Attractions and Places To See around Sainte-Croix-Du-Verdon - Top 20

Lake Sainte-Croix, known for its turquoise waters, is perfect for various water activities. You can enjoy swimming, windsurfing, pedal-boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding. Electric boat rentals are also available to explore the lake and the entrance to the canyon.

Yes, the region offers numerous hiking trails. A unique option is the Former Verdon Canal trail, which follows an old canal route along cliffs, offering magnificent views. The surrounding Verdon Regional Natural Park also provides paths for all levels, including those with panoramic views of the lake and gorges. For more specific routes, you can explore running trails in the area.

For breathtaking panoramas, visit the View from the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir Chapel, accessible via a stone staircase. From here, you'll see the village, the valley, and the Valensole plateau. The village of Sainte-Croix-Du-Verdon itself has belvederes offering magnificent lake views. Additionally, roads and bridges around the Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix provide stunning vantage points into the gorge.

Yes, you can explore the spectacular Verdon Gorges by boat or canoe. Many visitors rent electric boats, pedal boats, or kayaks from the lake's beaches, particularly near the Pont du Galetas, where the Verdon Grand Canyon opens out into Lake Sainte-Croix.

The village of Sainte-Croix-Du-Verdon features charming old lanes and typical houses. You can see a 16th-century church (renovated in the 19th century) and the ruins of a medieval castle. The Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel, a Romanesque-Gothic building, is also a significant historical and religious site above the village.

Absolutely. Moustiers Sainte-Marie, classified as one of France's most beautiful villages, is renowned for its ceramics and picturesque setting between the Gorges du Verdon and Lake Sainte-Croix. Other nearby villages worth exploring include Bauduen, a peaceful medieval village across the lake, and Aiguines, offering traditional Provençal charm and lovely views.

Many activities in the area are suitable for families. The calm waters of Lake Sainte-Croix are ideal for swimming and pedal-boating. Easy hiking trails in the Verdon Regional Natural Park offer accessible outdoor adventures. The Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix is also noted as family-friendly, offering stunning views without needing to go into the water.

The late spring and summer months (May to August) are ideal for enjoying water sports on Lake Sainte-Croix and exploring the gorges. Late June and July are particularly special for witnessing the vibrant lavender fields on the Plateau de Valensole in full bloom. The weather is generally warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities.

Moustiers Sainte-Marie is a village with strong character, nestled against a cliff face. It's famous for its traditional faience pottery and is recognized as one of the essential sites within the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Visitors enjoy its charming streets, unique shops, and the church, all set in a beautiful location between the Gorges du Verdon and Lake Sainte-Croix.

The region is famous for its lavender fields, particularly on the Plateau de Valensole. These fields can be explored via hiking trails and offer stunning views, especially during the flowering season in late June and July. It's a picturesque sight, often with views extending to the lake.

Yes, the area offers excellent cycling opportunities. You can find numerous routes for both road cycling and mountain biking. For example, there are road cycling routes that take you around the lake and through scenic villages, and MTB trails that explore the diverse terrain of the Verdon Regional Natural Park.

Sainte-Croix-Du-Verdon hosts a market on Tuesdays in July and August, where you can discover local crafts and produce. The area also celebrates Provençal festivals, such as the bread festival and patron saint's festival in July, often accompanied by fireworks over the lake. The village also has an exhibition called "Memory of the Valley," showcasing its history before the lake's creation.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, especially the turquoise waters of Lake Sainte-Croix and the dramatic Verdon Gorges. The unique hiking experience along the Former Verdon Canal is highly recommended for its magnificent cliffside passage. The charm of villages like Moustiers Sainte-Marie and the panoramic views from the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir Chapel are also popular highlights, with many sharing photos and positive feedback about the area's overall appeal.