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.