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The Gorges du Verdon are dotted with lakes created by the construction of hydroelectric dams between 1925 and 1975: Lake Castillon, the Chaudanne reservoir, Lake Sainte-Croix, the Quinson reservoir, and Lake Esparron. These bodies of water form basins along the Verdon River and are now an integral part of the landscape, alternating between deep canyons and vast turquoise expanses.
The lakes play a major role in the area’s tourist appeal, offering a wide range of water-based activities: beaches and swimming, canoeing, sailing, pedal boats, electric boats, and even water skiing, depending on the location.
Set off to explore the lakes of the Gorges du Verdon, and hop aboard a canoe in the Gorges du Verdon.
Stretching over 11 km between narrow gorges with a wild, unspoiled setting, Lake Quinson covers an area of 160 hectares.
It offers privileged access to the gorges from Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon and Montagnac-Montpezat.
At Lake Quinson, a watersports center offers a variety of activities, including windsurfing, canoe-kayaking, and pedal boating.
During the season, swimming areas are supervised at the Quinson watersports base.
Boating is permitted only on non-motorized or electric-powered craft.
Relatively recent – the dam that created it was only begun in 1970 – Lake Sainte-Croix is now the second-largest artificial lake in France, with 2,200 hectares of turquoise water.
With an average width of 2 km, it stretches over 12 km. Its creation led to the flooding of an entire valley, dozens of farms, and the village of Salles-sur-Verdon.
Its waters serve multiple purposes: hydroelectric power generation, irrigation of Provence’s farmland, drinking water supply for Mediterranean cities, and refilling water bomber planes during wildfire operations.
Tourist activities quickly developed on and around Lake Sainte-Croix. Today, it is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts and families seeking relaxation amid the exceptional landscapes of the Verdon.
Visitors can enjoy canoeing, sailing, and paddleboarding, rent pedal boats or electric boats, and explore the lake and its navigable gorges.
Developed beaches also welcome those looking to unwind, build sandcastles, or swim.
Enjoy your next holiday at a campsite on Lake Sainte-Croix.
The oldest dam lake in the Verdon, Lake Castillon was created by a hydroelectric project that began in 1924 and was completed after World War II.
Covering 500 hectares, it stretches for 8 km between the mountains, in an exceptional setting sheltered from the Mistral wind.
A small southern section of the lake is used by the French Navy and is closed to the public.
The rest of the lake offers numerous leisure activities.
In Saint-André-les-Alpes and Saint-Julien-sur-Verdon, watersports centers along the shores rent out canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats, provide windsurfing lessons and courses, organize guided water excursions, and even invite you to try water skiing.
On the beaches, swimming, games, and relaxation are the order of the day.
Finally, walking trails circle Lake Castillon, offering beautiful hiking routes for a peaceful discovery of the region.
Covering more than 300 hectares, Lake Esparron is one of the wildest lakes in the Verdon. Its scenery features gorges, cliffs, and small inlets that give it remarkable charm.
Formed by two basins, it is overlooked by the picturesque village of Esparron-sur-Verdon, which offers breathtaking views over the valley.
An ideal starting point for exploring the Verdon Regional Nature Park, the lake also provides easy access to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Gréoux-les-Bains.
Its waters supply drinking water to more than a hundred towns and cities, including Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille.
Water activities abound on Lake Esparron, including rowing, pedal boating, canoeing, kayaking, and electric boating. Swimming is also permitted.
These natural wonders are easy to discover from our camping site in the Gorges du Verdon.
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