Quinson Lake: 11 km of shallow gorges await you!

Do you dream of getting away from it all in a pristine corner of the Verdon, far from the summer crowds? Good news: Lake Quinson offers 11 kilometers of shoreline, surrounded by limestone cliffs and hilltop villages. Completed in 1975, this artificial reservoir in the Lower Verdon Gorges is less crowded than Lake Sainte-Croix.

That said, it offers plenty of fun water activities as well as beautiful family hikes! And as the icing on the cake, you’ll also have access to the Museum of Prehistory, designed by Norman Foster, to make your visit even more memorable! Interested? Find out more about this enchanting place at our campground in the Gorges du Verdon!

The Highlights of Lake Quinson

Lake Quinson offers several features that make it a unique destination in the Verdon region. Its main attractions include tranquility, cultural heritage, and low-impact water activities.

The number of visitors remains much lower than at Lake Sainte-Croix or Lake Esparron.
Its body of water stretches for 11 kilometers, free from the noise of internal combustion engines.
On the lakeshore, the Museum of Prehistory, designed by Norman Foster, extends the tour.
A canal-side trail winds through 11 kilometers of the Lower Gorges.
Access to the riverbanks, trails, and medieval village remains completely free.
At these water sports centers, you can go out on a pedal boat, canoe, or electric boat without a license.

A Brief History of Lake Quinson

Lake Quinson is a recent man-made creation, resulting from the Verdon River hydroelectric project. Here are the steps that shaped the site.

The Verdon Hydroelectric Project

The French government began regulating the Verdon River as early as the beginning of the 20th century. According to the French Committee on Dams and Reservoirs, five dams were built between 1929 and 1975. This system supplies electricity to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

The dam’s commissioning in 1975

The Quinson Dam was completed at the end of this program. EDF is currently responsible for its management. The dam forms a reservoir that stretches 11 kilometers, from downstream of the Baudinard Gorges to the lower Verdon Gorges.

A pristine lake between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence regions

The body of water separates two departments: Var (83) and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04). Unlike the very popular Lake Sainte-Croix, the Quinson reservoir remains off the beaten path. Its often steep shores alternate between limestone cliffs, scrubland, and small coves. Finally, the village of Quinson overlooks the reservoir, located within the Verdon Regional Nature Park.

What is there to do at Lake Quinson?

Lake Quinson offers two main types of experiences. On one hand, there are water sports to enjoy on the lake. On the other, walking and hiking trails wind through the Lower Verdon Gorges.

Non-motorized water activities

On the water, only non-motorized or electric watercraft are permitted. This means you can rent a pedal boat, canoe, kayak, or electric boat without a license. It’s the best way to explore the cliffs and reach the secluded coves. Note that the water sports centers offer hourly or half-day packages.

Hiking and the Canal Keeper’s Trail

Hikers will find a rich and varied landscape at Lake Quinson. Starting with the Canal Keeper’s Trail, which remains the most famous in the area. This 11-kilometer trail follows the old canal that supplied water to Aix-en-Provence in the 19th century. Allow about 3 hours for the hike, which includes a 300-meter elevation gain. Along the way, you’ll enjoy exploring the Sainte-Maxime Chapel, a suspension bridge, and tunnels carved into the rock.

Can you go swimming at Quinson Lake?

No, swimming is not recommended at Lake Quinson. This is because, according to the Verdon Regional Nature Park, the water flowing out of the dam is approximately 8°C, even in the middle of summer. This low temperature poses a real risk of hypothermia. In addition, stand-up paddleboarding is also not recommended on the reservoir, as a paddler who falls into the water may experience immediate thermal shock.

Do you dream of swimming in the Verdon? Instead, head to the Verdon lakes at Sainte-Croix, Esparron, or Castillon. The water there stays warmer all summer long.

What sightseeing opportunities are there around the lake?

Around Lake Quinson, there are several sites that will make your visit even more enjoyable:

The Verdon Gorges Prehistory Museum houses world-class archaeological collections.
In the old village, 15th-century ramparts and fountains create a medieval Provençal setting.
The Baume Bonne Cave contains traces of human activity dating back more than 400,000 years.
The 170 climbing routes on the surrounding cliffs await experienced climbers.
A heritage trail winds through old Quinson in a short loop.

A tip from the Oasis Verdon campground: arrive early in the morning, before 10 a.m. That way, you’ll enjoy the beautiful light on the cliffs and a lake that’s still deserted. The calm at this hour stands in stark contrast to the afternoon crowds. Local anglers are well aware of this time of day, which is more conducive to contemplation. It’s often the best time to explore the lower Verdon.

As you have just seen, with its 11 kilometres of unspoilt waters, limestone cliffs and medieval heritage, Lake Quinson embodies the authentic spirit of the Verdon, far from the hustle and bustle of the summer season. And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay so you can enjoy Lake Quinson at your own pace, Oasis Verdon – our intimate campsite – offers comfortable accommodation right on the doorstep of the Lower Verdon!

Sources:

Verdon Regional Nature Park: https://www.parcduverdon.fr/explorer/navigation-securite-sur-les-lacs/lac-quinson/
Verden Gorge Prehistory Museum: https://www.museeprehistoire.com/accueil
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Tourism: https://www.tourisme-alpes-haute-provence.com/visites-et-musees/2991438_musee-quinson-musee-de-prehistoire-des-gorges-du-verdon/
French Committee on Dams and Reservoirs: https://www.barrages-cfbr.eu/Quinson.html
Quinson Town Hall: https://quinson.fr/histoire-et-patrimoine/

Vallon des Carmes, Barjols