Visit Esparron
Where is Esparron located in relation to the campground?
In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, a few kilometers east of Gréoux-les-Bains, Esparron-de-Verdon is a small town whose territory—half of which is covered by woods and forests—encompasses the large, eponymous lake spanning 300 hectares, in the heart of the Gorges du Verdon. Our campground near Esparron is located close to Allemagne-en-Provence, Quinson, and Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon.
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Located on the border of the Var department, it is crossed by the GR4 long-distance hiking trail. Esparron is ideally located for exploring Lake Sainte-Croix and Lake Quinson, discovering the lavender fields of the Luberon, and, of course, visiting the Verdon Gorge and the Verdon Natural Park.
Exploring the hilltop village of Esparron-de-Verdon
At the foot of the magnificent Valensole plateau and its blue expanses of lavandin, at the gateway to the Verdon Regional Nature Park and at the entrance to the famous canyon, Esparron is the ultimate nature destination, ideal for camping in the Verdon.
The village’s timeless silhouette is reflected in the clear, idyllic waters of the Verdon. In the center of a typical medieval village stands a castle, a former 13th-century keep that was successively expanded with residential wings in the 15th and 17th centuries.
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At the foot of the castle lies the village’s oldest neighborhood, where you can also explore the Romanesque Church of Saint-André, built in the 12th century and later topped with a bell tower in the 18th century. With the creation of the reservoir in 1967, the quiet little village of Le Verdon has become a popular tourist destination, prized for its charm and the outdoor recreational activities available in the surrounding area.
Whether you’re looking for a getaway in nature or are passionate about culture and history, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Esparron, with its lake, untamed landscapes, fields of lavandin, and local heritage: a Bronze Age offering well, typical medieval architecture, and a fascinating eco-museum that displays everyday objects and Provençal costumes dating from the 18th to the early 20th century.
Lake Esparron
Now one of the wildest bodies of water in Provence, Lake Esparron was created in 1967 with the construction of the Gréoux-les-Bains hydroelectric dam. Covering an area of more than 3 km², the lake is open to non-polluting water sports—that is, those that do not involve internal combustion engines. Perched on a promontory, the village of Esparron-de-Verdon offers a breathtaking view of the lake’s crystal-clear waters, whose turquoise hue is characteristic of the Verdon River.
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Along the lake’s shores, the canal keeper’s trail offers a lovely hike of about 3 hours, with a gentle elevation gain of 200 meters, leading to the lakeshore and providing an opportunity to learn about water-related issues in Provence. Around the lake, facilities have been set up for a wide variety of gentle water sports: sailing, rowing, canoeing, pedal boats, and even electric motorboats—which are quiet and easy for anyone to operate—as well as, of course, swimming.
The canal-side trail provides access to all the beaches on Lake Esparron. There are many different kinds of beaches—from small, secluded coves to the family-friendly beach at Saint-Julien—and they all offer a unique atmosphere and setting.
Restaurants in Esparron-de-Verdon
- La Buvette du Lac: a cozy terrace overlooking the lake in Hameau du Port, where you can enjoy platters of local charcuterie, mussels and fries, salads, or pizzas. The restaurant also offers sandwiches and snacks to go.
- Les Terrasses du Lavandin: A family-run restaurant located on Route d’Albiosc, Les Terrasses du Lavandin invites you to sample local products and Provençal specialties. Grilled dishes, pizzas, and salads are also on the menu.
- Paris London Café: Located in the village on Place de l’Amandier, the Paris London Café offers an affordable place to stop for a bite to eat, with a menu of traditional dishes to enjoy on a heated patio during the off-season.
- Le Bistro: Located on Place de l’Amandier, Le Bistro is a bar, restaurant, brasserie, and ice cream shop with a pleasant, shaded terrace. Here, you can enjoy simple, gourmet dishes that are elegantly served and prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
