Top 5 Lakes around Moriez

The lakes around Moriez boast diverse natural beauty. Lac de Chaudanne is known for its stunning turquoise waters framed by steep limestone cliffs. Further afield, Lac de Sainte-Croix offers expansive turquoise waters at the outlet of the Gorges du Verdon, while Lac de Castillon features deep emerald-green waters surrounded by mountains and forests. Europe's largest natural high-altitude lake, Lac d'Allos, presents a dramatic alpine landscape with crystal-clear waters.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Lac de Chaudanne is considered family-friendly. Lac de Castillon has supervised beaches, such as Cheiron Bay and Plage du Plan, perfect for children. Lac de Sainte-Croix is also ideal for families, offering gentle water activities and a tranquil environment due to the ban on combustion engines. For hikers, Lac d'Allos has an interpretation trail suitable for families.

The lakes offer a wide range of water sports. Lac de Sainte-Croix is excellent for swimming, pedal boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and electric boat rentals. Lac de Castillon allows for swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and pedal boating. Swimming is prohibited at Lac d'Allos due to its protected status, but it's a prime spot for hiking.

You'll find various hiking opportunities. Around Lac de Castillon, there are trails offering panoramic views, including the 'Sentier des Pêcheurs' route. Lac de Sainte-Croix also has hiking trails around its shores. For a more challenging alpine experience, Lac d'Allos in the Mercantour National Park offers an interpretation trail around the lake and more demanding hikes to surrounding peaks. For more options, explore the hiking guide around Moriez.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for water sports and swimming at lakes like Sainte-Croix and Castillon, and for enjoying the nearby lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau. High-altitude lakes like Lac d'Allos are typically accessible for hiking from late spring to early autumn, as winter brings snow and challenging conditions.

The lakes are generally accessible by car from Moriez. Lac de Sainte-Croix is approximately a 40-minute drive, while Lac de Castillon is even closer, around 13.4 km from Moriez. Lac d'Allos is further, about 1.5 to 2 hours drive, often requiring a hike to reach the lake itself. Parking facilities are available near the main access points and beaches of the larger lakes like Sainte-Croix and Castillon.

Yes, there are options available. Villages along the shores of Lac de Castillon, such as Saint-Julien-du-Verdon, offer places to stop for a drink or a snack. Near Lac d'Allos, there is a refuge that provides accommodation and food. The larger lakes like Sainte-Croix also have various nautical bases and nearby towns with restaurants and lodging.

Regulations regarding dogs can vary. While some areas may be dog-friendly, it's crucial to check specific park or lake rules, especially in protected areas like the Mercantour National Park where Lac d'Allos is located. Generally, dogs on a leash are often permitted on hiking trails, but may be restricted from swimming areas or certain natural reserves.

The diverse landscapes around the lakes support various wildlife. Around Lac d'Allos, which is within the Mercantour National Park, you might spot marmots, ibex, and chamois. The general region is rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities to observe various bird species and other local fauna, particularly in the more preserved natural environments.

Beyond hiking and water sports, the region offers other outdoor pursuits. You can explore gravel biking routes, such as those detailed in the Gravel biking around Moriez guide, which includes routes with views of Lac de Castillon. There are also dedicated running trails around Moriez, some of which pass near the lakes.

The Castillon Dam is an impressive man-made monument, standing 95 meters high and 200 meters wide. Commissioned in 1948, it created the vast Lac de Castillon reservoir. It offers a great viewpoint over the Verdon and the lake, and its sheer scale is often highlighted by visitors as a remarkable feat of engineering.