Dazzling and enchanting, the Sainte-Croix lake is a true natural treasure nestled at the entrance to the famous Verdon Gorges, between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var. This artificial lake, created in 1973 by the Sainte-Croix dam, stretches like a turquoise pearl in the middle of wild and preserved landscapes. Its crystal-clear waters, bordered by wooded hills and limestone plateaus, offer a striking contrast that invites you to dream and escape.
With its sandy beaches and quiet coves, Lake Sainte-Croix is an ideal place to enjoy a refreshing swim or water activities such as kayaking, sailing or paddleboarding. Hiking and spectacular landscape enthusiasts are not left out, with trails that reveal breathtaking panoramas of the lake and the surrounding gorges.
Combining the grandeur of the Alps with the gentleness of Provence, the Sainte-Croix lake is an invitation to reconnect with nature in all its splendor. A place where light, water and mountains come together to offer an unforgettable spectacle.
Lake Sainte-Croix, a haven of freshness
Are you on the road to the Verdon Gorges, or are you finishing the route on the ledges overlooking them? Then you can't miss the Lake of Sainte-Croix.
Alps or Provence? One does not preclude the other. In the southern part of the French Alpine chain, more precisely in the Pre-Alps, the Verdon Gorges are the gateway to the Alps.
When you have chosen the Alpes de Haute Provence department for your vacation and you have visited the plateaus covered with lavender like the one of Valensole, or life in nature in Castellane or Digne les Bains you knew that you could count on moments of freshness in the Lac de Sainte Croix.
You won't regret it.
The colors of the South around the Sainte-Croix lake
The turquoise color when you admire the lake from the village of Sainte Croix du Verdon, and the almost green color when you look at it from the entrance to the gorges are only a reflection of what surrounds this very vast lake: the sky or the omnipresent greenery!
The calm waters, warmed by the heat of the Mediterranean sun, invite you to relax and unwind before starting the athletic trail that takes you inside the Verdon Gorge. Moreover, if you like water sports, it is by kayak or pedal boat that you will have to try to counter the current of the Verdon and admire the mouth of the gorges and its cliffs several hundred meters high. Go to the Saint Clair nautical base to rent all your equipment.
In the surrounding area, you will love discovering the history of earthenware in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, an extremely mineral village at the foot of imposing cliffs. Do you already know the legend of the star? If not, let yourself be surprised.
The gateway to the Verdon Gorges
And what about the Verdon Gorges? This green river flows at the bottom of a notch that you can explore on its banks both on the south bank (the sublime cornice) and the north bank, particularly at the level of the Route des Crêtes. You overlook vertiginous walls, in which eagles nest, disturbed only by climbing enthusiasts in full action in this fantastic setting. By following the loops of the river you will enter the landscapes of Haute Provence. You can then continue your journey towards Castellane, or even Digne, surrounded by mountains that look like fortresses.
To get as close as possible to the water, head to the Martel trail: the sky seems far away here, in the gap above your head between the two banks of the canyon.
Certainly, the Lake of Sainte-Croix, in the Provençal Prealps, gives you access to very diverse experiences.
The very unusual aquatic world that it reveals during the stay, immerses you in a magical universe composed of cliffs, cracks and dizzying viewpoints. Here at the lake, the fatigue of a hike is rewarded by a unique landscape...or by a refreshing dip in the clear waters of a finally calmed Verdon.
Activities not to be missed around the lake in Sainte-Croix du Verdon
- Admire the view of the lake from Holy Cross of Verdon, and stroll around the village
- Borrow the Muleteers circuit in the middle of lavender fields and enjoy beautiful views of the lake.
- Do kayak on the lake to the entrance of the Verdon Gorge
- Take advantage of the cool water to go for a walk pedalo on a beautiful summer day
- Discover the very mineral village of Moustiers Sainte Croix
- Explore the Verdon Gorges by the scenic routes
- Discover the culture and exploitation of the lavender on the Valensole plateau

You might also be interested in these articles:
Montgenèvre ski resort
Skiing in Montgenèvre between France and Italy, under the sun of the Southern Alps. Excellent snow, TOP slopes!
Skiing in Megève
I skied on the slopes of Megève. The real luxury of this resort is to ski between the fir trees in front of Mont Blanc.
Holidays around Briançon – VIDEOS and WEBCAM
Briançon is a historical pearl in the middle of the Hautes Alpes. The valleys around the city are invitations to rediscover nature.
Around Gap: Champsaur, Dévoluy and Valgaudémar – VIDEOS and WEBCAM
Gap plays the role of capital of the Southern Alps. The diversity of the regions of Champsaur, Dévoluy and Valgaudémar invites you to travel.
Walks between Queyras and Guillestrois – VIDEOS and WEBCAMS
From Guillestre, two magnificent mountain regions invite you to discover them: Guillestrois and wild Queyras.
Discover Ubaye in VIDEOS and WEBCAMS
The Ubaye Valley is full of treasures. In the towns and villages but also in the wild and silent nature. Go.
Going on holiday in the mountains of the Alpes Maritimes – VIDEOS and WEBCAMS
The Alpes Maritimes are just a stone's throw from the Côte d'Azur. You can ski in the sun in winter and hike in the Mercantour Park in summer!
The French shore of Lake Geneva in VIDEOS and WEBCAMS
During a stay on the French shores of Lake Geneva, you can enjoy seaside activities at the same time as mountain activities.
Aix les Bains and Lake Bourget in VIDEOS and WEBCAMS
Lake Bourget, the largest of the French lakes, but also the most poetic. Discover beautiful historical sites on its banks.
Discover Lake Annecy – VIDEOS and WEBCAMS
Lake Annecy is the most photogenic of French lakes. The city of Annecy, the banks or the belvederes offer great viewpoints.
Stay on the banks of the lakes of Paladru and Aiguebelette
Between Lyon and the Pre-Alps, the lakes of Aiguebelette, in Savoie, and Paladru, in Isère offer some great moments of freshness.
Discover the Serre-Ponçon lake – VIDEOS and WEBCAMS
Lake Serre-Ponçon is a blue gemstone in its mountain setting. It is the sea in the middle of the Southern Alps.
In the mountains in the Alpes Maritimes
A mountain holiday in the Alpes Maritimes between Alpine and Mediterranean influences
A stay in the Alpes de Haute Provence
A stay to discover the Alpes de Haute Provence between the Mediterranean and the high mountains
Discovery of the Hautes Alpes
The Hautes Alpes department is a magnificent sample of the French Alps. Alpine holidays are always successful.
Lakes of the French Alps
Freshness, softness, rest and relaxation around the beautiful lakes of the French Alps. From North to South each lake has its specificities.
Stay on the shores of an Alpine lake
The lakes of the Alps are real gems to discover. Refined or wilder, their banks offer you another version of the Alps.
Where to See Fall Foliage in the French Alps
Autumn in the Alps is magical. It's time to go and admire the autumn foliage in the French massifs. Follow the guide.
Three reasons to discover the Southern Alps in France
The Southern Alps in France benefit from high mountain landscapes and a bright Mediterranean climate. A discovery in all seasons.
Ten train-accessible destinations on the shores of a lake in the Alps
The train journey already marks the beginning of the holiday experience. The train provides very easy access to many lakes in the Alps.
Lakes in the Alps in Switzerland: the five most beautiful panoramas
Five lakes in Switzerland that deserve to be admired from a high-altitude lookout point. AlpAddict takes you to discover the most beautiful panoramas.
Lakeside holidays in the Alps: five good reasons
In five very simple points, here is why spending a summer holiday by a lake in the Alps is an excellent idea.
Skiing by train in the French Alps
Go on a ski holiday by train to your final destination in the French Alps. No more traffic jams, no more snowy roads! AlpAddict explains where to go and how.
Ten villages in the Alps to enjoy winter without skiing
Where to go to enjoy the mountains in winter when you're not skiing? AlpAddict suggests ten charming villages!
Discover the Hautes Alpes in summer
An authentically mountainous territory with an already southern atmosphere, the Hautes Alpes department combines the sunny world of the Mediterranean with the harsher world of high altitude. Visit with AlpAddict.com.
Lake Geneva, the French shore
Lake Geneva, vast, with an infinite horizon, sunny and teeming with boats in summer, misty and melancholic in winter. Lake atmosphere guaranteed.
Lake Bourget, a romantic lake
Lake Bourget, the largest French lake with a Riviera feel, is in the heart of Savoie and offers stays between lake and mountains!
Around Lake Annecy
The lagoon-like blue waters of Lake Annecy are a delight to behold. As is the mountain landscape that frames it.
Mountain holidays in the French Alps
Going to the French Alps for a mountain holiday? Where to go, how to choose the mountain resort? AlpAddict guides you!