Visiting the lakes of Verdon is a great idea to travel far, without leaving France. Follow our guide to make no mistake of this exceptional destination!
This year you decided to visit the lakes of Verdon and you are right. These great lakes, loved in the heart of the Provencal Prealpes, are real natural jewels. So obviously, they attract tourists and make thousands of people live.
They are also an opportunity to discover the whole region in all its aspects. Whether you're rather adventurer or fierce, it's for everyone and the whole family.
Thanks to numerous nautical, aerial or pedal activities, the lakes of Verdon raise the mystery as they go, for the pleasure of the great and the small. Now discover our complete guide to the destination!
The lakes of Verdon in a few words
Photo credit: Shutterstock – veesaw
The so-called Verdon lakes are five: Castillon Lake, Chaudanne Lake, Sainte-Croix Lake, Quinson Lake and Esparron-de-Verdon Lake.
These are the five main lakes on the path of the river of Verdon, which also dug into the famous Gorges. But what we don’t always know is that these water reservoirs are all artificial.
Indeed, the construction of dams in strategic locations during the twentieth century has favoured their emergence. Thus, today, they are beautiful places where to escape, go on adventure or relax. Similarly, a regional natural park was created in 1997 to preserve this wild and both so beautiful.
What to do and what to see near the Verdon lakes?
Les villes lacustres
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lukasz Janyst
Visiting the lakes of Verdon without focusing on the cities that border them is a mistake! Each of these cities has its own character, they are all animated by a common Provencal heart that is found on the streets. As charming as each other, they are real points of interest.
In addition to being able to discover nearby lakes, you enjoy the warm and friendly local climate. Provence in one of its most beautiful aspects, in short! Do not hesitate to mark a one or more days’ stop.
Activities other than nautical are provided, such as cultural excursions, manual workshops or guided equestrian hikes. Each lake has its flagship city, almost always named after it:
- Saint-Julien-du-Verdonat Lake Castillon;
- Castellane (La Lagne area), in Chaudanne Lake;
- Sainte-Croix-du-Verdonat Lac de Sainte-Croix;
- Quinsonat Lake Quinson;
- Esparron-de-Verdonat Esparron-de-Verdon Lake.
The Teillon Summit
Perhaps reserved for hikers and hikers, the Teillon Summit culminates in 1 893 meters altitude . It is located southeast of the lakes of Castillon and Chaudanne, and it is accessed via the village of La Garde.
Through a clear trail and a bit steep about ten kilometers, you first follow the GR before you continue on a marked path. From the top you will embrace the whole horizon, 360°. You can also see the lake of Chaudanne, the massif of the Préalpes as well as that of the Mercantour south.
The Gorges du Verdon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Dario Racane
Of course, who would like to visit the lakes of Verdon without enjoying it to discover its gorges? Lakes and gorges are part of an extraordinary whole, a bubble of nature at the hollow of the prealpine mountains.
The Gorges du Verdon represent a narrow and very deep canyon: between 6 and 100 meters wide for 250 to 700 metres deep ! This makes him the largest canyon in Europe. In addition to offering breathtaking landscapes, it is an ideal place to practice hiking or water sports (canoe-kayak, rafting).
The Verdon Regional Natural Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sebastien Burel
If the Verdon and its gorges make the place famous, you must not forget the natural and green envelope in which they are located. This is why, in 1997, almost 20 years after the installation of the dams and therefore, the formation of the lakes, that the Verdon Regional Natural Park was created.
Its purpose is simple: to preserve the natural spaces of the region while preserving the attractiveness and quality of life of the surrounding area. For both fauna and flora and for the inhabitants, moreover.
The park has a wide variety of heritage and cultural diversity, as evidenced by theme houses and museums. Circuits are offered to discover: botanical trails, historical or curiosity... There are for all those who want to learn more!
How to visit the Verdon lakes?
By bike
The bike is indeed a good way to discover the region of the lakes of Verdon. Through marked paths and roads, swirl the lake and crayous landscape of Verdon. Thanks to routes designed to make you see a maximum, you only have to follow the signs and the passage, enjoy the view.
Careful. rarely short circuits , you have to be able to pedal at least 30 kilometres or 70 . Already thoughtful journeys exist, check with a tourist office or on the internet to get them back!
Paragliding
Photo credit: Shutterstock – henrique ferrera
Amateurs and lovers of strong sensations, here is an idea that should please you to visit the lakes of Verdon: paragliding. From the heavens and at an ideal cruising speed, observe the nature, mountains, lakes and surprising colors of Provence mixed with those of the nascent Alps.
Count minimum 85 € for a classic discovery flight. Upstream, be aware of the restrictions and instructions as they differ according to each provider.
En autogire
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mny-Jhee
The self-governing is an engine-flying vehicle, halfway between the helicopter and the ULM. Its open cockpit allows you to fully enjoy the fresh and pure air of the provencal mountains. It is an unusual experience to live absolutely if you want to visit the lakes of Verdon otherwise!
A robbery 15 minutes you will cost 65 € and count 220 € for an hour . The rates also evolve according to the locations overflighted.
Horse riding
The time for a day or a weekend, discover the lakes of Verdon with horse back! During 6 a.m. , let yourself be carried by the wind and steps of the horse. These equestrian hikes allow you to explore a new facet of lakes, with new views.
Count one minimum rate of 119 € per person for a day and 219 € per person for a weekend .
Hot air balloon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Volodymyr Goinyk
From the heights, lakes and gorges of Verdon are ready to be observed. From this device propelled by the heat of flames, discover the lakes from the heavens, along with the gorges, forests and many small Provencal villages. A little trip 3 hours from 195 € per person .
Visit the lakes of Verdon through water activities
To swim
Photo credit: Shutterstock – ZHENG Luc
Free activity, swimming is the easiest way to discover the lakes. As long as it is allowed (everything, except Lake Chaudanne), it allows you to refresh yourself in a paradise.
With the Alps as a decor, swimming in the lakes of Verdon is a real pleasure for the body and for the mind. Depaysement assured for courageous and courageous! And yes, the Verdon being a river, the temperature of its water can sometimes be very fresh!
In stand-up paddle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Samuel Borges Photography
The stand-up paddle is not an easy activity for everyone. Indeed, you must be able to balance on a board and succeed in padding without losing it! The paddles only allow one person to stand up. Count on average 7 € per half hour, 12 € per hour and 20 € per two hours rental.
- The Gorges du Verdon in packraft
Pedal
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lisanne Venema
The pedalo is the nautical leisure that can be realized to many. With family or friends, go for adventure, explore the corners and corners of the Verdon lakes. A true gage of fun, it is a popular activity by tourists who love the freedom it offers.
Count about 30 € for renting a 6-seater pedal 2 hours . There are, however, several types of pedal: 4 places ( 20 € the 2 hours ) and toboggan with 5 seats ( 26 € the 2 hours ).
By electric boat
Photo credit: Shutterstock – fokke baarssen
The majority of the nautical activity centers of the lakes of Verdon offer electric boats for rent. Moreover, it is not necessary to have the permit to fly them.
Available for 5 to 7 people depending on the power of the model, they rent on time. However, you are not limited to one hour. Count between 30 and 35 € per hour rental.
En canoë-kayak
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Konmac
Because canoe-kayak is not only for sports sessions in the Gorges du Verdon, you can quite imagine doing it quietly. On the smooth surface of the Verdon lakes, paddle, play explorers for a few hours.
Single-seater and two-seater seats are available for rent from half an hour to full day. Prices start at 7 € per half hour on a biplace and climb up to 50 € per day .
How to go to the Verdon lakes?
To visit the lakes of Verdon, you will first have to look for a trip to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. To access it, some cities are more practical than others:
- Manosque, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It is, in a way, the west entrance door to the lakes;
- **Marseille**in the Bouches-du-Rhône;
- **Nice**in the Alps-Maritimes.
Whether by train or by air, it is the three cities by which it is easier to arrive. Nice and Marseille both have large international stations and airports, from which you can rent a car. Don’t forget to compare prices on a comparison of flights, like Skyscanner , to get the best prices on your trips.
By car, everything is decided according to your starting point. If you come from the southwest of France, you will certainly transit through Nimes and Avignon before joining Manosque. From the north and the west, the most practical remains a passage by Lyon , then Grenoble and Gap.
- Rent a car to explore the lakes of Verdon
How to move around the Verdon lakes?
It is possible to follow the Verdon, its gorges and lakes thanks to several departmental roads. They all join Riez. But D952 is the one that will lead you directly from Esparron-de-Verdon to Castellane.
To discover Esparron-de-Verdon Lake, follow the D82 from Saint-Martin-de-Brôme. Borrow it D11 to reach Lake Quinson and Lake Sainte-Croix. Finally, for the lakes of Chaudanne and Castillon, it is necessary to fork from Castellane.
Where to stay near the Verdon lakes?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Marisa Estivill
The lakes of Verdon extend over near 50 kilometres , flying birds. So as much tell you that you will necessarily find the accommodation that suits you best. Thus, there are several towns and villages that follow through the water. Notam Esparron-de-Verdon , Quinson , Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon , Rougon , Castellane and Saint-Julien-du-Verdon .
These are the most important communes on the path of the lakes of Verdon. Your choice will first be based on the places you have decided to visit.
You should then focus on the type of accommodation you are looking for: lodging, Airbnb , camping, hotel, unusual accommodation? In all cases, the offer is present and important. In fact, if choosing is difficult, go on one Compare hotels online. Thanks to customer reviews, you should see it clearer!
You now have all the cards in hand to visit the lakes of Verdon as it should be. Don’t wait!
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