Visit Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
Perched at an altitude of 513 meters in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Provençal village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon overlooks one of the most beautiful lakes in France. With its turquoise waters, lavender fields, and medieval ruins, this village in the Verdon region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur holds a thousand surprises.
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From L’Oasis du Verdon, our campground near Lake Sainte-Croix—located about 26 km away—you can easily reach this gem near the Verdon Gorge. Book your stay and set out to explore this exceptional region!
Highlights of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
| Main Attraction | Key Activities | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Sainte-Croix | Swimming, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding | Spectacular turquoise waters |
| Provençal Village | Walk, photos, historical exploration | Provençal charm, lake views |
| Lavender Region | Hiking, tour of the Maison du Lavandin | Purple fields (June/July), local produce |
| Outdoors | Hiking/biking (around the lake), fishing | Nature, Sports, Relaxation |
Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon: A Provençal village steeped in history
Nestled on a rocky promontory overlooking the lake of the same name, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon has weathered the centuries with grace. The place name “Sainte-Croix” first appeared in the Middle Ages: at that time, the village church claimed to house a relic of the Cross of Christ. This religious reference gave the entire town its name.
Today, take a stroll through its narrow streets! You’ll discover charming, traditional stone houses, a 16th-century church and the ruins of a medieval castle. Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is one of those villages in the Verdon region that exudes authentic Provençal charm. The view of the lake’s turquoise waters is a reward for every visitor.
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Historically, the village’s economic activity centered on the valley. Homes clung to the hillsides, while the plain was self-sufficient. Everything changed with the construction of the Sainte-Croix Dam between 1971 and 1974. The flooding of the valley transformed the landscape forever.
Address: Village of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, 04500 Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, 28 km from our campground—an average 30-minute drive via the D957.
ZIP Code: 04500
Department: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
This family-run farm grows lavandin and distills high-quality essential oils. The shop offers lavender honey, homemade jams, tapenade, and handmade soaps. A tour of the distillery reveals all the secrets of this plant and the traditional distillation techniques. A true treat for the senses!
Address: La Maison du Lavandin, Rte de Riez, 04500 Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, France, 26 km from our campground near the Gorges du Verdon.
The Terroir : Lavender
This is France’s largest lavandin production center. From mid-June to mid-July, the fields are dressed in mauve. This sight enchants all visitors traveling along the lavender roads of Provence. Be sure to stop by La Maison du Lavandin, which has been welcoming visitors to the plateau since 1976.
The House of Water and the Valley
Opened in 2025, the Maison de l’Eau et de la Vallée is a must-see cultural destination. It traces the history of the valley before the dam was built. Discover its two museum spaces:
- The classroom: A timeline mural guides your tour. The photo exhibition recreates daily life before the dam was flooded. Three 10-minute documentary films round out this immersive experience.
- The area under the covered courtyard is dedicated to water-related issues. A digital screen offers a virtual tour of the Sainte-Croix Dam.
Address: Maison de l’Eau et de la Vallée, 04500 Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, France
Admission: €3 per adult; free for children under 13.
Lake Sainte-Croix: An Aquatic Paradise
Lake Sainte-Croix covers 2,200 hectares! It is the fourth-largest artificial lake in France. This body of water supplies drinking water to the entire region and irrigates farmland. It is a vital resource for the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department.
Created during the construction of the dam in the early 1970s, it blends seamlessly into the landscape and offers a wide range of water sports! The Association Voile & Nautisme 04 organizes courses for all ages. Certified instructors will introduce you to sailing, kayaking, or rowing.
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Available activities:
- Catamarans and Dinghies
- Windsurfing
- Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking
- Rowing
- Weekly Workshops
- Pedal boats, surfbikes, and sailboats round out the offerings.
The developed beaches around the lake are perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can choose between La Grange Beach, La Fontaine Beach, and Bellevue Beach.
Address: Association Voile Et Nautisme 04, Route de la Vallée, 04500 Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, France.
H iking
The Sainte-Croix area is full of marked trails! Amid Provençal scrubland, pine forests, and oak groves, the diversity of the landscapes surprises you at every step. You can choose the Muletiers Trail. This is THE must-do hike in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon! The route follows old mule trails. You’ll start at the lakeshore, climb up to the plateau, and then descend again.
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You’ll start at the lakeshore and hike up to the plateau before heading back down. Starting point: parking lot in front of the Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon town hall. Distance: 5 km. Average duration: 2 hours. Difficulty level: easy
Biking and Mountain Biking Tours
This village in the Verdon region is perfect for cycling tours! The scenic roads wind between the lake and the plateau. Experienced cyclists enjoy the hills. Families prefer the gentler routes. The loop around the lake makes for a lovely day trip.
There are a few technical sections, but the views keep coming one after another: cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, hidden coves, and hilltop villages. A challenging adventure in an exceptional setting!
Information
Starting point: Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
Distance: 44 km
Average duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: +1,245 m
Difficulty level: difficult
Fishing in the Verdon
Lake Sainte-Croix attracts anglers all year round! The lake is home to pike, walleye, perch, and carp. Predator fishing is extremely popular. Enthusiasts come from all over France to fish in this unique setting. The well-maintained shores make it easy to reach the fishing spots.
Warning! You must have a valid fishing license (available online or at authorized retailers).
Book your stay in the Verdon Gorge today and enjoy an unforgettable vacation!
