The Lake of Sainte-Croix
Located at the gateway to the Gorges du Verdon, on the border between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var departments, the Sainte-Croix lake is a real natural setting with turquoise waters and a preserved setting. Every year, it attracts visitors in search of nature, freshness and spectacular landscapes. With its 2,200 hectares, the lake of Sainte-Croix is the largest in the Verdon Regional Natural Park. It is the fourth largest artificial lake in France. The construction of the Sainte-Croix dam on the Verdon in 1973 gave birth to this lake, which was filled in 1974. This ambitious project aims to produce hydroelectricity while ensuring the supply of drinking water for a large part of the region.
From the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you can access in 1h15 of walking to the first beaches of the lake. It will be easy for you to find a corner in the shade of the oak trees that line this beach. Depending on the season, you can enjoy the spring song of the birds under the sun which is getting warmer and warmer, the mild temperatures of the lake in summer, the autumn colours in the late season or the disconcerting calm in winter…
© OT Moustiers
© OT Moustiers
© OT Moustiers
© OT Moustiers
A protected playground
Beyond its tourist attractions, Lake Sainte-Croix is a true haven of biodiversity. Many species of fauna and flora coexist there. Its wooded banks and calm waters are home to many species of birds, such as the great crested grebe. In the wetter areas, dragonflies, amphibians and various species of insects, essential to the balance of the ecosystem, can be observed. The Mediterranean flora mixes pines, holm oaks and thyme, offering a palette of colours and scents that changes with the seasons. Several areas around the lake are classified and protected, in particular for the richness of their biodiversity.
Lake Sainte-Croix is an ideal playground for lovers of gentle water activities . Classified as an area without a combustion engine, it guarantees rare tranquility and excellent swimming quality. Visitors can thus fully enjoy nature in a peaceful setting. Among the key activities:
- Swimming is the essential family activity during the summer.
- Pedal boats, canoes and kayaks are particularly popular at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon, where you can go up the river for several hundred metres
- Paddle boarding, to explore wild coves or the most secret corners of the lake
- The electric boat for enjoying a sunny day on the lake
The tour of the lake
Lake Sainte-Croix will enchant you with its beautiful views! It takes about an hour to drive around the lake, covering around 60 kilometres. From Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the road winds along the hillside, offering spectacular views of the entrance to the Gorges. As you pass through the villages of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Les Salles-sur-Verdon and Bauduen, you will discover contrasting landscapes of peaceful beaches, wooded cliffs and wild coves. Each stop offers a unique panorama, a chance to take a dip or relax on a terrace. The road passes through lavender fields and Mediterranean forests.
In summer, the route is very busy, so it’s best to set off early to enjoy it in peace. It’s an ideal loop for combining discovery, swimming and local culture in a single day.
© OT MoustiersFor lovers of wide open spaces and long-distance adventure, hiking around Lake Sainte-Croix is a unique experience. With breathtaking views of turquoise waters, picturesque villages and immersion in unspoilt nature, this hike offers you a complete journey around the lake. A beautiful way to discover the Verdon in a different way, at your own pace.
© OT MoustiersThe five lakes of the Verdon
From Sainte-Croix to Castillon, via Quinson, Esparron and Chaudanne, these five artificial lakes, shaped by man thanks to the construction of hydroelectric dams, offer a remarkable balance between energy exploitation, environmental preservation and outdoor pleasures. True havens of freshness, these lakes invite you to relax, swim, water sports or contemplate grandiose panoramas.