Discover Esparron-de-Verdon
History of the village of Esparron-de-Verdon
Esparron-de-Verdon is a Provencal village steeped in history. The castle, built in the Middle Ages, protects the town and provides an unobstructed view of the surrounding area. In 1966, life in this small village was turned upside down by the construction of the Gréoux-les-Bains dam, which gave a new lease of life to the village, which had almost been deserted by its population (around 70 inhabitants at the start of construction). Helped by the tourist appeal of the lake created and impounded in the summer of 1967, the village gradually repopulated and new homes were built. Don’t miss out on a
Lake Esparron
Lac d’Esparron: the wildest of the Verdon
The Lac d’Esparron-de-Verdon is a wild and magical place in the Provence region. As in much of the Verdon, motorboats are prohibited, and the area is classified as a Regional Nature Park, as well as a Natura 2000 zone. Connected to the small Lac de Quinson by 8 kilometers of Gorges, it has remained unspoilt. The Basses Gorges are only accessible by boat from Esparron-de-Verdon, and on foot from Quinson.
Lac d’Esparron is 328 hectares of pure water that serves as drinking water for Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. Water is supplied by the Saint-Julien water intake. The lake is home to several protected species, including bats and birds.
Regional park
Natural
Activities and visits
You can rent a boat and sail on the lake or in the Basses Gorges du Verdon. For electric boats, 2 rental companies offer their services. La Perle du Verdon, which also makes pedalos and canoes, and Alizee Electronic. We love them both, so we can’t advise you which is best! Our only piece of advice: book a trip in July and August.
For the more sporty, the yacht club rents out several types of sailing and rowing boats.
In July and August, to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city center and get as close as possible to the Basses Gorges du Verdon, we recommend the Base Canoë at Camping la Beaume, owned by Mélanie’s parents. You’ll see, they’re adorable!
You can also simply go for a walk and discover the village and its shops:
- The tobacco and souvenir store, run by the lovely Clémentine.
- 3 restaurants where to eat well.
- The snack bakery run by the delicious Manon and Dylan, who make delicious Italian-style ice creams.
- Artisan stores: Paddle Art Café, La Malle de L’artiste, Philippe’s Photo Workshop and Poterie de la Forge.
- Enjoy your visit to our beautiful village in the heart of Provence and the Verdon.
Things to do in the village: the old pedestrian quarter, the Vières ruins, the Botanical Trail.
Discover
Our region
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Gréoux-les-Bains Spa
Read more: Thermal treatments in Gréoux-les Bains -
Gorges du Verdon
Read more: Gorges du Verdon -
Provence
Read more: Provence
