Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, French commune in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
Description
Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is a small French commune perched above the turquoise Lake Sainte-Croix in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region. The settlement sits at roughly 1,700 feet (520 meters) elevation, with homes and facilities overlooking the water and the mountainous terrain beyond.
History
The community was reshaped when a dam was constructed between 1973 and 1975, creating the present-day lake and forcing residents to rebuild infrastructure. New bridges were constructed and several farms were relocated to adapt to the flooded landscape.
Culture
The settlement reflects the rhythms of water-based recreation, with locals and visitors sharing the lake for boating and swimming. Food culture here centers on regional cheeses, lamb, and honey from surrounding farms.
Practical
The village is accessible by road and offers direct access to the lake for swimming and water sports. Parking is available near the waterfront, and the beaches are open to the public year-round, though warm weather from late spring through early autumn provides the best conditions.
Did you know?
The lake serves as more than a recreation spot: it generates power through hydroelectric systems for the entire region. Specialized fire-fighting aircraft actually land on the water to refill their tanks and respond to wildfires across southern Provence.
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Lake of Sainte-Croix
2.7 km
Gorges de Baudinard
3.1 km
Église Sainte-Croix de Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
56 mScenic viewpoint
566 mScenic viewpoint
2.7 kmBelvédère Gorge Baudinard 1
3.2 kmBelvédère Gorge Baudinard 5
3.4 kmScenic viewpoint
3.9 kmBelvédère Gorge Baudinard 3
3.2 kmScenic viewpoint
2.7 kmPanorama
3.4 kmScenic viewpoint
3 kmBelvédère Gorge Baudinard 2
3.3 kmScenic viewpoint
3.3 kmBelvédère Gorge Baudinard 4
3.3 kmScenic viewpoint
3.6 km
Plage naturiste de Sainte Croix
2.2 km
Plage de Sulagran
2.6 kmCharbonnière
3.3 kmFour à charbon de bois
3.9 kmThéâtre de plein air
3.6 kmPlage de Bauduen
3.6 kmPlage des Chaumets
2.6 kmFour à charbon de bois
3.9 kmFour à charbon de bois
3.9 kmReflets d'Arts
3.4 kmCoulée 5812
3.4 kmOratoire Notre Dame d'Espérance
3.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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