Top 20 Lakes around Sainte-Croix-Du-Verdon

The most prominent and central lake in the region is Lac de Sainte-Croix. It is the third largest artificial lake in France and is renowned for its striking turquoise waters, fed by the Verdon River.

Lac de Sainte-Croix is known for its stunning turquoise-blue waters and the dramatic landscape of the Gorges du Verdon at its upstream end. It was formed by the Sainte-Croix Dam, which contributes to hydroelectricity and regional water supply, and offers breathtaking views.

The lake is ideal for various water sports due to its mild temperature and the prohibition of combustion engines. You can enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boating, and electric boating. Exploring the lower parts of the Gorges du Verdon by boat from the lake is a popular activity.

Yes, the area around Lac de Sainte-Croix is very family-friendly. Many beaches around the lake are supervised during the tourist season, providing safe spots for swimming and relaxation. The highlight Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix is also noted as family-friendly, offering views without needing to enter the water.

Absolutely. The area offers numerous opportunities for hiking and walking. For example, the Former Verdon Canal highlight follows an old canal path, allowing you to hike close to the Verdon River along cliffs. You can find more hiking options in the Mountain Hikes around Sainte-Croix-Du-Verdon guide.

Yes, the region is rich in panoramic viewpoints. The highlight Lake Sainte-Croix is known for the various viewpoints it offers. Additionally, View of Lac de Sainte-Croix provides a beautiful perspective of the reservoir and the Gorges du Verdon. Roads and bridges around the Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix also offer stunning views.

The Former Verdon Canal is a unique hiking trail that follows the route of an old canal, in service from 1875 to the 1980s, which supplied water to villages and farms. Today, it's a magnificent passage allowing hikers to move along the side of cliffs, close to the Verdon River.

Yes, the area around Sainte-Croix-Du-Verdon offers various routes for outdoor activities. You can explore mountain biking trails in the MTB Trails around Sainte-Croix-Du-Verdon guide, and find running routes in the Running Trails around Sainte-Croix-Du-Verdon guide.

The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is pleasant for water activities and hiking. The mild water temperatures of Lac de Sainte-Croix make it particularly inviting during this period.

You can expect to see stunning turquoise waters, dramatic gorges like the Gorges du Verdon, green hills, and forests. The region is characterized by its natural beauty, offering a diverse landscape for exploration and relaxation.

Yes, Lac de Sainte-Croix itself has a significant history. It was formed between 1971 and 1974 with the construction of the Sainte-Croix Dam. The village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon was flooded to create the lake and was subsequently rebuilt nearby, with parts of the old village, like its fountain and bell tower, moved to the new site.

While Lac de Sainte-Croix is the primary and most popular lake, the wider Verdon region features other notable lakes such as Lac de Castillon, Lac de Quinson, Lac d'Esparron, and the more secluded Lac de Chaudanne. These are further afield but can offer a quieter experience.