Turquoise water, limestone cliffs, hilltop villages: the Verdon Gorges and Sainte-Croix Lake are among Provence's most spectacular landscapes. The area spans two departments, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Var, and campsites are plentiful here. The trick is choosing the right location depending on what you want to do. Here's our guide to preparing a camping trip in the Verdon.
The Verdon at a glance
The Verdon Regional Natural Park was created in 1997. Its heart is the gorges: a canyon carved by the river between Castellane and Sainte-Croix Lake, with walls reaching up to 700 metres high in places. Sainte-Croix Lake itself is an artificial reservoir, created by a dam built on the Verdon. You'll find beaches, water activities and a good number of campsites there.
Where to camp: three areas, three atmospheres
Castellane, gateway to the gorges
At the upper entrance to the gorges, Castellane is the ideal base for hiking, rafting and ridge-top drives. Several campsites are located here, such as Huttopia Gorges du Verdon. The atmosphere is more mountainous, with cooler nights than at the lakeside.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the north shore of the lake
Perched at the foot of the cliffs, Moustiers is just minutes from the lake and the lower entrance to the gorges. It's a good compromise for alternating between swimming and sightseeing. Domaine du Petit Lac is among the campsites in the area.
The Var shorelines: Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Bauduen, Aiguines
On the south and east shores of the lake, you camp as close to the water as possible. At Les Salles-sur-Verdon, camping municipal Les Ruisses and camping La Source are close to the beaches; at Bauduen, camping Rives du Lac de Sainte-Croix lives up to its name. Perfect area for families who mainly want to enjoy the lake.
What to do on Sainte-Croix Lake
- Gentle boating: petrol-powered boats are prohibited on the lake, except for rescue services. You can hire electric boats, pedaloes, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, particularly near Pont du Galetas, at Les Salles-sur-Verdon or at Bauduen. Above 6 horsepower (4.5 kW), a boat licence is required, even for an electric motor.
- Paddle up into the gorges: from Pont du Galetas, canoes and electric boats allow you to enter the lower part of the gorges, between the cliff faces.
- Swimming: the lake has several beaches, between Bauduen, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and the Galetas area.
Equipment rental generally operates from spring to late October, depending on the weather: check locally outside the season.
Hiking in the gorges
The most famous trail is the Blanc-Martel footpath, between the Chalet de la Maline (La Palud-sur-Verdon) and Point Sublime (Rougon). It's a one-way route that's challenging in places and passes through tunnels plunged in darkness: a headtorch per person is essential. Also plan for your return journey (shuttle or two vehicles), good hiking boots and plenty of water. The trail is not suitable for young children.
For an easier first look, the viewpoints along the ridge-top roads and at Point Sublime offer stunning views without much walking.
The safety rule to know: water releases
The Verdon's flow depends on dams upstream. During water releases, the river level can rise very quickly in the gorges. Don't set up on the pebbles at the bottom of the riverbed, don't cross the river on foot, and check with the tourist office or information boards before any waterside activities. On the lake, be mindful of the wind, which can pick up in the afternoon.
When to go
July and August are very busy, especially around Pont du Galetas and Moustiers. June and September often offer still-pleasant water and greater peace and quiet. In spring and autumn, hiking is more comfortable than in high summer, but many campsites and rental facilities close: always check opening dates.
Find your campsite in the Verdon
Browse the campsite map to spot those bordering the lake or gorges, or consult the list of campsites by department. And if you enjoy canyons, our guide to camping in the Ardèche Gorges will give you another great holiday idea.
