Top 5 paddle spots on Lac de Sainte-Croix

1. Explore the Verdon Gorges by electric boat: an activity you won’t want to miss!

This is the one outing you absolutely must do during your stay in Provence! If you only have one day to visit the region, choose the boat tour of the Verdon Gorges.

Renting a boat is the best way to explore the Verdon Gorges with your family or as a couple. You’ll be able to admire the limestone cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of the canyon from a comfortable, quiet boat all to yourselves!

You can rent a boat that doesn’t require a license from Lake Quinson or Lake Esparron, but the best option is to rent a boat from Lake Sainte-Croix. This gives you easy access to the Galetas Bridge, which marks the start of the Grand Canyon. Departing from Les Salles-sur-Verdon, you can explore the Verdon Gorges on a round-trip trip lasting just 3 hours.

For your boat rental: La Base Nautique Surf Center

2. Get your fill of thrills with canyoning or rafting in the Lower Verdon Gorges

The Lower Verdon Gorges are an excellent playground for water sports such as canyoning, rafting, and water hikes.

With routes suitable for all skill levels, you can enjoy these activities no matter your fitness level! In the Samson Corridor, the descent is easy and can be done with family or friends. Other parts of the gorges require good physical fitness and are reserved for the more athletic, such as the route from L’Imbut to Lake Sainte-Croix.

Our favorite provider for an adventure outing: Les Guides du Verdon

Good to know: If you prefer more leisurely water activities, you can also rent a canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or pedal boat on Lake Sainte-Croix.

3. Visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France

The region is full of picturesque little villages, but the most famous is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.

Take the time to stroll through this little village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence—it’s a true gem! The best way to explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is to wander through its narrow, shaded streets and let yourself be swept away by its quintessentially Provençal atmosphere.

There are several artisan workshops to explore, but it was the art of earthenware that made the village famous throughout the Kingdom of France during the reign of Louis XIV. A museum of earthenware showcases the finest pieces by the master potters of that era.

Our tip: Stop by Café Marguerite to take in the atmosphere, and treat yourself to a delicious snack at Pépite, the pastry shop and ice cream parlor!

4. Go on a challenging hike or a family hike on our trails

Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or just looking for a leisurely stroll, you’re in for a treat!

In the Verdon, hiking is an excellent alternative to boat or pedal boat trips for exploring the gorges. It lets you discover the Verdon from a different angle, but rest assured: it’s just as magnificent as ever!

Here are our favorite hiking trails:

The Imbut Trail: the most beautiful hike in the Verdon!

The Grand Margès in Aiguines: a challenging climb offering a magnificent panoramic view

The Martel “White Trail”: the famous hike that follows the Verdon Riverbed, suitable for families

The Bastidon Trail: a 7-hour loop through a wild and spectacular landscape

The hike through the Lower Verdon Gorges in Quinson: an easy hike suitable for children

The Col de l’Âne hike: a challenging trail rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Alpes de Haute-Provence

5. Take in the stunning views along the Route des Crêtes by bike or car

The Route des Crêtes is quite simply one of the region’s wonders, offering panoramic views, each more beautiful than the last. It’s also an iconic site in the Verdon, winding its way through the mountains and cliffs. It lets you discover the spectacular landscapes of the gorges and the canyon thanks to the 14 lookout points dotted along the route.

Whether you’re athletic or not, you’re sure to enjoy it! This 24-km scenic route can be traveled by car or bike. You’ll start at the Auberge des Crêtes, about 800 m from the La Palud-sur-Verdon exit heading toward Castellane, and off you go on an unforgettable journey!

Good to know: Be sure to travel clockwise, as part of the route is one-way.

6. Discover the Verdon in a different way with a horseback ride

You can also explore the Verdon on horseback!

You can take in the scenery at your horse’s pace and take the time to savor the untamed wilderness. What we also love is that horseback rides are true journeys back in time, during which you’ll discover the transhumance trails and Roman roads that shaped the region’s history.

Our favorite provider for equestrian activities: Verdon Équitation in Les Salles-sur-Verdon

7. Paragliding over Lake Sainte-Croix

Admiring the crystal-clear waters of Lake Sainte-Croix and Europe’s largest canyon from a bird’s-eye view is simply unforgettable!

Paragliding in the Verdon lets you explore the Verdon Natural Park from the sky. You don’t need to be athletic—just let your instructor guide you on a tandem paragliding flight. A discovery flight typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and is available to children as young as 4 and people with limited mobility.

8. Admire the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau

You’ve surely seen those incredible photos of lavender fields stretching as far as the eye can see… These are the famous Lavender Routes, over 1,000 km of roads known worldwide for their unique landscapes.

The Verdon region is home to part of these legendary routes, which are a must-see on the Valensole Plateau.

You can, of course, drive the route between Durance and Asse. There are also several trails you can explore on foot, by mountain bike, or by e-bike.

The best time to visit the Valensole Plateau is in July, when the lavender is in bloom. You can also take part in the Lavender Festival, which takes place every year in Valensole.

9. Step Back in Time at the Quinson Museum of Prehistory

The Verdon Gorges Museum of Prehistory is located in Quinson. It’s one of the largest prehistory museums in Europe!

Kids love it because the museum features life-size exhibits. Prehistoric animals, caves, and scenes from the daily lives of our distant ancestors are brought to life in the permanent exhibition.

10. Stroll through the truffle market in Aups

If you’re visiting the Verdon in winter, don’t miss truffle season!

The black winter truffle is the star of the weekly market in Aups, held from November through March. Aups is a village in the Haut-Var region, located very close to Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorges.

During the summer, you can still visit the Maison de la Truffe in Aups. It offers a fun, interactive experience that engages all five senses, allowing you to discover the mysterious and precious tuber known as the truffle.

There are so many places to visit and things to do in the Verdon that selecting just 10 activities in the Verdon Gorges is no easy task! Whether you prefer active or relaxing vacations, we bet you won’t be disappointed.