Lake Sainte-Croix

Lake Sainte-Croix

Let yourself be seduced by the beauty of the landscape and the emerald colour of the waters of the Verdon. Have fun looking for your own piece of paradise in the 2,200 hectares covered by the lake. Then take a rest on its banks or play with your family in water between 20 and 25°C on sunny days.

Lake Sainte-Croix in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park

Within the Verdon Regional Natural Park, less than 5 minutes from the campsite, Lake Sainte-Croix is the summer tourist hub of the region, located between the Var department and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Enter the spectacular Verdon Gorges from the Galetas bridge, explore the Valensole plateau in early July when the lavender and wheat fields play with the light. Visit our authentic Provencal villages and take a stroll in the hills, letting yourself be enchanted by the blended scents of thyme and rosemary.

Weather Conditions on Lake Sainte-Croix

At an altitude of 480 meters, the weather conditions are diverse and pleasant. The Mistral wind blows for thrill-seekers, and a thermal wind sets in during the summer afternoons.

Access Conditions to Lake Sainte-Croix

Pedestrian access to Lake Sainte-Croix is facilitated by numerous parking lots. Please be mindful of respecting the environment and refrain from starting fires. It should be noted that boats with gasoline engines are prohibited on the lake. If you need to rent equipment, you can find it at the various nautical centers located around the lake.

How to get to Lake Sainte-Croix from the campsite?

On Foot, the Path to the Lake

From the campsite, you can reach Lake Sainte-Croix on foot. It will take you about twenty minutes at a brisk pace to reach the lake's shores.

By Car, the Closest Beaches to the Campsite

By car, head towards Bauduen, less than 5 minutes away on the road. Several parking lots along the way provide access to the shaded beaches of the lake. In Bauduen, there is a well-equipped and supervised beach in the summer, perfect for family swimming enjoyment.

The Beaches of Lake Sainte-Croix

Discover where to swim in the lake, enjoy water at 25°C, and relax under the Provencal sun.

The Beaches of the Lake: Les Salles-sur-Verdon

The beaches in the village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon are particularly pleasant. The immediate proximity of the trees allows you to easily find a shady spot, and the round pebble beaches reduce the presence of mud. Several beaches are accessible either from the road leading to the village or from within the municipality. The beaches facing the island are ideal for family adventures in canoes, kayaks, or pedal boats. Landing on an island always has a fun aspect, and there are far fewer people. If you're up for it, take a tour around the island. You'll discover some wonders. In the immediate vicinity of Les Salles-sur-Verdon, the shaded beaches are perfect for a picnic, the water is warm, ensuring moments of happiness. From there, you can reach the village and enjoy the presence of restaurants and shops.

The Beaches of the Lake: Aiguines

The beaches in the village of Aiguines are located at the entrance to the Verdon Gorges. A guaranteed spectacle! They are vast but also the most crowded in summer, as this is where you can rent a boat to access the canyon.

The Beaches of the Lake: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Like Aiguines, the Étoile base in the municipality of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is located at the entrance to the Verdon Gorges. The large parking lot mainly serves the nautical base, so you will find less space for peaceful relaxation. On the road leading to Moustiers, you will find several access points to the pleasant and shaded lake shores.

The Beaches of the Lake: Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon

Comfortable beaches await you in the municipality of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. In the summer, the site is very popular, and parking is paid. The beaches are exceptional, and there is enough space to find your own paradise by the lake. In the evening, we invite you to take a stroll in the perched village. It's worth a look!

The Beaches of the Lake: Bauduen

Welcome to our place! Bauduen is probably one of the most beautiful villages in the Verdon. At the entrance to the municipality, you will find a parking lot that provides access to one of the few supervised beaches on Lake Sainte-Croix. At the end of the village, a drivable path runs along the lake, and the shores are more rocky, but with a little effort, you will find your happiness there. Note that the lake's water level varies over time; Lake Sainte-Croix is an artificial lake, and it is possible that the level may not allow easy access to the shores.

What to Do at Lake Sainte-Croix?

It gets hot quickly in Provence, and the waters of Lake Sainte-Croix are quickly conducive to swimming. Fresh and refreshing water for moments of family enjoyment.

Nautical Bases on Lake Sainte-Croix

The villages of Bauduen, Aiguines, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and Les Salles-sur-Verdon have equipped beaches and a nautical base. The lake is well-suited for water activities: catamaran, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Canoeing and Kayaking on Lake Sainte-Croix

The lake is a paradise for canoe and kayak enthusiasts and vast open spaces. Numerous rental providers are located all around the lake to allow you to explore the lake differently. Of course, the canoe is the fastest means of water transportation, ideal for traversing the lake and the Verdon Gorges even on windy days. If you have your own equipment, you can forget about time constraints and enjoy the best hours of the day. We recommend going around the island in front of Les Salles-sur-Verdon and exploring areas only accessible by the lake. Family fun and water games guaranteed!

Paddleboarding on Lake Sainte-Croix

Easy to transport, many people enjoy paddleboarding on the lake. There is no better spot than another; it depends on your preferences. For a serene departure, we recommend starting from the west of the lake, from Bauduen, from the road to Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, or from Les Salles-sur-Verdon. In the summer, for a more "collective" departure, head to the Étoile or Aiguines nautical bases, both close to the Verdon Gorges.

What to Visit at Lake Sainte-Croix?

Where to find a beautiful viewpoint on the lake?

If you're looking for a viewpoint on Lake Sainte-Croix, we invite you to visit Aiguines. The village is over 800 meters above sea level. There, you will discover an exceptional panorama of Lake Sainte-Croix. The village is the starting point for the Route des Crêtes, on the left bank of the Verdon, where you will overlook the Verdon Gorges, Europe's largest canyon, for several kilometers. A must-see! On the heights of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, you will find an orientation table and an exceptional viewpoint of the village and the lake.

Entering the Verdon Gorges

From the nautical bases of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Aiguines, you can quickly access the largest canyon in Europe. The Gorges are a protected area, and you cannot go far up the Verdon from Galetas. But the spectacle is well worth the visit. Vertiginous walls marked by the passage of water, waterfalls, and a moment that will hopefully leave a lasting memory.

Where to Stay in Camping Near Lake Sainte-Croix?

Not all campsites in the Regional Natural Park are near Lake Sainte-Croix. Located in Bauduen on the road to Aups, Camping Le Clos de Barbey allows you to reach the lake on foot, by car, or by bike and is halfway between the Verdon Gorges in Aiguines and the Lower Gorges in Baudinard or Quinson.

Let's share happiness 😃 Le Clos de Barbey - campsite at Lake Sainte-Croix