How about soaking up the sun on a beach worthy of the Caribbean? With its turquoise waters, peaceful atmosphere, and surrounding Provençal villages, Lake Sainte-Croix embodies the Verdon way of life. Just a 2-hour drive from Marseille, its 2,220 hectares nestled in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park attract both those seeking relaxation and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This year, the water level is particularly favorable, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the site.
Lake Sainte-Croix, the Verdon’s turquoise gem
It is between the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence that we come across this sublime and vast expanse of water. It’s hard not to be captivated by its shades of blue and green, a color created by the fine limestone particles carried by the Verdon River that scatter the sunlight. Created in 1973 during the construction of the Sainte-Croix Dam, it is now one of the most beautiful lakes in Provence.
It’s hard to say what’s most captivating: its mesmerizing color, its idyllic beaches, or its peaceful atmosphere. In fact, to preserve both water quality and the surrounding tranquility, only non-motorized boating is permitted. All around the lake, several beaches let you enjoy this setting. The one at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, easily accessible and lifeguarded in summer, remains one of the most popular. More secluded, the small beaches below the village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon offer a wilder setting, shaded by holm oaks.
Water sports, hikes, and breathtaking views
Pedal boats, paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, or electric boats: there are plenty of options for gently exploring the lake’s calm waters. Many also choose to reach the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon from the Galetas Bridge. The vertiginous cliffs that close in along the water’s edge offer a breathtaking spectacle.
To explore the area in a different way, several hiking trails crisscross the surrounding countryside. From the road connecting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Riez, panoramic views unfold at almost every turn.
It’s also impossible to miss the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir lookout. Accessible via a relatively easy trail, this viewpoint offers one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Verdon. The view of the lake and the valley is particularly impressive.
Provençal villages and heritage sites around the lake
The charm of Lake Sainte-Croix extends to the villages lining its shores. Each has its own identity, blending heritage, Provençal markets, and narrow streets full of character. Bauduen charms with its medieval atmosphere, featuring remnants of 15th-century ramparts and an old oil mill. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie intrigues with its mysterious star and a chapel nestled between two cliffs. Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, meanwhile, comes alive around its weekly market.
The surrounding area is also brimming with other must-see destinations, such as Aups and its Provençal markets, or Montagnac-Montpezat, surrounded by lavender fields that color the landscape in the summer months.
