Lac De Sainte-Croix

The entire middle and lower reaches of the river lie in the Verdon Regional Nature Park. The most scenic section is between the town of Castellane and the Lac de Sainte-Croix. There, over a length of 21 km, the Verdon forms the Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon, Grand Canyon du Verdon), one of the mightiest and most impressive gorges in Europe. The most spectacular part of the gorge is accompanied by a road, partly on a higher level through the corniche sublime gorge or on the high altitudes. There are always very beautiful sections on this route with deep views into and over the valley, but only a few opportunities to descend. Very suitable for white water paddling, free climbing and adventure hikes. In France, this climbing style culture is said to have been the first to gain a foothold here.

The damming of the Verdon River began in 1973, with the Sainte-Croix Dam, under construction since 1971, being completed in 1974. The reservoir covers an area of about 21.8 km² with a maximum depth of about 90 meters and a water content of up to 761 million m³. It is the second largest reservoir in France after Lac de Serre-Ponçon.

This reservoir was the absolute highlight for us during the car tour through the Grand Canyon du Verdon. The water of the "Lac de Sainte-Croix" is a uniquely beautiful turquoise blue. I felt like I was on holiday in the Caribbean. No wonder this lake is considered the most beautiful in Provence.