Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon brings together lakeside scenery, hiking and traces of different eras. The village lies on a hill that slopes gently down towards the lake; more than a third of the municipal area consists of forests and wooded land. The hillside, woodland and water each add a distinct feature to the landscape. You can shape your stay around relaxing by Lac de Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon, exploring the surrounding trails or discovering the village’s architectural history.

Lakeside scenery and trails through the landscape

Lac de Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon has a partly shaded beach, suited to picnics and family relaxation. The lake is also suitable for excursions on the water. A break on the shore and an outing on the lake offer different ways to spend time by the water.

Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon also has beautiful walks between lavender fields and the Verdon. These trails offer a different focus from the beach and water excursions: here, the landscape between the fields and river and the experience of walking take centre stage.

Hiking, nature watching and scenic views

The route by Lac d’Artignosc is considered a nature walk. Along the way, you can spot grey herons, ospreys, great crested grebes, gulls and Eurasian jays. The trail is stony; hiking boots are recommended. The route starts and ends at the Aires car park, opposite the castle in the village.

A trail to the Chapelle Notre-Dame runs alongside Lac d’Artignosc for part of the way. The route offers a remarkable view of the Verdon’s left bank and the village of Artignosc. The two trails thus have different focuses: possible birdwatching is a feature of the route by Lac d’Artignosc, while the view of the riverbank and village stands out on the route to the chapel.

Village history and buildings

Two Neolithic dolmens are evidence that Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon was already inhabited in prehistoric times. They point to an early period in the village’s history, long before the fountain complex and later religious buildings.

The village fountain complex dates from 1647 and serves as a fountain, washhouse and livestock watering trough. It brings together three distinct functions, giving the structure a character beyond that of a simple fountain. The fountain complex predates the village church, which was built in the 19th century.

The church of Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon dates from the 19th century and is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. The Chapelle Notre-Dame has been restored and stands on a small hill at an elevation of 483 metres. Its nave ends in a semi-dome apse, which is believed to date from the 17th century. The 19th-century village church and the chapel, with its probably older apse, thus represent different building periods and forms of religious architecture.

Discover more destinations: Bellaffaire, Mison, Enchastrayes, Villeneuve, Uvernet-Fours, Roumoules, Mane, Senez.

Back to the main travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.