Lac de Sainte-Croix is a defining feature of travel planning in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon: covering 2,200 hectares, it lies at the heart of the Parc Naturel RĂ©gional du Verdon. Experiences in the commune include water sports, a historic village centre and exhibitions about the transformation of the valley. This gives you the option of deciding whether to spend your stay mainly by the water, exploring the culture, or doing both.
Water sports on Lac de Sainte-Croix
There are clear rules for boating on the lake: boats with petrol or diesel combustion engines are expressly prohibited. Electric boats, sailboats and human-powered watercraft are permitted. If you are planning a boat trip, check the current rules before your journey. The Association Voile et Nautisme offers sailing, rowing and paddling courses in Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Check course availability in advance.
Plage de Sainte Croix du Verdon is a short walk from the village and offers opportunities for water sports in a sheltered setting. This gives you several ways to enjoy the water: permitted types of boats on the lake, courses with the Association, and water sports at the Plage. Which option suits your stay depends on whether you would rather sail, row, paddle or try other water sports.
Village centre, church and views
At Le Village Provençal, you can explore the historic village centre through its calades—narrow, winding cobbled lanes—and vaulted passageways. The parish church dates back to the 16th century. Its forecourt is a viewpoint overlooking Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Grand Canyon du Verdon, visible in the distance. Here, you can explore village history and the landscape through specific places: the winding lanes in the village centre and the view from the church forecourt.
The Maison de l’Eau et de la Vallée also connects history with the landscape of the Verdon. Housed in a former medieval castle, it serves as a historical and cultural interpretation centre. Its permanent exhibitions trace the lives of the valley’s inhabitants before the landscape was profoundly transformed in 1974, and explain the technical and human challenges involved in building the dam. They also reveal remnants of the commune’s former seigneurial past. Visitor access is subject to seasonal opening arrangements; check these before your visit. Exhibition content may change.
Market, beekeeping and mountain bike route
The Marché estival takes place on Tuesday mornings at Parking Bellevue on the lakeshore. As seasonal market dates may change, check the current date if you are planning a visit. Another way to discover local life is the Rucher de Para Loù, where you can buy products directly, sample them and learn about beekeeping. Confirm the visitor arrangements in advance.
For a mountain biking trip, the TransVerdon route offers another point of interest: it passes through Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon between Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the lower stretches of the lake. Check route conditions before setting out. The route adds a concrete way to experience the area by mountain bike to the themes of water and village history, without committing you to a set day’s itinerary.
Planning your stay
If you are looking for hotels in Sainte-Croix-De-Verdon, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip. If it is mainly about the lake and water sports, the permitted types of boats and the courses are important planning considerations. If you are interested in culture, consider the historic village centre, the viewpoint by the parish church and the exhibitions, which have seasonal opening arrangements. The market and beekeeping offer other distinct experiences.
Discover other destinations: Vaumeilh, Soleilhas, Entrevennes, Clamensane, Curbans, Saint-Paul-Sur-Ubaye, Lardiers, Mallemoisson
See the regional travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
