Naturism in the Verdon: Lac de Sainte-Croix, coves and naturist campsites

Turquoise water, limestone cliffs, lavender fields: the Verdon is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Provence. Many naturists dream of swimming there naked. Here is the real situation around Lac de Sainte-Croix, and where to enjoy naturism with peace of mind. For the general rules, see our guide to naturist camping.

Lac de Sainte-Croix: what you need to know

Lac de Sainte-Croix is bordered by the villages of Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon and Bauduen. Naturist beaches were used there for a long time, and several sources mention a naturist shore at Les Salles-sur-Verdon. But the status of these places has changed over the years, and some sources indicate that naturism is no longer allowed there. Without recent official confirmation, we cannot point you to a guaranteed naturist beach on this lake.

Our advice: before undressing on a lakeshore, check with the town hall or tourist office, follow the signs, and prefer the supervised naturist areas presented below. Our article on naturist beaches in France explains how to recognise an authorised beach.

The naturist coves of Lac d’Esparron

At the entrance to the lower Verdon gorges, the Verdon Provence naturist campsite, in Esparron-de-Verdon, is the area’s benchmark. Opened in 1967, even before Lac d’Esparron was filled the following summer, it covers some thirty hectares in the Verdon Regional Nature Park, within a Natura 2000 area.

• Two naturist coves can be reached directly from the campsite, a 10 to 15-minute walk down a sloping path: flat rocks rather than sand, with crystal-clear water.
• Family naturism with clear rules: exhibitionism, voyeurism and swinging are strictly forbidden, and the house rules are firmly enforced. The campsite is a member of the French Naturist Federation.
• A human scale: 72 pitches, 4-star rating, heated pool, spa and sauna.
• Activities that made its reputation: a weekly pétanque tournament, aqua aerobics to music and an “Apérando”, a naturist hike until sunset with drinks overlooking the lake. A club welcomes children aged 6 and over.

The campsite opens from late April to early October; it is about 70 km from Aix-en-Provence.

The Valensole plateau: lavender and small lakes

15 km from Lac de Sainte-Croix, the Domaine naturiste du Petit Arlane covers 70 hectares in the heart of the Valensole plateau, on the road to Riez. Its 90 pitches of at least 100 m² are spread around two small lakes, under pines or oaks, with views of the water or the Alps. The 3-star estate also offers lodge tents by the lake, a 200 m² panoramic pool, a sauna and two waymarked trails of 2 and 4 km. The pool and restaurant operate from late May to September.

It is an ideal base for combining naturism and discovering the Verdon, with the plateau’s lavender fields right on the doorstep.

Things to do in the Verdon

• The Verdon gorges, among the largest canyons in Europe, can be explored by car along panoramic roads or on foot on waymarked trails.
• Canoeing, kayaking and pedal boats on the lakes of Sainte-Croix and Esparron.
• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and its earthenware, one of the region’s emblematic villages.
• The lavender fields of the Valensole plateau, in bloom in early summer.

These outings are done clothed: keep shorts and a T-shirt in your bag.

Practical tips

• The heat is intense in July and August: swim in the morning and late afternoon, and seek shade during the hottest hours.
• Water shoes are useful for the rocky coves.
• Wildfire risk is high in the pine forests: follow the campsite’s instructions.
• Water levels in the reservoir lakes vary with the season and dam management.

Find all the department’s sites on our page naturist campsites in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and our article on naturism in the Var and Provence.