Adventure & active · Pont du Galetas — lower Verdon Gorge — Lac de Sainte-Croix
Paddle beneath the limestone walls of the Verdon Gorge
Launch from Lac de Sainte-Croix and paddle into the calm lower gorge, where turquoise water narrows between vertical limestone walls near Pont du Galetas.
Begin early at the lake before rental queues and afternoon wind build. Beyond Pont du Galetas, the open water contracts into a cool corridor of pale rock, small beaches and shadow; turn back before the route becomes rushed, then look across the lake from Aiguines to understand the scale of the canyon mouth.
This is the lake-entry flat-water experience, not a descent of the Verdon's whitewater sections. Rent from an established operator, wear the supplied buoyancy aid, confirm wind and water conditions, obey navigation limits and never enter restricted river reaches. In high season, reserve ahead and launch at opening time to reduce heat and traffic.