Lake Sainte-Croix, gateway to the Gorges du Verdon

Lac de Castillon, Lac de Chaudanne, Lac d'Esparron... There are several large lakes along the course of the Verdon, but none with the impressive dimensions of Lac de Sainte-Croix: 2,200 hectares, 10 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide, here we are on the banks of the 3rd largest lake in France.

The lake itself is not old: created in 1973, it is quite recent! However, as early as 1908, the idea of building a reservoir on this spot was mooted, as Georges Clemenceau himself was making his way up the Gorges du Verdon. Not without consequences: the old village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon was swallowed up by the new Sainte-Croix lake (and the new village recreated on the southern banks), while Bauduen and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon remained just above the water level (after resistance from the inhabitants)!

Today, the Sainte-Croix lake is a major tourist attraction in the Gorges du Verdon: around the villages bordering the lake, and those in the surrounding area such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Aiguines, a number of hotels, guest houses and campsites have sprung up to welcome the many summer visitors who enjoy the lake and its activities every year.

Lake Sainte-Croix can be divided into two parts: the southern shore, part of the Var département, is the most developed, with the villages of Bauduen and Les Salles-en-Verdon. The northern part, on the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence side, has remained largely wild, around the small village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.

The clear, turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix are an irresistible invitation to go for a swim on a sunny day. Some are wild and secluded, while others are supervised, such as the Beauduen, Margaridon and Galetas beaches, which also offer a host of water sports activities.

The charms of the Lac de Sainte-Croix can also be experienced on the water: whether you're taking it easy on a pedalo, or getting more sporty in a kayak, a host of small boats sail up the lake towards the Pont du Galetas, the gateway to the canyon section of the Gorges du Verdon, which is the most impressive. An experience not to be missed! The lake is also ideal for freshwater sailors, but be warned: motors are banned! This is excellent news for preserving the peace and quiet of the area, where electric and sail-powered boats pass smoothly by.

For those who prefer to stay dry, Lac de Sainte-Croix also offers a wide range of activities. Hiking is widely practised in the surrounding area: around Lac de Sainte-Croix, starting out from the surrounding villages or in the Gorges du Verdon, the signposted trails offer a wide variety of outings, suitable for all levels. Some routes can even be explored by bike (long live the electric bike!), unless you want to take to the roads straight away.

For a great day out, a drive around Lake Sainte-Croix will take you past the villages of Sainte Croix, Bauduen and Les Salles-sur-Verdon, the Valensole plateau and its lavender fields, and the Galetas bridge, an unbeatable viewpoint over the Gorges du Verdon. Further afield, from Aiguines and its castle or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, there are splendid itineraries overlooking the canyon in all its splendour...

⭐ Auberge du Lac