Lac de Sainte-Croix and the quiet Lac d’Esparron: swimming, kayaking and our favourite spots

Village beside a turquoise lake in the Verdon
The turquoise water of the Verdon lakes, seen from a village on the shore.

From Le Cavadou you are in the heart of the Verdon lake country. Within a quarter of an hour’s drive lie two completely different lakes: the world-famous, turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix and the much quieter, almost secret Lac d’Esparron. The good thing is that you do not have to choose: do both, each at its own moment.

Lac de Sainte-Croix: the turquoise icon (± 7 minutes)

The Lac de Sainte-Croix is the postcard of the Verdon: emerald water against white limestone cliffs. The absolute highlight is the Pont du Galetas, where the lake meets the mouth of the Grand Canyon du Verdon.

  • Kayaking into the gorge. From the beach at the Pont du Galetas you paddle about 1.5 to 2 km into the gorge by canoe, kayak, pedalo or electric boat, between walls hundreds of metres high. An hour and a half of rental is enough to reach the turning point. This is the experience to have in the region.
  • Swimming and beaches. Between the Pont du Galetas and Les Salles-sur-Verdon there are many beaches, reachable via car parks along the road. You can also swim beautifully at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and Bauduen.

Parking at the Pont du Galetas (and the cost)

On either side of the bridge there are two small car parks; the one on the Aiguines side is partly shaded with a lake view. In summer parking is paid: expect about 5 euro per day. Good to know: a smaller free car park is located about 500 m before the bridge. In July and August everything fills up by midday. Our tip: come early in the morning (before 10 am) or late in the afternoon. You will have the best light, fewer crowds and still a spot. Overnight motorhome parking is discouraged here.

Lac d’Esparron: the peaceful alternative (± 15 minutes)

Barely a quarter of an hour further lies a lake that many holidaymakers overlook, and that is precisely its charm. On the Lac d’Esparron only electric boats are allowed; combustion engines are forbidden. The result is an almost perfect silence on the water, between protected, green-clad banks.

  • Kayaking in complete peace. Rent a canoe, kayak or silent electric boat in Esparron-de-Verdon and glide into the Basses Gorges du Verdon: more than 9 km of narrow, green canyon, reachable only by water. Along the way you pass caves and the old bridge of Quinson.
  • For those seeking calm. No jet skis, no engine noise, just the splash of your paddle. In high season often more pleasant than the busy Galetas.

Which one to choose?

Our advice: do Sainte-Croix early in the day for the turquoise wow factor, and keep Esparron for a quiet kayak day when the Verdon is at its busiest. Sainte-Croix is about 7 minutes from Le Cavadou, Esparron a short quarter of an hour.

Emerald water between the walls of the Verdon
From the Pont du Galetas you paddle straight into the gorge, between walls hundreds of metres high.

Practical

  • Bring: swimwear, water shoes (pebble beaches), sun cream, water, and cash or card for the boat rental.
  • Booking: in July and August it is wise to book your kayak or boat in advance.
  • Children: both lakes are family-friendly; life jackets are provided by the rental bases.

Le Cavadou: your base by the lakes

In the morning be the first on the water at Galetas, at midday cool off in your own private pool, and keep the quiet Basses Gorges of Esparron for a day when you really want peace. See availability and rates.