A Family Day at Lake Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon

Lake Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon offers everything you could want for a beautiful day in the great outdoors: crystal-clear water, a gently sloping beach, and activities for all ages. Ideally located in the Lower Verdon Gorges, between the villages of Montpezat and Quinson, it remains quieter than the very popular Lake Sainte-Croix.

Key Takeaways

Water Activities and Fishing

On the water, you can explore Lake Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon from the Artignosc water sports center, located right on the shore. During peak season, it’s open daily starting at 9:30 a.m. and offers a variety of boats. According to the Artignosc water sports center, you can choose a package based on your preferences and skill level:

• Canoeing and kayaking are ideal for those who want to paddle up the canyon at their own pace.
• Because it’s more stable, the pedal boat is well-suited for outings with young children.
• For a sportier feel, stand-up paddleboarding really challenges your balance.
• With no license or effort required, the electric boat lets you enjoy a long, quiet ride with a group.

Two routes then branch off from the base: an 8-km route through gorges and past lakes toward the Sainte-Croix Dam, passing by Lake Montpezat, or a 4-km route toward the Quinson Dam. Fishing rounds out the list of activities offered, as this lake is one of the area’s recognized recreational uses.

In the morning: Enjoy a peaceful swim on a gently sloping beach

In the morning, nothing beats a swim at Lake Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon, also known as Lake Artignosc. Its partially shaded beach slopes gently down toward the water, which immediately puts parents of young children at ease.

Added to this attraction is the quality of the site: according to the Pays de Manosque Tourist Office, the lake stands out for the clarity and unique color of its waters—a rarity for swimming in the great outdoors.

To get the most out of it, it’s best to arrive early, as this has two advantages: you can swim in water that’s still calm, and you’ll have no trouble finding a spot in the shade of the trees. Set up near the picnic tables, especially since the shaded areas fill up quickly during peak season.

Our tip: Try to visit the lake early in the morning. At that time of day, the water is still calm, there aren’t many people around, and parking is much easier. It’s also the best time to photograph the green reflections of the Verdon, just before the sun beats down on the beach.

Afternoon on the mainland: Trail and village

In the afternoon, Lake Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon invites you to put down your paddles and explore the surrounding area on foot. This creates a delightful combination of two experiences: first, a stroll along the water’s edge, followed by a visit to a charming village.

The Garde Canal Trail: A Shaded Walk for Everyone

Right after swimming, the Garde Canal Trail takes over, following the Verdon along a shaded path.

According to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourisme, the hikes through the Lower Verdon Gorges are accessible to hikers of all skill levels, making them ideal for families.

In addition, the trail is short and easy, offering beautiful views of the canyon and a very gentle elevation gain—ideal for the end of the day.

“In practice, we often direct our guests to the Garde Canal trail in the early afternoon, when there’s plenty of shade,” says the team at L’Oasis du Verdon.

The village and its late 17th-century castle

Before heading back, the village of Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon is definitely worth a stop. There, you’ll find a square-shaped castle, reinforced by a tower at each corner.

According to Alpes de Haute Provence Tourisme, its construction—commissioned by Lord Claude de Castellane— dates back to the final decades of the 17th century.

Admittedly, this house remains private property; nevertheless, its silhouette can be admired from the village streets, surrounded by fields of lavender.

Planning Your Day: Access, Tips, and Safety

Good news: Planning a day at Lake Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon requires very little planning.

In fact, the site is about 25 km from Aups by road and is easily accessible from our campground in the Verdon, so you’ll have the whole day to enjoy the water. Before you go, however, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your trip easier:

• Bring water, a beach umbrella, and sturdy shoes for walking along the riverbanks.
• Arrive early in the morning to get a spot in the shade near the beach.
• Check the water sports center’s hours before renting any equipment.

When it comes to safety, however, the Verdon River requires the utmost caution. In fact, the Tourist Office warns that dam releases can cause eddies, dangerous suction currents, and a sudden rise in water levels.

Therefore, never cross the river and always follow the posted instructions. This caution applies to the entire Verdon Gorge, from the Upper to the Lower Gorges.

Want to keep the ” Au bord de l’eau” adventure going ?

What if this day in nature were just the start of a full vacation in Haute-Provence? At L’Oasis du Verdon, you’ll settle in just 25 km from Lake Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon, then head out each day to explore the lakes, villages, and the canyon.

So reserve your campsite or mobile home today: you’ll have the Verdon Lakes and the village of Aups—with its Provençal markets—right at your doorstep!