on our page dedicated to the best restaurants in the Verdon!
One small restaurant is worth the detour by its location in a wild place on the lake: the Guinguette du Verdon. Here is a place as we like it! You would never imagine that a restaurant has set up at this place on the road that links Saint-Laurent du Verdon to Montpezat along the lake.
What are the most beautiful views?
First of all, magnificent limestone cliffs surround the village of Quinson. If you take the time to climb up there, you will enjoy an exceptional panorama of the lake (by climbing higher).
Then, the plateau located a little higher up will allow you to enjoy its lavender fields. It will also offer you a splendid view of Quinson and its lake.
Finally, the village of Montagnac-Montpezat is the closest village to the lake. So you will be able to observe its graceful and transparent waters more closely!
Where to go for an easy hike by the water? The hike of the low gorges
The hike of the low gorges or the hike of the Garde-Canal is undoubtedly the most beautiful and easy hike of the Verdon. You walk over the water along a series of pontoons and equipped bridges: accessible to all, this hike can be completed in one and a half hours (short version with a round trip) or two and a half hours (long version with a loop passing through a small chapel).
You will find information about this hike in our pages Book your boat rental or canoe.
Where to go for a canoe trip in a wilderness area?
If you go to the Tohapi de MontPezat campsite, ask for Bertrand and his nautical base: he will provide you with canoes or electric boats to explore the Baudinard gorges . But you can also sail downstream and discover a much wilder Verdon.
The most beautiful horse rides in the Verdon
Between Montpezat and Artignosc, the ranch of the Verdon horses is exceptional. Agnès and Michel will make you discover trails overlooking the gorges, walk with the horses on the water’s edge … In short, a whole adventure in a unique atmosphere: a mixture of far west and turquoise water. There are several formulas of equestrian rides available for half a day, a day or even two days with bivouac: find all the information here.
