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
The Verdon with kids
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.
Canoeing at the Pont du Galetas
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.
Whitewater, the gentle way
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.
Prehistory at Quinson
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.
Short walks & big viewpoints
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.
Villages, faïence & markets
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 →
Frequently asked questions
Where can you swim as a family in the Verdon?
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.
From what age can children go rafting in the Verdon?
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.
What can you do with young children in the Verdon?
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.
When should you visit the Verdon with a family?
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.
Is the Blanc-Martel trail feasible as a family?
The long hike (~15 km, tunnels, ladders) is not recommended before age 8 or for anyone prone to vertigo. There is, however, a short version, the Petit Sentier Blanc-Martel (about 5 km from Point Sublime), better suited to children.
What can families do on rainy days in the Verdon?
The Musée de préhistoire de Quinson tops the list, with its reconstructed village. See also our dedicated guide "What to do when it rains" for all the indoor options.
Can families watch vultures in the Verdon?
Yes: vultures were reintroduced at Rougon in 1999 and are now well established in the gorge. Viewing points exist near the great belvederes — a free and impressive nature activity for children.
Do you need a boat licence to sail the lakes with children?
No: the electric boats rented on Lake Sainte-Croix (notably at the Pont du Galetas) require no licence at all. Pedalos and canoes are likewise open to anyone, no qualification needed.
Lake Castillon or Lake Sainte-Croix: which is better for children?
Both have supervised beaches in summer. Sainte-Croix, bigger and more turquoise, concentrates most of the family water activities (canoeing, electric boats). Castillon, quieter, offers three supervised beaches (Le Plan, Le Touron, Le Cheiron) with fewer crowds.
Is cycling a good way to discover the Verdon as a family?
Yes, for the suitable stretches: cycling routes exist around the lakes and on certain roads in the area, to be chosen according to the children’s age and the elevation gain. See our cycling guide for the routes and their difficulty level.
Check for yourself
The external sources this guide relies on, one click away.We would rather you be able to contradict us than ask you to take our word for it.
- Musée de Préhistoire des gorges du Verdon — Quinsonmuseeprehistoire.com
Existence, localisation à Quinson (04500) et contenu du musée départemental de préhistoire, dont le village préhistorique reconstitué (« Le Préhistosite », cinq habitats de cinq périodes).
- Office de Tourisme Intercommunal Lacs et Gorges du Verdon (Aups)lacs-gorges-verdon.fr
Office de tourisme couvrant 16 villages de la rive gauche et des lacs, dont Aiguines, Bauduen et Trigance ; plages de Bauduen, du Galetas (Aiguines) et Margaridon (Les Salles-sur-Verdon).
- Verdon Tourisme — office de tourisme intercommunal du Verdonverdontourisme.com
Informations touristiques officielles du territoire (Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Riez, Valensole et communes voisines) : sites, activités et conseils de préparation de séjour.
3 of these 3 links responded during our last automated check, on 2026-08-22. A broken link is removed, never left in place.