Whether you're looking for a family leisure centre, a beach with facilities or a wild spot within walking distance, you'll find what you're looking for here. And to make the most of these magnificent landscapes, discover our selection of campsites close to the most beautiful swimming spots.
Large lakes with turquoise waters
The large lakes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence offer vast, welcoming spaces where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in calm, often turquoise waters, ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts.
The majestic Lake Sainte-Croix
At the foot of the Gorges du Verdon, Lake Sainte-Croix stretches out over 2,200 hectares of crystal-clear water. The main beach, supervised in summer at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, is perfect for families. Kayaks, paddleboards and electric boats are available for hire.
Serre-Ponçon Lake and its beaches
On the border between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes departments, Serre-Ponçon charms visitors with its turquoise coves and well-equipped beaches. The beach at Saint-Vincent-les-Forts, which has been awarded the Blue Flag label, offers supervised swimming, children's games and a water sports centre. The more peaceful beach at Port Saint-Pierre is the perfect place to relax with views of the mountains.
Castillon Lake: turquoise waters between mountains and forests
Between Saint-André-les-Alpes and Castellane, this artificial lake is quieter than Sainte-Croix or Serre-Ponçon and offers several beaches, such as Cheiron and Saint-Julien-du-Verdon. Kayaks, paddleboards and pedalos are available. Swimming is supervised in certain areas during the summer.
Lake Esparron: a wild gem in the heart of the Verdon
Less crowded than its neighbour Sainte-Croix, Lake Esparron-de-Verdon offers unspoilt natural surroundings, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Its wild coves, accessible by boat or footpaths, appeal to lovers of peace and nature. Water sports centres offer paddleboard, canoe and electric boat hire. The beach at the village of Esparron-de-Verdon is equipped and supervised in summer.
Rivers and natural pools
The rivers and natural pools of the department reveal wilder and more authentic swimming spots, between white water and natural pools, perfect for lovers of nature and fresh air.
The famous Verdon Gorges
Between vertiginous cliffs and crystal-clear waters, the Verdon Gorges are home to several memorable spots. To the north, Lake Castillon offers a supervised beach ideal for families, where paddleboarding and canoeing are popular. Further south, Lake Esparron charms visitors with its wild coves accessible on foot or by boat. Nearby, Gréoux-les-Bains offers landscaped riverbanks, ideal for peaceful swimming.
The Ubaye Valley: high-altitude lakes and wild waterfalls
In this unspoilt area, Lake Lauzet-Ubaye attracts visitors with its beach and crystal-clear waters, which are supervised in summer. For a wilder experience, the Costeplane waterfalls near Méolans-Revel reveal natural pools accessible via a marked trail. Find out more about the Ubaye Valley.
Supervised lakes for families
Supervised lakes, often well-equipped and easy to access, are safe and friendly places for the whole family, where relaxation and water sports come together in a green setting.
The Jausiers lake
The Jausiers lake is located near the village, in the Ubaye-Serre Ponçon valley. With its floating games, beach and picnic area, it is popular with families.
The Vannades lake in Manosque
Five minutes from the town centre, this 15-hectare lake offers supervised swimming in summer, a beach and water sports such as sailing and rowing.
Les Buissonnades in Oraison
Further north, this leisure centre has three lakes: supervised swimming in summer, fishing and a nature reserve. Shaded picnic areas and games complete this friendly spot.
Les Ferréols lake in Digne-les-Bains
On the outskirts of Digne, this lake is very popular with families. Its supervised beach in summer, playgrounds and proximity to the town centre make it a convenient place to cool off after a hike.
Les Marres lake in Forcalquier
Just a few minutes from the centre, this small lake offers supervised swimming in summer, perfect for a refreshing break after visiting the old town.
Where to camp near swimming spots
To make the most of the most beautiful swimming spots in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, there's nothing like a camping holiday nearby. Discover all the campsites near lakes and rivers in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, or in particular a campsite in the Gorge Verdon.
On the shores of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Huttopia Lac de Serre-Ponçon*** campsite has direct access to the lake, with a private beach and exceptional views of the mountains.
On the Verdon side, the 5-star La Farigoulette campsite, located in Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon, offers immediate access to an arm of Lake Sainte-Croix. Kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming: everything is within easy reach at this 5-star campsite, which is perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings.
In Esparron-de-Verdon, the 4-star Le Soleil campsite offers an exceptional setting with direct access to the lake, shaded pitches and breathtaking views of the turquoise coves — ideal for a holiday combining swimming, relaxation and unspoilt nature.
About 20 minutes' drive from Lake Castillon, you can also choose to rent a mobile home at a campsite in Castellane, such as the 5-star Domaine du Verdon campsite or the more intimate 3-star Castillon-de-Provence campsite, overlooking the lake with panoramic views.
Practical tips for peaceful swimming in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
To make the most of the water spots in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, remember to check whether swimming is permitted and whether there are lifeguards on duty. Some bodies of water are regulated or subject to restrictions depending on weather conditions or water quality.
Bring water shoes, especially in river areas, where pebbles can be slippery or sharp. The water can also be cool, especially at high altitudes or in early summer.
Finally, if you are travelling during the high season, try to arrive early in the morning or late in the day at the most popular sites to enjoy the peace and beauty of the landscape.