Top 20 Lakes at the Var

The Var department is home to several highly appreciated lakes. Lake Sainte-Croix is a major highlight, known for its stunning turquoise waters and being the third largest artificial lake in France. Another popular spot is the area around Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix, offering breathtaking views of the gorge. Visitors also enjoy Port d'Alon Cove, a beautiful beach in an unspoiled natural setting.

Many lakes in the Var department are perfect for water sports. At Lac de Sainte-Croix, you can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating, electric boating, and sailing. A popular activity is ascending the Gorges du Verdon by boat from the Galetas bridge. Lac de Saint-Cassien also offers a wide range of activities, including pedalo, kayak, paddle, sail, and even water scooter rentals. The lake is also home to an international rowing base.

Yes, several lakes in the Var are well-suited for families. Lac de Saint-Cassien, for instance, offers supervised swimming at Maison du Lac beach during July and August, along with trampolines and bouncy castles. It also has outdoor facilities like ping-pong tables, a beach volleyball court, a boulodrome, and a playground. The area around Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix is also considered family-friendly, offering stunning views and opportunities for gentle exploration.

The Var department offers numerous hiking opportunities around its lakes. Around Lac de Sainte-Croix, you'll find hiking and cycling trails that allow you to explore the rich Provençal landscape, including fragrant forests and lavender fields. Lac de Saint-Cassien also has many footpaths, including parts of the GR49 route. Even at Lac de Carcès, where swimming is generally forbidden, several marked trails allow visitors to explore the peaceful surroundings. For more specific hiking routes, you can explore guides like Waterfall hikes at the Var, which includes the 'Carcès Lake and Caramy Falls Trail'.

Lac de Saint-Cassien is a popular spot for fishing, teeming with carp, pike, perch, and black bass. Lac de Carcès (also known as Lac Sainte Suzanne) is particularly renowned as a fishing paradise, with abundant carp (some over 20 kg), pike, perch, and pike-perch. It even has dedicated fishing spots, including an accessible pontoon for disabled anglers.

The lakes in Var are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. Lac de Sainte-Croix is characterized by its dazzling turquoise waters, bordered by wooded hills and limestone plateaus, and is nestled at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon. Lac de Saint-Cassien features a distinctive Y-shape and wooded surroundings with pines, scrub, cork oaks, and white oaks. The Fondurane biological reserve on its eastern part is home to over 180 bird species. Lac de Carcès winds through forested hills, offering a peaceful environment rich in vegetation.

Yes, the lakes in Var are havens for wildlife. Lac de Sainte-Croix is known for its biodiversity, including birds like the great crested grebe. The Fondurane biological reserve on the eastern part of Lac de Saint-Cassien is particularly rich in fauna, hosting over 180 bird species. You might also spot flamingos at Salins des Pesquiers, a wetland area.

The lakes in the Var department are particularly appealing during the warmer months. In summer, the water temperature at Lac de Saint-Cassien can reach 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for swimming. The region is generally pleasant from spring through autumn, with spring offering beautiful flora and autumn providing comfortable temperatures for hiking. Some beaches, like those at Lac de Sainte-Croix and Lac de Saint-Cassien, have supervised swimming during the peak tourist season (July and August).

Absolutely. The area around Verdon Gorge to Lake Sainte-Croix offers stunning views of the gorge below. View of the Port Miou calanque provides beautiful vistas of Cap Canaille. The Saint-Cassien Lake Road is also noted for its scenic beauty. Many trails around Lac de Sainte-Croix offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding gorges.

Beyond hiking, the trails near the Var lakes offer various outdoor activities. You can find mountain biking routes, such as those detailed in the MTB Trails at the Var guide, which includes routes like 'Tour du Parc naturel de la Valmasque'. There are also mountain hiking opportunities, as seen in the Mountain Hikes at the Var guide, featuring routes like 'Sainte-Victoire loop'. These trails often provide stunning views of the lakes and surrounding landscapes.

Yes, the region offers cultural charm. Near Lac de Sainte-Croix, the charming village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is famous for its earthenware. The medieval village of Carcès, with its narrow streets, stone houses, and ancient fountains, is a picturesque attraction close to Lac de Carcès. These villages provide a glimpse into the rich Provençal heritage.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the clear, often turquoise waters of lakes like Sainte-Croix. The variety of water sports and outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking, is also a major draw. Many appreciate the peaceful environment, especially at places like Lac de Carcès, and the opportunity to escape crowded coastal areas. The picturesque villages and rich biodiversity also contribute to a memorable experience.