The best beaches on Lake Sainte-Croix

Margaridon Beach in Les Salles-sur-Verdon

In our opinion, the best beach on Lake Sainte-Croix! Margaridon Beach is the beach in Les Salles-sur-Verdon, on the shores of Lake Sainte-Croix.

Perfect for families, Margaridon Beach is shaded and features a supervised swimming area. Kids can splash around in complete safety! The lifeguard station is open from the start of the summer season.

There’s a water sports center there, the Surf Center, which offers boat rentals (no license required), canoes, paddleboards, windsurfing boards, and pedal boats. From the beach, you can set out on an excursion into the Verdon Gorge by canoe or electric boat. You can also explore Costebelle Islet, a rugged rock formation located across from the pebble beach.

On the practical side, it’s much less crowded than other beaches, such as Sainte-Croix du Verdon or Galetas. Parking is easy, and the snack bar at the water sports center is open every day at lunchtime. It serves homemade salads and sandwiches. You can also enjoy a drink or a pizza there in the evening, while taking in the breathtaking view of the lake!

Sainte-Croix du Verdon Beach

The most famous of the beaches on Lake Sainte-Croix! The view of the lake is incredible, and swimming is supervised there in the summer. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the village of Sainte-Croix du Verdon. It’s also one of the busiest beaches, as it’s very easy to reach by car and there are plenty of tourist facilities.

Well-equipped, it’s very popular with families. You’ll find every water activity imaginable on Lake Sainte-Croix! You can rent various watercraft to explore the lake (paddleboards, canoes, pedal boats, etc.), or take a boat tour through the Verdon Gorges.

If you’re looking for a sailing class at Lake Sainte-Croix, the Voile et Nautisme association offers sailing and rowing camps during school breaks.

You’ll also find plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, as several snack bars offer fast food (crepes, sandwiches, burgers, paninis, etc.). The beach is just a stone’s throw from the village and its restaurants.

Bauduen Beach

Bauduen Beach is a large beach of white pebbles, near the village of the same name. It’s less crowded than Sainte-Croix du Verdon Beach, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. There are fewer amenities, but parking is free and swimming is supervised. However, be sure to bring your own beach umbrella, as the beach is sunny and gets hot in the summer!

If you’re looking for a quiet spot to swim in Lake Sainte-Croix or to rent a boat, this is an excellent option. The Bauduen Water Sports Center offers a wide range of water activities and sports, such as catamaran sailing, dinghy sailing, canoeing and kayaking, windsurfing, wingsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Chabassole Beach in Aiguines

Much less crowded than its neighbor, Galetas Beach, Chabassole Beach offers a true oasis of tranquility.

There are shaded areas where you can escape the summer sun and take a quiet nap. Parking is free, and restrooms are available. However, the beach has few amenities. Swimming is unsupervised, and there are no food or drink options. If you’d like to spend the day there, you’ll need to bring a picnic.

It’s an ideal starting point for exploring the Verdon Gorges by boat, as the beach is very close to the entrance to the Grand Canyon du Verdon and the Galetas Bridge. As is the case all around Lake Sainte-Croix, you can rent electric boats here, as well as pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes.

There are many great spots for swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Sainte-Croix in Provence. We’ve focused on the beaches around Lake Sainte-Croix that have supervised swimming areas, but there are many other beaches around the lake. You’ll also discover secret spots and hidden coves as you stroll along the shores! Enjoy your stay in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region!