Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon: Lake, Water Sports and Village History

Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon combines the Lac de Sainte-Croix, water sports and a historic village centre. The lake covers 2,200 hectares and lies in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon. This means you can choose a destination that suits different interests: activities on the water, insights into the history of the valley and lanes with Provençal character.

The Lac de Sainte-Croix and activities on the water

When planning activities on the lake, it is important to know the navigation rules: petrol- or diesel-powered combustion engines are expressly prohibited. Electric boats, sailboats and human-powered watercraft are permitted. This means you can choose from these permitted ways of getting around on the water. If you are planning an activity on the lake, check the applicable boating rules before your trip.

The Plage de Sainte Croix du Verdon is a few minutes’ walk from the village. It offers opportunities for water sports in a sheltered setting. The Association Voile et Nautisme offers sailing, rowing and paddling courses in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Alongside the activities available at the beach, there is therefore a range of courses in different water sports. Check course availability before your trip.

Lanes, views and local history

In “Le Village Provençal”, you can explore the historic village centre via calades—narrow, winding paved lanes—and vaulted passageways. These architectural features give your walk around the village its distinctive character: the calades shape the routes, while the vaulted passages are another notable feature of the village centre. The 16th-century church is also part of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon’s history.

The forecourt of the parish church serves as a viewpoint over the Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Grand Canyon du Verdon, visible in the distance. The view from here connects the village with the surrounding landscape. The lake and the village’s history are therefore not just separate aspects of a stay: the viewpoint brings both into view at once.

The Maison de l’Eau et de la Vallée is housed in a former medieval castle and serves as a historical and cultural interpretation centre. Its permanent exhibitions trace the lives of the valley’s residents before the profound transformation of the landscape in 1974. They also explain the technical and human challenges involved in building the dam and reveal remnants of the community’s former seigneurial past. Visits are subject to seasonal opening hours, and the exhibition content may also be updated. Before visiting, check the current opening hours and exhibition information.

Markets, beekeeping and other perspectives

The Marché estival takes place every Tuesday morning during the summer season at Parking Bellevue on the lakeshore. Since seasonal market hours may change, check the date before your visit. The Rucher de Para Loù offers direct sales of its products, tastings and information about beekeeping. If you plan to take advantage of these offerings, confirm the arrangements for visits before your trip.

The TransVerdon mountain bike route also passes through Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon: it runs between Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the lower sections of the lake. This adds another way to experience the area to exploring the lakeshore and the historic village centre. Check the route conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations

Entrevennes, Annot, Saint-Étienne-Les-Orgues, Pra Loup, La Motte-Du-Caire, Mallefougasse-Augès, Redortiers, Saint-Andrè-Les-Alpes

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.