Hiking Around Lac de Sainte-Croix: 8 Itineraries Between Turquoise Water and Garrigue
Straddling Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence départements, Lac de Sainte-Croix is one of France's largest artificial lakes — 22 km² of turquoise water nestled between the Valensole plateau foothills and the entrance to the Grand Canyon du Verdon. For hikers, it's a spectacular playground: balcony trails, side gorges, viewpoints over the lake, perched villages and wild swimming spots as a reward.
Here are 8 selected itineraries to discover the area — from short family loops to full-day hikes for seasoned walkers.
Why hike around Lac de Sainte-Croix?
The lake offers three major assets:
- Concentrated landscape diversity: a tour of the lake crosses limestone cliffs, lavender plateaus, medieval hamlets and narrow gorges. Every kilometre offers a different setting.
- Omnipresent water: rare in Mediterranean garrigue, lake water and its tributaries (Verdon, Artuby, Colostre) turn hikes into sun/cool alternation, ideal in summer.
- Rich wildlife: griffon vultures, Bonelli's eagles, wild boar, European beavers on the banks, ocellated lizards on the screes. See our guide on Provençal wildlife.
The 8 selected hikes
1. Bauduen Loop and Lake Beach
Distance: 14.5 km | Ascent: 275 m | Level: moderate
From Les Salles-sur-Verdon, this loop first follows the lake's eastern shores before climbing to the perched village of Bauduen. The plunging view over the turquoise expanse is one of the most photogenic in the Verdon. Possible swim along the route.
2. Baudinard Gorges
Distance: 13.4 km | Ascent: 215 m | Level: moderate
South of the lake, the Baudinard Gorges offer a wilder and less crowded alternative to the Grand Canyon. The trail follows cliffs sculpted by the Verdon before returning across a holm oak plateau. Ideal for those wanting to escape the northern Verdon crowds.
3. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: the village loop
Distance: 12.0 km | Ascent: 416 m | Level: moderate
Classified among France's most beautiful villages, Moustiers makes an enchanting starting point. The loop climbs to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel suspended between two cliffs, crosses ravines, and descends via old mule tracks. Exceptional views over the lake and Valensole plateau.
4. Swimming Spot and View over Lake Esparron
Distance: 18.6 km | Ascent: 413 m | Level: demanding
In the southwest, Lake Esparron (connected to Sainte-Croix by the Verdon) offers more intimate landscapes. This longer hike alternates panoramic crests, descents to the shores and an isolated swimming spot midway. Allow 5–6 hours.
5. The "Blue Miracle" and Esparron Castle
Distance: 10.3 km | Ascent: 241 m | Level: easy
An accessible loop perfect for families or a half-day. The "Blue Miracle" is a hidden crystal-water cove in the Verdon Gorges upstream from the lake. The medieval village of Esparron, its castle and swimming area close the loop.
6. The Lower Gorges of the Verdon
Distance: 8.5 km | Ascent: 215 m | Level: easy
Lesser-known section of the Verdon (between Sainte-Croix and Esparron lakes), the Lower Gorges offer a shaded trail along the river. Several water access points let you cool off. Excellent choice for a hot summer outing.
7. The Verdon from Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon
Distance: 9.2 km | Ascent: 121 m | Level: easy
A gentle loop along the Verdon banks downstream from the lake, perfect for a first hike in the area. Flat terrain and forest cover make it accessible for children from 7–8 years old.
8. The Garde Canal Trail
Distance: 9.1 km | Ascent: 219 m | Level: easy
This historic trail follows the Canal de Provence along the regional park's foothills. Views over the lake and Valensole plateau, crossings of old farmhouses, and a welcome shaded section in summer. Ideal for a quiet morning.
Practical tips for hiking around the lake
Access and parking
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: large free parking at village entrance, paid in high season.
- Les Salles-sur-Verdon: Plage du Soleil parking, free off-season.
- Bauduen: limited parking, arrive early in summer.
- Esparron: harbour parking, free year-round.
Specific gear
For these hikes, plan for:
- Swimwear and towel: mid-route swimming is one of the area's major pleasures.
- Shoes with good grip: some balcony trails feature polished, slippery limestone passages.
- 2 litres of water minimum per person in summer — lake water is not drinkable.
- Sunscreen and hat: little shade on crests, maximum exposure in summer.
- A well-ventilated 25 L backpack is ideal for carrying the picnic and swimming gear.
Safety and environment
- Verdon cliffs host Bonelli's eagle and vulture nests. From 1 March to 30 June, some trails may be restricted — check on-site.
- Fire risk is very high in summer (often in orange or red alert). Consult prefectural orders before leaving.
- Swimming is allowed but unsupervised outside designated zones. Watch for currents near the dam and lake level variations.
Where to stay near the lake?
For those wanting to chain several hikes:
- Campsites or bungalows in Bauduen, Les Salles-sur-Verdon or Aiguines: many lakeside campsites, fairly affordable outside July–August.
- Guesthouses in Moustiers: village atmosphere, good restaurants, easy access to northern trails.
- Refuges and bivouac: see our guide on bivouac regulations in France — bivouac is tolerated in the Verdon regional park under certain conditions.
Key takeaways
Lac de Sainte-Croix concentrates, over a relatively small area, some of Provence's most beautiful landscapes. The variety of itineraries lets every hiker profile find their match — from the Sunday walker seeking a swim after 2 hours of walking to the enthusiast linking 18 km of panoramic crests.
To go further, also explore the Verdon Gorges hikes extending this area eastward with even more vertiginous landscapes.
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