The best places for a swim in the Verdon Gorges

Lake Castillon: cool, turquoise waters!

To help you find your way around, we’ll be travelling down the Verdon from upstream to downstream.

Let’s start with Lake Castillon! This man-made lake is ideal for those who love a refreshing swim! The water temperature is a little cooler than in the region’s other lakes, as Lake Castillon is close to the source of the Verdon. It’s still very pleasant for swimming, though, as the water temperature is around 23 degrees in the height of summer!

Situated on the edge of Provence, it is bordered by the villages of Saint-André-les-Alpes and Saint-Julien-du-Verdon. Swimming is permitted here, and you’ll find three well-equipped, easily accessible beaches where you can enjoy its clear, emerald waters.

Cheiron Beach

Just a few minutes from Castellane, Cheiron Bay offers a swimming area and a water sports centre with a range of activities (canoeing, pedalos, etc.)

Touron Beach

The municipal Touron Beach is situated in Saint-Julien-du-Verdon. Parking is free and there are public toilets. It features a grassy area perfect for picnics and a nap in the shade of the trees. You can also hire a boat there to explore the lake.

Plan Beach

Situated 2 km from Saint-André-des-Alpes on the road to Nice, Plan Beach has a supervised swimming area, a snack bar and secure car park. There are plenty of open grassy areas perfect for a picnic! The fishermen’s path takes you along the lake for a gentle post-meal stroll. Boats are available to hire to explore the lake.

Swimming in the Verdon Gorges: regulations for the canyons

Although the crystal-clear waters are an invitation to take a dip, please be aware that swimming in the Verdon Gorges is subject to regulations.

In particular, swimming in the River Verdon is prohibited in several places. As the official website of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, the Verdon is a dangerous river, with numerous whirlpools and strong currents along its course. Swimming is prohibited by local by-law in the municipalities of Aiguines, Castellane, Rougon and La Palud-sur-Verdon.

If in doubt, check with the authorities!

Lake Sainte-Croix: Swimming at the entrance to the Grand Canyon

Lake Sainte-Croix is an ideal spot for swimming in the Verdon Gorges. It is situated at the entrance to the Grand Canyon, making it possible to organise a half-day trip by electric boat to explore the Verdon Gorges.

Several beaches line the turquoise waters of Lake Sainte-Croix, offering the chance to enjoy its magnificent scenery. Not to be missed:

• Sainte-Croix du Verdon beach

• Margaridon Beach in Salles-sur-Verdon

• Galetas Bridge Beach

• Bauduen Beach

Some offer tourist facilities such as catering, water sports hire, car parks or picnic tables. Whether the swimming is supervised or not, the level of tourist traffic, or the services on offer: choose the beach that suits you best with the help of our article dedicated to the best beaches on Lake Sainte-Croix.

Lake Quinson

A lake that is less well-known and less crowded than Lake Sainte-Croix or Lake Esparron, but well worth a visit. Charming and unspoilt, Lake Quinson is a haven of wild nature.

However, swimming is prohibited. You’ll have to head all the way to Lake Artignosc to take a dip!

Lake Artignosc

Situated between Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon and Artignosc-sur-Verdon, Lake Artignosc is ideal for family swimming with young children.

The beach is shaded by trees, perfect for protecting the little ones from the sun and having a nap in the early afternoon. The site has a picnic area with tables.

Lake Esparron: the pearl of the Verdon

Lake Esparron is a must-see during your stay in Provence and the Verdon. Nicknamed the pearl of the Verdon, the lake offers magnificent scenery of cliffs and is full of coves and inlets perfect for swimming.

Swimming is permitted and there are several beaches for holidaymakers near Esparron-de-Verdon and Gréoux-les-Bains. Lake Esparron has the warmest water in the region, as it is situated at the end of the Lower Gorges of the Verdon. The water temperature can reach up to 26°C in the height of summer – enough to put even the most cold-sensitive at ease!

Esparron-de-Verdon beach is very popular and easy to reach. Well-equipped, it offers facilities such as car parks, catering and a water sports centre.

Saint-Julien beach is situated to the south-west of the lake, and you can reach it from Gréoux-les-Bains. There is only one access road to get there by car.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, follow the Garde Canal footpath on foot, which leads to small, hidden beaches. You’ll discover a series of charming coves where you can swim in peace in the turquoise water.

There are so many options for choosing where to swim in the Verdon Gorges! Put on your swimsuit, grab your towel – the turquoise waters and wonderful beaches of the Verdon lakes await you. Don’t miss out on the pleasure of exploring the trails and discovering new secret spots for a swim.