Attractions and Places To See around Les Salles-Sur-Verdon - Top 20

The region is dominated by stunning natural landscapes. You can visit the expansive Lake Sainte-Croix, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and various water sports. The magnificent Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix, often called the "Grand Canyon of Europe," offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and boat tours. The entire area is nestled within the Verdon Natural Regional Park, providing a rich environment for outdoor activities.

Yes, Les Salles-sur-Verdon has a unique history. The original village was submerged to create Lac de Sainte-Croix, and the current village was rebuilt nearby, retaining its Provençal charm. You can explore the "new" village, visit the Eglise Sainte-Anne, and see the Old Village Memorial, which incorporates salvaged elements from the submerged settlement. There's also an Ecomuseum providing insights into the region's past, and a historical route through the village detailing its fascinating story.

The area offers many family-friendly options, especially around Lake Sainte-Croix. Families can enjoy swimming, pedal boating, electric motorboat rentals, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on its calm waters. The lake also has beaches like Plage de Chabassole for relaxation. Additionally, the Toine Path/Naturalistic Itinerary around the village is an easy trail suitable for families to explore local flora and fauna.

The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy various water sports on Lake Sainte-Croix. For land-based activities, the Verdon Natural Regional Park offers extensive hiking and cycling trails. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling. For example, explore routes like the 'Galetas Bridge – Lake Sainte-Croix loop' for hiking or the 'Lake Sainte-Croix – View of Moustiers-Saint-Marie loop' for cycling. More details on routes can be found in the hiking, gravel biking, and cycling guides for the area.

Absolutely! Just a few kilometers away is Moustiers Sainte-Marie, recognized as one of France's most beautiful villages, known for its unique setting between the Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix. Other charming villages to explore include Aups and Tourtour, each offering local character and a glimpse into Provençal life.

For spectacular views of the Gorges du Verdon, a must-visit is the View of the Verdon Gorge from the Blanc-Martel trail. This location provides stunning vistas of Europe's largest canyon. Additionally, nearby roads and bridges around the Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix offer numerous opportunities to admire the gorge from above.

The best time to visit Les Salles-sur-Verdon largely depends on your preferred activities. The summer months are ideal for water sports on Lac de Sainte-Croix and enjoying the vibrant lavender fields on the Plateau de Valensole. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. The Gorges du Verdon are impressive year-round, but some activities might be seasonal.

Yes, you can experience authentic Provençal life at the weekly market held every Thursday morning in Les Salles-sur-Verdon. During the summer months, there is also a local producers' market every Monday, offering fresh regional products.

For experienced hikers, the Gorges du Verdon offer challenging trails. The Blanc-Martel trail, accessible from the View of the Verdon Gorge from the Blanc-Martel trail, is well-known for its steep and technical terrain, following the bed of the Verdon. It requires a good level of fitness and sturdy shoes. You can find more challenging hiking routes in the hiking guide for the area.

The View from the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir Chapel is a significant site located above Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This Romanesque-Gothic chapel is reached via a stone staircase and offers a rewarding experience with picturesque views of the village, the Maire valley, and the impressive Plateau de Valensole. It's a beautiful spot for both its historical architecture and panoramic vistas.

Les Salles-sur-Verdon holds a unique historical narrative as the original village was intentionally submerged in the 1970s to create the artificial Lac de Sainte-Croix. The current village was then rebuilt nearby, designed to preserve its traditional Provençal character. This history is commemorated through the Old Village Memorial and the Ecomuseum, which details life before the submersion.