The lakes, a paradise for kids
Turquoise water around 25°C in summer, supervised beaches in July-August, pedalos and licence-free electric boats: the big lakes (Sainte-Croix, Castillon) are built for a family holiday.
With a family
Turquoise lakes at a child’s eye level, a licence-free boat, easy canoeing, a discovery whitewater run, prehistory at Quinson and effortless viewpoints: the Verdon is an outstanding family destination. Here is how to plan it.
Turquoise water around 25°C in summer, supervised beaches in July-August, pedalos and licence-free electric boats: the big lakes (Sainte-Croix, Castillon) are built for a family holiday.
The star outing: paddling up into the mouth of the Grand Canyon from Lake Sainte-Croix, by canoe or electric boat. Easy, in the shade of the cliffs — the Verdon’s postcard view, at a child’s eye level.
The outfitters in Castellane run discovery descents and gorge walking suited to families (often from age 6, depending on the operator and water level). Guaranteed thrills, supervised by professionals.
The Musée de préhistoire des gorges du Verdon, one of the largest in Europe, and its reconstructed prehistoric village: the ideal outing whether it rains or shines, and fun for all ages.
No need to walk for hours: the Point Sublime is about ten minutes from the car park, and the Route des Crêtes strings together viewpoints you can reach by car. The gorge’s vertigo, without the effort.
Stroll through Moustiers-Sainte-Marie under its suspended star, push open the door of a faïence workshop, browse a Provençal market: the Verdon is also visited at a slower pace, pushchair and all.
Swimming safety: swim in the lakes, never in the gorge’s river. Beware of cold-water shock at Lake Quinson (cold water); Lake Chaudanne is off-limits. See the Safety page →
In the lakes, not in the gorge’s river (because of EDF water releases). Lake Sainte-Croix offers water around 25°C with beaches at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Bauduen and Les Salles-sur-Verdon; Lake Castillon has three supervised beaches (Le Plan, Le Touron, Le Cheiron). Swimming is supervised in July-August at the main sites.
Discovery descents are often open from age 6, depending on the operator, the route and the water level. The guide offices and whitewater outfitters in Castellane tailor the outing to the children’s age — ask ahead and book early in summer.
Pedalos and licence-free electric boats on the lakes, easy canoeing at the Pont du Galetas, a supervised beach, the Musée de préhistoire de Quinson, and exploring the villages (Moustiers) are perfect for toddlers. Favour the morning on the water — the wind picks up in the afternoon.
Summer for swimming and water activities (with the crowds), but spring and September offer a very good compromise: the water is already pleasant, the beaches are quieter, and the heat is bearable for walks. See our When to visit page.