Lake Sainte-Croix, a turquoise reservoir at the foot of the Gorges du Verdon
On a clear day, the water takes on a color between blue-green and emerald that is disorienting. You might feel more like you are in Croatia than in Provence. This is not a natural lake. Lake Sainte-Croix is an artificial reservoir created in 1974 during the construction of the EDF dam on the Verdon river. Resting beneath its waters are the remains of the old village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon, which was submerged when the basin was filled.
Why this lake is worth the detour
With a surface area of 2,200 hectares (about 5,436 acres), it is one of the largest artificial lakes in France. Its geographic position is its primary asset. It marks the downstream entrance to the Gorges du Verdon, and the junction between the lake and the canyon provides some of the most striking panoramas in southeastern France. The water, fed by the Verdon river, maintains its characteristic hue thanks to the suspension of limestone particles originating from the gorges.
The lake is bordered by four communes: Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Bauduen. Each offers different access and a unique vibe, ranging from pebble beaches to more isolated coves only reachable by swimming or paddleboard.
What to do here
Renting pedal boats and canoes at the Pont de Galetas bridge, at the entrance to the gorges, is the main activity. Heading up the Verdon from the lake toward the first canyon walls in a pedal boat is an experience difficult to match in the region. Progress is slow, the cliffs rise gradually on both sides, and the silence is broken only by the cries of swifts.
For those who prefer active water sports, the lake is also a popular spot for windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding, with a thermal wind that regularly picks up in the late morning. Swimming is allowed on most shores, though some areas are reserved for boats.
Local tip: Arrive at the Pont de Galetas before 9 am in July and August. Pedal boat rentals are often fully booked by mid-morning, and the line can be discouraging. Outside of July and August, the lake regains a remarkable tranquility. The colors are identical, but the crowds are a fraction of the summer volume.
The submerged village, a lasting history
The history of the lake is inseparable from that of the old village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon, which was forcibly evacuated in 1973 and submerged the following year. Residents were relocated to a village reconstructed to look identical just up the hill. During years of exceptional drought, low water levels sometimes reveal foundations, small walls, and traces of streets. It is a reminder that this postcard-perfect landscape rests on a collective memory that remains vivid for some local families.
Ideal for
- Families with children (accessible beaches, calm water activities)
- Fans of windsurfing and paddleboarding
- Those combining a visit to the Verdon gorges with a day of relaxation by the water
- Photographers, especially in the early morning for the grazing light on the water
Less suitable if
- You are looking for solitude in the middle of August: the shores near the villages are very crowded
- You are hoping for warm water swimming: the Verdon remains cool even in summer
- You do not have a car: public transportation does not serve the lake shores well
Opening hours
Lake Sainte-Croix is a natural area open to the public all year, with no set opening or closing times. Swimming and water activities are, however, subject to the regulations of the Gorges du Verdon (Verdon Gorge).
Boating and rentals for electric boats or pedal boats are generally available from early April to late October, depending on weather conditions and current local prefectural decrees. Nautical centers operate daily during this period, with peak activity in July and August.
How long for this activity
Plan on a half day to enjoy a swim and a pedal boat ride, or a full day if you want to explore the shorelines and more secluded coves of Lake Sainte-Croix.
Lake Sainte-Croix is an absolute must-see spot right at the exit of the Gorges du Verdon. For me, I loved alternating between hiking and swimming on a summer day! The advantage is that you can find everything around here. You can rent a kayak, take a dip, admire the surrounding countryside... As a bonus, the Pre-Alps mountains create a fantastic backdrop that reflects in the colorful water!