Plizio Visual Lab

Lac de Sainte-Croix

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
—°3
Lac de Sainte-Croix (France)

Weather…

Lac de Sainte-Croix is a man-made reservoir in southern France, spanning the border between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. Created between 1971 and 1974 following the construction of the Sainte-Croix dam on the Verdon River, it covers an area of approximately 2,200 hectares. The flooding of the valley resulted in the submergence of the original village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon, which was rebuilt on higher ground. Holding 761 million cubic meters of water, the lake primarily serves hydroelectric power generation and provides drinking water for the Provence region. Geographically, the lake is situated at the exit of the Gorges du Verdon, Europe's deepest canyon. The lake's distinctive turquoise color, caused by micro-algae and fluorine compounds, has made it a world-renowned destination for water sports and nature enthusiasts. The surrounding landscape features lavender fields and limestone plateaus, characteristic of the Haute-Provence region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C125913182121161162
Rain mm4945525666442531538410269

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Traveling to the reservoir in the Var department is best done with your own car or a rental, as public transportation in the region is quite sparse.
📅
Best season
The summer months are good for swimming and watersports; spring and autumn offer more pleasant temperatures for hiking around the lake.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The shoreline areas vary from flat bathing beaches to rocky, uneven paths near the Verdon Gorge, making surefootedness quite useful for exploring.
🎒
What to bring
For your visit, bring swimwear, sun protection, and sturdy hiking shoes if you plan on exploring the adjacent cliffs and unpaved trails.
🅿️
Parking
Around the lake, especially near beaches and boat rentals, there are several designated parking lots which often fill up rapidly during the summer.
⚠️
Safety
Be cautious of the deep waters typical of reservoirs, and avoid taking small pedal boats towards the narrow Verdon Gorge during strong winds.
⏱️
Time needed
For a relaxing day by the water, including a boat ride into the scenic gorge, you should plan to spend at least a half to a full day here.

Geography

Coordinates
43.76670, 6.16670

Facts

  • The lake covers an area of approximately 22 km².
  • It is the fourth largest artificial lake in France.
  • The village of Les Salles-sur-Verdon was flooded in 1974.
  • The dam stands at a height of 95 meters.
  • The total water volume is 761 million cubic meters.
  • It marks the southern end of the Verdon Gorge.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lac de Sainte-Croix (3)

Plage de Bauduen🎡 recreation

Set against the striking landscape of Lac De Sainte Croix, Plage de Bauduen serves as a welcoming local beach. The calm lake waters are excellently suited for refreshing swims and leisurely sunbathing along the shore. Families and locals often gather here to enjoy unhurried walks and the striking natural backdrop. It is advisable to visit on weekdays for a quieter, more intimate lakeside experience.

Plage des Chaumets🎡 recreation

Plage des Chaumets features a beautiful lakeside location within the Bauduen area of Lac De Sainte Croix. This spot promises a restorative day featuring clear waters well-suited for a plunge and ample space to catch the sun. Visitors appreciate the gentle paths along the lake, which encourage long, thoughtful walks in nature. Preparing sunscreen and a good read will ensure a highly enjoyable outing.

Plage de la petite ruine🎡 recreation

Recognized as an appealing beach destination in Bauduen, Plage de la petite ruine graces the edges of Lac De Sainte Croix. The atmosphere tends to be relaxing, offering a fine balance between sun worshipping and cooling lake swims. Gentle explorations of the adjacent wooded areas provide a nice break from the bright sunshine. Bringing along a camera is a great idea to capture the distinctive lakeside charm.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac de Sainte-Croix?
Yes, there are several beaches in Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Bauduen, and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.
Where can you rent boats?
At the Galetas Bridge, you can rent electric boats, pedal boats, and canoes to enter the Verdon Gorge.
Is the lake natural?
No, it is an artificial lake created in 1974 by damming the Verdon river; it is now the third largest in France.
Can you go sailing on the lake?
Yes, sailing and windsurfing are allowed. However, motorboats with combustion engines are prohibited.
When is the water most beautiful?
During the summer months, the lake glows with an intense turquoise blue, which is characteristic of the region.
Lac de Sainte-Croix: where is it located?
Lac de Sainte-Croix is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Lac de Sainte-Croix: what is there to see?
Highlights include Plage de Bauduen, Plage des Chaumets, Plage de la petite ruine.
Lac de Sainte-Croix: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lac de Sainte-Croix: why is it worth visiting?
Lac de Sainte-Croix is a man-made reservoir in southern France, spanning the border between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →

Nearby cities