Lake of Sainte-Croix
Reservoir Reservoir at Verdon Gorge with turquoise waters
The Lake of Sainte-Croix fills the Verdon Gorge’s lower basin and serves as a hub for swimming, canoeing and paddle sports, with access to the gorge trails and lakeside villages.
How to Get to Lake of Sainte-Croix #
The lake is about 35-45 minutes’ drive from Castellane and 1.5 hours from Aix-en-Provence by car. Follow D71 / D955 to the villages of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and Bauduen; public buses serve Castellane and regional hubs, with local connections in high season.
Tips for Visiting Lake of Sainte-Croix #
- Take a boat trip into the Gorges du Verdon if combining the lake visit with nearby attractions.
- Visit viewpoints at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and Bauduen for different perspectives on the turquoise water.
- Arrive early in summer - parking fills quickly and boat rentals are in high demand.
Best Time to Visit Lake of Sainte-Croix #
Late spring through early autumn is the prime season for lake activities; high summer is busiest.
Weather & Climate near Lake of Sainte-Croix #
Lake of Sainte-Croix's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (696 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 14 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
