Top 6 Lakes around Saint-Jurs

While Saint-Jurs itself is a hilltop village, it is ideally situated near several magnificent artificial lakes within the Verdon Natural Regional Park. The most prominent include Lac de Sainte-Croix, Lac d'Esparron, Lac de Castillon, and Lac de Quinson, all formed by dams along the Verdon River.

Lac de Sainte-Croix is a major tourist destination, especially popular in summer. You can enjoy a wide array of water sports such as swimming, sailing, kayaking, paddle boating, and electric boat excursions. Equipped beaches and campsites are available, and you can also explore the stunning Gorges du Verdon from here.

Yes, Lac d'Esparron is often described as one of the wildest and most mysterious of the Verdon lakes, offering a more secluded and peaceful experience. Similarly, Lac de Quinson provides a calmer and wilder character, with only electric or non-motorized boats allowed, preserving its tranquility.

Lac d'Esparron is known for its tranquil atmosphere, partly due to the prohibition of petrol-powered motor boats, allowing only electric boats and sailing. This makes it ideal for those seeking a peaceful experience, with opportunities for swimming, pedal boating, canoeing, and electric boat rides. Exploring the lower gorges by canoe or electric boat from Esparron-de-Verdon is particularly pleasant.

Absolutely! Many of the lakes, including Lac de Sainte-Croix and Lac d'Esparron, offer family-friendly activities like swimming, pedal boating, and electric boat rentals. Highlights like Base Nautique L'Étoile provide boat rentals for a fun day on the water. The calm waters of Lac d'Esparron are especially suitable for families with young children.

Panoramic views of Lac de Sainte-Croix can be enjoyed from various points, including the Galetas belvedere and the villages of Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, and Bauduen. For the Gorges du Verdon, the Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix highlight offers stunning views from nearby roads and bridges, as does the North side of the Grand Canyon of the Verdon from the west.

Yes, the region around Saint-Jurs and its lakes offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find trails winding around Lac d'Esparron, offering stunning views. For more extensive hiking, explore the hiking guide for Saint-Jurs, which includes routes like the 'Agrà Summit (1,523 m) – Saint-Jurs Pass loop' and 'Place Bellevue, Saint-Jurs – View of Lac de Sainte-Croix loop'.

Beyond hiking, the area is excellent for cycling. You can explore MTB trails or gravel biking routes around Saint-Jurs, many of which offer views of the lakes and the Verdon Gorge. Water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and electric boating are also popular on the lakes.

The lakes are particularly popular during summer, offering ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. However, spring and autumn also provide pleasant weather for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty with fewer crowds, making them excellent seasons for outdoor activities.

Yes, you'll find various facilities. For example, Camping Le Galetas is conveniently located near Lac de Sainte-Croix, offering easy access to the lake and gorge. Boat rentals are available at places like Base Nautique L'Étoile on Lac de Sainte-Croix, and at other nautical bases around the lakes.

Lac de Sainte-Croix is an artificial lake, created between 1971 and 1974 by the construction of the Sainte-Croix Dam. It is the third-largest artificial lake in France and plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation and supplying drinking water to major cities. More historical context can be found on Wikipedia.

Lac de Castillon, located upstream on the Verdon, is the second-largest Verdon lake by surface area. It's known for its green and restful environment and beautiful turquoise waters, making it popular for various nautical activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, pedal boating, and swimming. Beaches at Saint-Julien du Verdon and Saint André les Alpes are popular spots.