Baignade 2 Pont Verdonad04 Contraste Alban Desloyal

Swimming in the Verdon

Charm and Nature

The call to dive is irresistible, a temptation that emanates from every shore. However, swimming is not permitted everywhere, guided by a concern to preserve biodiversity and the fragile balance of aquatic life.

For a peaceful swim, choose the Verdon’s abundant lakes. Although Lac d’Allos is off-limits to bathers, it paves the way for other jewels such as Lac de Castillon, Lac de Sainte-Croix, Lac de Quinson and Lac d’Esparron. These unspoilt bodies of water invite you to immerse yourself in unspoilt nature.

Open your eyes wide, take a walk and let yourself be inspired by the natural splendor that surrounds you. Take advantage of these magical moments, where nature and water meet in harmony, to create unforgettable memories.

Swimming spots all along the Verdon river

Enjoy the turquoise waters

Randonnee Au Col Plein Voir Vue Sur Le Lac Sainte Croix Du Verdon Ad04 Philippe Murtas

Lac de Sainte-Croix

You won’t be the only one to enjoy its turquoise waters in summer.

Bauduen beach: Bauduen beach, on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix, enchants with its peaceful atmosphere. Lined with white pebbles, it offers spectacular views over the turquoise waters. Swimming is supervised, creating an ideal setting for moments of relaxation and pleasure in the heart of unspoilt nature. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and solitude, you’ll want to move on to one of our more intimate beaches.

The beaches of Aiguines: Explore the vast horizons offered by the beaches of Aiguines, located at the majestic gateway to the Gorges du Verdon. Take advantage of these generous expanses to immerse yourself in exceptional natural beauty, the perfect preamble before entering the spectacular canyon that awaits you.

The beaches of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon: The beaches of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, below the village, welcome you in exceptional comfort. In summer, they are busy but spacious, offering an idyllic lakeside setting. Paid parking is offset by exceptional beaches, leaving you plenty of space to find your own piece of paradise.

The beaches of Les Salles sur Verdon: The beaches of Les Salles sur Verdon reveal charming, intimate corners on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix. Shaded by evergreen oaks, they offer a breathtaking view of the island of Coste Belle. These quiet, accessible havens are perfect for peaceful bathing and natural immersion.

La Cadeno beachin Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: La Cadeno beach, a natural jewel on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix, is a haven of tranquillity. Surrounded by greenery, this beach offers a peaceful setting for a refreshing break and moments of escape in the heart of unspoilt nature.

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Did you know?

Why is the water in the Verdon such a distinctive color?

This green color is due to the fluorine and micro-algae it contains: it is probably the origin of its name, formed from the Latin viridum,

meaning “green place”.

However, in dammed lakes (such as the Lac de Sainte-Croix or the Lac de Quinson), the water has a turquoise hue due to the clay bottoms.

Lake Esparron

Smaller but just as exceptional

Beaches in Esparron: Lac d’Esparron reveals beaches within walking distance. Wild creeks near Esparron offer a secluded and peaceful experience. Let your instincts guide you and discover the beaches accessible on foot via the old pathway that used to watch over the Canal de Provence.

Plage de Saint Julien, south of Lac d’Esparron: Take a unique path from Gréoux-les-Bains, a bumpy but paved road that traces its way to a magical destination, revealing a small fjord. The long-preserved Plage de Saint-Julien was a hidden treasure, its access originally created for the Canal de Provence. Although its growing popularity means a summer price tag, the rest of the year offers privileged access. Early in the morning, late at night, or extending your adventure eastwards on foot, this sanctuary remains yours to explore.

Discover aquatic pleasures

Lac de Castillon

Between the villages of Castellane, Saint-André-les-Alpes and Saint-Julien-du-Verdon

Baie du Cheiron,Castellane : A veritable paradise for bathing enthusiasts. Supervised in summer, it offers a picturesque setting for relaxing by the water. Visitors can dine on site or opt for a picnic in the midst of an enchanting natural setting. With quiet coves to explore and a nearby island, Baie du Cheiron invites refreshing, relaxing moments.

Plage du Plan in Saint André:Just 2 kilometers from the charming village of Saint-André-les-Alpes, Plage du Plan offers an idyllic haven for outings with family or friends. Under careful supervision, swimming is safe, allowing children to enjoy the water to the full while parents relax on the grass bordering the lake. Pleasantly laid out, the beach includes a nearby snack restaurant, secure parking and even inflatables for the younger ones to enjoy. The “Sentier des Pêcheurs” walking trail (link: https://www.verdontourisme.com/informations/equipement/le-sentier-des-pecheurs-5504401id/ ) offers panoramic views along the left bank of the lake.

Plage du Touron in Saint Julien: Plage du Touron attracts holidaymakers with its peaceful atmosphere and spectacular views of the mountains and Lac de Castillon. Along the water’s edge, the grassy area is ideal for quality family time. The beach, appreciated for its breathtaking panorama, is perfect for a variety of family activities, from motorboat rides and pedal-boat rides to more sporting experiences such as windsurfing and catamaran sailing.

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Lake Quinson

And its small lakes

Lake Quinson:

Despite the beautiful color of its water, swimming is not recommended or supervised at Lac Quinson. This is mainly due to the resurgence of cold water and currents, but also to the narrow gorges and unspoilt wilderness.

Lac de Montpezat:

Although swimming is forbidden in Lac de Montpezat due to its cold water springs, this clean and beautiful lake offers other forms of aquatic adventure: white water activities (internal link).

Lac d’Artignosc:

Nestled between Monpezat and Artignosc sur Verdon, Lac d’Artignosc emerges from the lower Gorges thanks to the Quinson reservoir. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of its shaded beach and the perfect harmony of a picnic. The nautical base offers a variety of rentals, from pedalos to canoes, for a family day of aquatic fun.

Lac de Chaudanne:

Unfortunately, the waters of Lac de Chaudanne will not be echoing with the joyous laughter of bathers, as swimming is now prohibited. This wild and unspoilt setting is no longer suitable for diving into its crystal-clear waters. Although this restriction deprives bathing enthusiasts of the opportunity, exploring the lake by boat remains an alternative to enjoy the tranquility of the lake.