It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Provence, if not the most beautiful of all: Located between the Gorges du Verdon and the lavender fields of the Plateau de Valensole, the Lac de Sainte-Croix attracts visitors. Only gasoline-powered engines must remain outside. However, you can use electric boats to navigate the Lac de Sainte Croix. And there are plenty of rental places for surfboards, dinghies, catamarans and small sailing ships.

Swimming is also permitted; beaches are available in the three villages of Bauduen, Les-Salles-sur-Verdon and Sainte-Croix-sur-Verdon located directly on the reservoir. However, these are mostly pebble or stony natural beaches.

The Lac de Sainte-Croix is uniquely located
What makes this lake so attractive? Above all, its incomparable location: It is located in the Verdon Regional Natural Park (Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon), on the border between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments (largest city: Manosque) and Var (largest city: Toulon). The Lac de Sainte-Croix is fed exclusively by the Verdon River. Immediately after flowing through the picturesque, wild Gorges du Verdon, the Verdon flows into the lake. At the transition between the gorge and the lake, the Pont du Galetas bridge spans the water. The surroundings are also idyllic, the hills of the Haut-Var and the plain of Valensole with their lavender fields form a charming backdrop.

Translated by Google •

Andi 😎🚴

June 3, 2025

From the bridge, you have a breathtaking view of both the entrance to the gorge and the lake. 🤩🤩

Translated by Google •

Carla Foesenek

September 17, 2022

unfortunately little water in the Gorges du verdon.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 500 m

Weather

Today

Monday 20 October

12°C

9°C

100 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Digne-Les-Bains, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France

Pont du Galetas

1. View of Le Verdon – View of the Verdon Gorge loop from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

2. Pont du Galetas – Lac de Sainte-Croix loop from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

3. Plage face à l'île Costebelle – Aiguines Village Center loop from Les Salles-sur-Verdon

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️