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: heading up into the mouth of the Grand Canyon from Lake Sainte-Croix, paddling or by 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, which describes itself as one of the largest prehistory museums 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 a steep-sided hydroelectric reservoir, with no developed beach and no supervised swimming: it is not a swimming lake. 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 Quinson museum, 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. Its short version, the Petit Sentier Blanc-Martel (about 5 km out and back from the Chalet de la Maline), is still rated difficult: it is not a family walk. End of the Blanc-Martel trail diverted. As of 9 October 2026, according to the Park’s shuttle website (navette.parcduverdon.fr), a municipal order issued by Rougon on 14 August 2026 closes the end of the trail, following a rockfall, between the exit of the Couloir Samson and Point Sublime. The full hike remains possible via the official detour: RD23A then GR 49, same total duration.
What can families do on rainy days in the Verdon?
The Quinson museum 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, location in Quinson (04500) and contents of the departmental museum of prehistory, including the reconstructed prehistoric village (“Le Préhistosite”, five dwellings from five periods).
- Lacs & Gorges du Verdon intercommunal tourist office (Aups)lacs-gorges-verdon.fr
Tourist office covering 16 villages of the left bank and the lakes, including Aiguines, Bauduen and Trigance; the beaches of Bauduen, Galetas (Aiguines) and Margaridon (Les Salles-sur-Verdon).
- Verdon Tourisme — intercommunal tourist office of the Verdonverdontourisme.com
Official tourist information for the area (Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Riez, Valensole and neighbouring communes): sites, activities and trip-planning advice.
Quotations from French-language sources are translated by us; the original wording is on the page behind each link.
All 3 links responded during our last automated check, on 22 September 2026. A broken link is removed, never left in place.