📍 France

LAKE SAINTE-CROIX: TURQUOISE WATERS AND CLIFFTOP VILLAGES

Turquoise waters reflecting white cliffs, faience tradition, terraces overlooking the canyon. The Verdon, magic of water and stone.

≈ 5
Days
39
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Follow the Verdon's turquoise waters between cliffs and lakeside villages. Discover Les Salles-sur-Verdon at water's edge, climb to Aiguines to take in the lake, pass through Moustiers-Sainte-Marie nestled beneath its cliff, then enjoy Bauduen and Sainte-Croix's natural sanctuary.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Les Salles Sur Verdon

harbor whispers village secrets

Les Salles Sur Verdon - Photo 1Les Salles Sur Verdon - Photo 2Les Salles Sur Verdon - Photo 3Les Salles Sur Verdon - Photo 4Les Salles Sur Verdon - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Les Salles-sur-Verdon — village rebuilt after the old site was submerged under the dam waters in 1973.
2
Discovery of the bell tower, fountain, old washhouses and war memorial, remnants of the vanished village.
3
Stroll through the new village with its flower-lined streets and revisited Provençal architecture.
🎯

Activities

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Walking tour to the lakeside and panorama of Costebelle Island.
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Provençal market on Thursday morning and local products on the main square.
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Water activities: paddleboard, pedal boat or windsurfing from the lake base.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 10min
2
Day

Aiguines

cliffs frame turquoise infinity

Aiguines - Photo 1Aiguines - Photo 2Aiguines - Photo 3Aiguines - Photo 4Aiguines - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Aiguines — perched village overlooking Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorges.
2
Renaissance château (private) with glazed tiles, panorama over the Valensole plateau and the Préalpes.
3
Saint-Pierre Chapel and orientation table with view over the lake and the Verdon ridges.
🎯

Activities

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Visit to the wood turning museum and local craft workshops.
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Hiking on the D71 road (Verdon balconies) and viewpoints over the canyon.
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Rock climbing on the Verdon walls or lounging on the lake beaches.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 10min
3
Day

Moustiers Sainte Marie

ceramics shine clifftop glory

Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 1Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 2Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 3Moustiers Sainte Marie - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — village classified among the most beautiful in France, famous for its earthenware and its star suspended between two rocky peaks.
2
Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church and medieval heritage in the heart of the village.
3
Earthenware museum — collection tracing five centuries of Provençal ceramic art.
🎯

Activities

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Hike to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir chapel for a view over the lake and the Verdon Gorges.
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Discovery of earthenware workshops and shops (14 workshops and 22 stores).
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Walk around the Rion waterfall or towards the Sainte-Madeleine cave.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15 km
Travel time: 20min
4
Day

Bauduen

beach meets water calmly

Bauduen - Photo 1Bauduen - Photo 2Bauduen - Photo 3Bauduen - Photo 4Bauduen - Photo 5Bauduen - Photo 6Bauduen - Photo 7Bauduen - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Bauduen — crescent-shaped village by the lake, typically Provençal with its narrow streets and stone houses.
2
Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church and Saracen tower of the village.
3
Ruins of the medieval castle overlooking Bauduen bay.
🎯

Activities

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'Circuit de Bauduen' hike — panoramic loop around the lake (map available at the tourist office).
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Swimming, sailing, canoeing or pedal boating on the village beaches.
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Sunday market on the village square.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12 km
Travel time: 20min
5
Day

Sainte Croix Du Verdon

lake heart beats sapphire

Sainte Croix Du Verdon - Photo 1Sainte Croix Du Verdon - Photo 2Sainte Croix Du Verdon - Photo 3Sainte Croix Du Verdon - Photo 4Sainte Croix Du Verdon - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon — village built on a rocky promontory at the exit of the Gorges du Verdon.
2
Picturesque old houses, flowered squares and 16th-century parish church.
3
Village belvedere — 180° panorama over the lake and surrounding mountains.
🎯

Activities

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Water sports center — windsurfing, kayak, pedal boat or sailing on the turquoise waters.
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Hiking towards the hills overlooking the lake or sunset stroll on the pier.
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Tuesday morning market and local products on the church square.

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 4 and 6 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.