50 years of Lake Sainte-Croix

Lac de Sainte-Croix, a turquoise jewel in the heart of the Southern Region, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Located between the departments of Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, it is bordered by six communes: Aiguines, Baudinard-sur-Verdon, Bauduen, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and Les Salles-sur-Verdon.

To celebrate this anniversary, each village will offer a unique day of entertainment, shows and events highlighting the local heritage. The festivities kick off on 13 September in Bauduen with a flyover by the Patrouille de France, and close on 21 September in Sainte-Croix with a fireworks display and a concert by the lake.

The full programme here.

Here is the detailed programme for the day of festivities in Bauduen, which will mark the start of the celebration of 50 years of the Lac de Sainte-Croix on Friday 13 September 2024 :

1. Opening of the festivities :

   • The day will begin with the official inauguration of the week of festivities, highlighting the historical and cultural importance of the Lac de Sainte-Croix to the region.

2. Petanque competition :

   • A pétanque competition will be organised, a popular activity that brings residents and visitors together for a friendly, competitive game.

3. Screening of the film ‘Verdon, coveted source of life’:

   • In collaboration with the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, a documentary film on the ecological and economic importance of the Verdon will be shown. The film, entitled ‘Verdon, coveted source of life’, will explore the environmental issues surrounding this unique region.

4. Conference:

   • After the film screening, a talk will be given to explore the issues raised, providing a forum for discussion and exchange on environmental and heritage issues in the Verdon.

5. Fireworks on the lake :

   • As night falls, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the Lac de Sainte-Croix, providing a magical moment for all spectators. The fireworks display will be visible from the shore, creating a magical atmosphere on the water.

6. Concert :

   • The day will close with an open-air concert, offering an evening of music to prolong the festivities and bring everyone together in a festive and relaxed atmosphere.

This day in Bauduen promises to be a highlight of the week's celebrations, combining culture, nature and festivities in an exceptional setting.

Here is the detailed programme for the day of festivities in Les Salles-sur-Verdon, scheduled for Saturday 14 September 2024, as part of the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sainte-Croix lake:

1. Garage sale :

   • The day will kick off with a garage sale where locals and visitors can sell, buy or swap various items. It's a great opportunity to unearth treasures while meeting the local community.

2. Mini-conferences :

   • Throughout the day, mini-conferences will be held on a variety of subjects relating to local heritage, the history of the village and the lake, and everyday life in the region.

3. Visit the model room:

   • The model room of the old village will be open all day at the tourist information office. Visitors will be able to see miniature reconstructions of the old village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon, before it was submerged by the creation of Lake Sainte-Croix.

4. Inflatable structures :

   • For the youngest visitors, inflatables will be set up, providing a safe place to play and have fun.

5. Inauguration of the wash-house with aperitif:

   • The recently restored village wash-house will be officially inaugurated. An aperitif will be offered to all participants at lunchtime, providing an opportunity to get together for a convivial moment.

6. Boules competition:Boules competition:

   • Un concours de boules sera organisé dans l’après-midi, une activité traditionnelle qui réunira les habitants et les visiteurs dans un esprit de compétition amicale.

7. Fireworks display :

   • As night falls, fireworks will be set off to celebrate the day and mark the anniversary of Lac de Sainte-Croix. The fireworks show promises to be one of the highlights of the day.

8. Concert :

   • The day will end with an open-air concert, offering participants an evening of music and dance to round off the festivities in a warm and festive atmosphere.

This day in Les Salles-sur-Verdon will be packed with a variety of activities, combining cultural discovery, entertainment for all ages and festive moments, in the magnificent setting of the banks of Lake Sainte-Croix.