Top 4 Lakes around Aups

For a wide array of water sports like swimming, paddle boating, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing, Lac de Sainte-Croix is an excellent choice. Its vast, turquoise waters are ideal for active recreation. Lac d'Esparron is also known for its warm, emerald waters and is perfect for swimming, with electric boats, pedal boats, stand-up paddles, and canoes available for hire.

Yes, Lac de Sainte-Croix is considered family-friendly, offering numerous beach areas for sunbathing and relaxation. Lac d'Esparron features a supervised beach at Esparron-de-Verdon village during summer. Lac de Quinson also provides a peaceful, family-friendly ambiance with shaded banks, though swimming can sometimes be affected by algae and cooler temperatures.

You'll find a variety of trails. Near Bauduen on Lac de Sainte-Croix, there's a Rocky trail with lake views in the Verdon Regional Natural Park, which can be challenging and requires sure-footedness. For Lac d'Esparron, hikers can explore the sentier du Garde-Canal, offering stunning views and access to secluded beaches. For more options, you can explore MTB Trails around Aups, which often include routes near the lakes.

Lac d'Esparron is known for its wilder character and emerald waters. It's a protected Natura 2000 site where thermal motorboats are prohibited, ensuring a peaceful environment. Its isolated coves and breathtaking landscapes make it ideal for those seeking a serene natural retreat.

The region around Aups and its lakes offers several cycling opportunities. You can find various routes, including traffic-free bike rides, MTB trails, and road cycling routes. These guides provide options for different skill levels and often feature scenic paths around the lake areas.

Yes, Bauduen is a charming village located on the shores of Lac de Sainte-Croix. It's known for its stone houses, renovated buildings, and small shops by the water, making it a pleasant spot for a break or stroll.

The lakes are nestled in stunning natural settings. Lac de Sainte-Croix is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is close to the famous Gorges du Verdon. Lac d'Esparron features breathtaking landscapes along its shores and within the Basses Gorges du Verdon. You'll find numerous viewpoints, such as the View of Lac de Sainte-Croix, offering panoramic vistas.

The summer months are popular for water activities, with Lac d'Esparron's waters often being the warmest in the Verdon Gorges. However, the region is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with fewer crowds and vibrant natural colors.

Near Lac de Quinson, you can visit the Museum of Prehistory of the Gorges du Verdon, which is one of Europe's largest prehistory museums. This offers a fascinating insight into the region's ancient past.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially the 'great view around the lake' at Lac de Sainte-Croix and the 'superb stone houses' in Bauduen. The opportunity for swimming and enjoying the clear, blue waters is also a major highlight.

Yes, Lac d'Esparron is situated downstream from the Verdon canyon and allows access to the Basses Gorges du Verdon. You can hire electric boats, pedal boats, stand-up paddles, and canoes to explore this section of the gorges. Lac de Quinson is also at the entrance of the Basses Gorges du Verdon, offering a serene setting for canoeing, kayaking, and electric boat rentals.