Are you going to visit the famous Gorges du Verdon?

Make sure to add the Lac Esparron de Verdon to your list to escape the crowds for a while!

 

How to escape the crowds in France's Gorges du Verdon

 

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re interested in visiting the Gorges du Verdon in France.

Let me start by saying I absolutely love the Gorges du Verdon. It’s one of the best places in France, and makes for a great road trip. (check out the quiet part of the Gorges here: Lac de Quinson)

 

the coastal road in lac esparron de verdon

 

However, it gets ridiculously crowded in summer. In the gorges and around the lake, there are dozens and dozens of boats, pedalos, kayaks, stand-up paddles and swimmers. It’s still a very nice place, but if you’re looking for some peace & quiet, I’ve got the perfect place for you: the Lac Esparron de Verdon, also called Lac d’Esparron.

 

lac esparron de verdon in gorges du verdon france

 

Where is Lac Esparron de Verdon?

The lake is located in the town Esparron de Verdon, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France.

I’ve pinpointed the exact location on the map below to make it easy for you to situate it:


Now let’s explore this place together!

 

Escaping the crowds in Lac Esparron de Verdon

To be honest with you, I had never heard about this place before going to the Gorges du Verdon. I did some research online, as always, when planning the trip, but didn’t find this place recommended anywhere (well ok I didn’t search all of Google but you get my point).

 

 

We found this place by accident, when driving around the area. Truth is, we spent the morning in the lavender fields around Valensole, then explored the city. We decided to come back to the lavender fields for sunset; we had to find something to do during the afternoon. I had a look at Google Maps, trying to find a place of interest nearby, and I found this lake on satellite view that looked nice.

 

impressive panorama of lac esparron de verdon from the sky

 

We got in the car, and made our way to the general destination of the lake. As we were driving on the small mountain roads, one turn revealed the beautiful lake, and I couldn’t help but stop the car to enjoy the view (and take some pictures, of course). I found a “parking” spot, more like an extra space on the side of the road where people parked their car, and we stopped.

We were taking pictures next to the fence, and then I noticed a group of people coming up from the cliffs below. They were wearing flip flops and towels, so I thought: “There must be a way down to the lake this way. It probably isn’t that hard to get down since they are wearing flip flops”.

You can see the path on the photos below

 

Just be careful when you go down the path, it can be a bit slippery in some parts, as there are big stones that might move and fall down. Get low, use your feet and hands and everything will be fine.

While going down, you will be rewarded with an epic view.

 

the open view over lac esparron de verdon france

 

Keep going down by following the path (yes there’s a path, it’s hard to see but there’s one), until you get right next to the water.

When you get there, well… enjoy 😉

 

We put our bags down, took off our clothes, and jumped in the water. It was awesome to have this epic spot all to ourselves!

Here are a few more images of how it feels to escape the crowds in Lac d’Esparron de Verdon. Keep scrolling for more travel tips.

 

 

panoramic view of lac esparron de verdon

 

 

the clear water of lac esparron de verdon

 

What you need to know to escape the crowds in Lac d’Esparron

  • bring water & food: once you’re down at the lake, there won’t be anything to buy from
  • be careful: take your time to go down the path, no need to hurry, be safe
  • be respectful: take your trash with you when you leave
  • avoid the main spot: don’t go to the main location next to the village, and you’ll most likely have your spot to yourself

 

 

My Secret Spot

Do you want to go to the same place I was? Well, it’s easy:

  • drive to the dam at the north of the lake
  • stop right after the dam where there is extra space on the side of the road
  • jump the fence, and go down the path
  • follow the path to the lake
  • enjoy!

I’ll make it even easier for you. You’ll find below the exact GPS coordinates, just enter these in your GPS and follow them!

GPS coordinates: 43°45’05.4″N 5°55’46.1″E

 

 

What to see around the Lac d’Esparron de Verdon?

Are you looking for other interesting things to see in the area? You can find below a list of sweet places to check out around:

Lac de Quinson

Gorges du Verdon

Valensole & Lavender Fields

 

Where to stay while visiting Lac d’Esparron?

I personally stayed at an Airbnb while exploring the Gorges du Verdon. There are nice places around, and you can get a night for pretty cheap. We paid 30€ per night for 2 people at the end of July, which is the high season in Europe.

There are also several campings in the region, where you can put your tent down and have access to amenities for cheap.

 

 

bridge in lac esparron de verdon

 

 

So there you have it, your guide to the Lac Esparron de Verdon, a sweet place around the Gorges du Verdon where you can escape the crowds.

If you post photos from this place on Instagram, tag them with #kevmrc so I can see them!