On Lake Sainte-Croix, petrol engines are banned: you hire licence-free electric boats, pedalos, canoes and paddleboards. The most popular starting point is the Galetas bridge, on the Aiguines side, 41 minutes from Tourtour, from where you go up the Verdon Gorge between the cliffs. The lakeside villages (Bauduen, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon) also have their own bases. Pedalos and small boats are mostly available from June to September. The electric boat is the fastest way to go far into the canyon.
Key facts
- No licence: only electric motors and sail are allowed on the lake.
- Most popular start: the Galetas bridge, Aiguines side, 41 min from Tourtour.
- Fastest: the electric boat, about 3 h round trip in the lower gorge.
- Season: mostly June to September, some bases from April.
- Forbidden: entering the marked swimming areas.
What you can hire
| Boat | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Licence-free electric boat | families, groups | the fastest way to go far |
| Pedalo | families with young children | slow, ideal for swimming off the boat |
| Canoe, kayak | active travellers, couples | closest to the cliffs, see kayaking |
| Paddleboard | short outings | in calm weather, near the shore |
Across the whole lake, petrol engines are banned: only electric power and sail are allowed. That is what keeps the water calm and quiet.
Starting points
- Galetas bridge (Aiguines): the classic start for going up the gorge. The rental outlets are grouped on the Aiguines side. From Tourtour: 37 km, 41 minutes.
- The lakeside villages: Bauduen (34 min from Tourtour), Les Salles-sur-Verdon (37 min) and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon (45 min) have their own beaches; there are rental outlets at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon in particular, for sailing on the lake itself.
- Lake Quinson (Montmeyan beach): for the lower gorge, downstream. See kayaking in the gorge.
How much time to allow
For the lower gorge, a rental outlet at Montmeyan beach gives these times for a non-stop round trip to the end of the gorge:
| Boat | Quoted duration |
|---|---|
| Electric boat | about 3 h |
| Canoe or kayak | about 4 h |
| Pedalo | about 5 h |
Add time for breaks and swimming. At the Galetas bridge, outlets rent by the hour or the half day: ask how far you can go in the time you hire.
Rules on the water
- Swimming areas: boats are not allowed in them. They are marked out by lines of buoys.
- Dam: access to the shore on the dam side is forbidden.
- Canadair: in summer, water bombers scoop water from the lake. If they approach, clear the area.
- Life jackets: provided by the outlets.
Choosing well
- With young children, the electric boat or the pedalo.
- To go far into the gorge, the electric boat.
- In July and August, come early: it is high season.
- Prices: they change every season and are not all published. Ask the outlet for its price list before you set off.
To enjoy the rest of the lake, see Lake Sainte-Croix, and for the view from above, the Route des Crêtes.
Book an activity
Hire a pedalo, canoe or paddleboard at Montpezat
Montpezat: Pedalo rental in the Gorges du Verdon2.5 hours★ 4.7 (18 reviews)from €40 per groupCheck availability
Montpezat: Canoeing rental in the Gorges du Verdon3 to 6 hours★ 4.7 (715 reviews)from €17Check availability
Montpezat: Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) hire in the Verdon Gorge1 to 6 hours★ 5.0 (6 reviews)from €15Check availability
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"From" prices checked on 8 November 2026 and may have changed.
Affiliate links: Tourtour.org earns a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. "Show live prices" loads the GetYourGuide module, which sets its own cookies (learn more (in French)).
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence to hire a boat on Lake Sainte-Croix?
No. Petrol engines are banned on the lake: the boats for hire are electric and can be driven without a licence.
Where can you hire an electric boat to go up the Verdon Gorge?
At the Galetas bridge, on the Aiguines side, at the entrance to the gorge on Lake Sainte-Croix. From there you go up the canyon between the cliffs.
How long does it take to go up the gorge by electric boat?
In the lower gorge, a rental outlet at Montmeyan beach quotes about 3 hours for a non-stop round trip by electric boat, against 4 hours by canoe and 5 hours by pedalo.
When can you hire a pedalo on Lake Sainte-Croix?
Pedalos and small boats are mostly available from June to September. Some bases open from April.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Opening times and dates change: confirm before you travel.
- Wikipedia (French), Lac de Sainte-Croix (navigation, seasonal rentals), accessed 7 November 2026
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur regional tourist board, Galetas bridge, accessed 7 November 2026
- Location Nautic, Montmeyan beach (boats, durations, 2026 hours), accessed 7 November 2026
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur regional tourist board, Lake Sainte-Croix beaches, accessed 7 November 2026
