The lake Sainte-Croix in Verdon Gorges and its turquoise water are part of the essential corners of the Verdon. Several activities are for lovers, families or budding sportsmen. Without artifice, heavenly and resourcing, you will certainly be a fish in water!
It would be almost impossible to miss a visit to the Lake Sainte-Croix.
What are the most beautiful beaches?
A lake swimming means clustering; hence, it is perfect for afternoons with family and friends.
The beach of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is located below the village. It is accessible by car, making it one of the most popular beaches in summer. You can find another beach in “Les Salles sur Verdon”, just as accessible and magnificent.
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
Some swimming spots to know:
The beach of Bauduen is a few meters from the center of the village, the parking spaces are sometimes more difficult to find. Indeed, it is definitely worth a visit if you want to enjoy a quiet sunny afternoon. Here is also a little advice for you. Walk along the street along the lake Sainte-Croix in Bauduen, pass the village and keep on walking along the lake to the west. It will lead you to smaller, more discreet beaches, less frequented but just as beautiful as the main beaches.
The roller bridge
Another place on the lake not to be missed: the “Pont du Galetas”. It’s located at the end of the lake, where the Verdon Grand Canyon opens out. Large car parks for access, where you can picnic with family or friends. It is also a perfect starting point for canoe or pedal boat rides to enjoy the Gorges while sailing on the waters of the lake.
What to do at Lake Sainte-Croix?
The waters of Lake Sainte-Croix are renowned for their freshness whatever the season. This is an easy way to refresh your ideas when soaring temperatures.
The sunbathing is very pretty but we know that there are adventurers among you! There is nothing like a pedal boat, an electric boat or a canoe to discover the Gorges du Verdon in all their splendor . There you’ll find what you’re looking for. The boats are large enough to accommodate up to 5 people. See our article on the boat rental in the Verdon.
You can also go to our ” book your activity ” page or on the page what to do with young children in the Verdon? “
Family with children
If you have children with you, there is a unique site in France at the top of the village of Bauduen: “l’art en jouet” (Toy art museum). Indeed, it is a magical place for all Playmobil and construction fans, and a great opportunity to fall back into childhood!
Not far from the lake, history lovers, children and the curious can visit the Quinson Museum of Prehistory.
Finally, another place to discover a few minutes from the lake: the woodturning museum in Aiguines. Very playful, it is guaranteed a pleasant visit with a passionate team. You will discover works created with love, appearing in a collectible museum of France.
Where to eat around the lake of Sainte Croix?
If you want to enjoy a good meal with a view of the Lake Sainte-Croix, there are several options available to you.
First of all, the Altitude 823 restaurant in Aiguines offers homemade dishes. The quality/price ratio is excellent and the view of the lake is sumptuous.
The restaurant “Le Comptoir” in Sainte-Croix Sur Verdon offers a simple kitchen with a panoramic view of the lake.
One of our favorite restaurants is located on the waterfront in Bauduen: l’Ô à la bouche. This restaurant is situated just near the lake at the deep end of the village.
What are the most beautiful views?
From Moustiers towards Riez, take a left at the roundabout: a road climbs in bends on the plateau of Valensole. This road runs along the plateau and offers unforgettable views of Lake Sainte-Croix. For the more adventurous, there is a trail that goes down from the plateau on the lake. It takes you to small coves with turquoise water!
Lake Sainte-Croix is located downstream of the Grand Canyon and upstream of the Baudinard Gorge. The discovery of the lake from the gorges offers sumptuous panoramas. For this, boat rental is possible, and booking is more than recommended: see our booking pages and do not hesitate to book Several days in advance!
Villages around the lakes
In addition to Bauduen, Les Salles Sur Verdon and Sainte-Croix du Verdon, other villages offer a splendid view of the lake. Aiguines with its castle and ocher roofs houses.
A little further south, some villages are worth a visit: Aups with its Clock Tower and its Provencal markets. Montagnac-Montpezat for its lavender fields.
A lookout on the lake above Baudinard:
A little advice to admire the most beautiful sunsets on the lake. “Notre Dame de Beauvoir ” is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful points of view of the lake of Sainte Croix. The climb is worth a visit, the chapel is beautiful and the view of the lake is breathtaking. A sublime view over the whole valley and the lake. Other high altitude trails also offer beautiful walks and are suitable for all levels of hiking. The area is accessible to children, the path being well secured.
To end the day, the movie Verdon Secret is screened in the air during the summer of 2019. A dive into the great canyon of the Verdon one has a giant screen and the starry sky of the Verdon.
Where to stay at the Verdon Gorges ?
If you intend to come and visit us, you may be wondering about the best place to stay. First of all, it is important to understand that 20 km here could take one hour by car ! The Gorges are 100 km long! If you want to make sure you ‘ve made the right choice and select your accommodation according to your favorite activities, please read this article. It’ll take 15 minuts but you’ll save a lot of time and make the most out of your vacation !