Quinson is a village of 368 residents on the shore of Lake Quinson, 33 km and about 45 minutes from Tourtour. The lake acts as a regulating basin for the Sainte-Croix dam, and its water sports base is the starting point for going up the lower Verdon gorge by canoe, kayak, pedalo or electric boat. One rental outlet quotes about 3 hours there and back by electric boat, 4 by canoe and 5 by pedalo to the end of the gorge. The village is home to the Verdon Gorge Prehistory museum, designed by Norman Foster and opened in 2001.
Key facts
- From Tourtour: 33 km, about 45 minutes.
- Lower gorge: 3 h by electric boat, 4 h by canoe, 5 h by pedalo (round trip).
- 2026 season of one outlet: 1 April to 1 November, every day.
- Prehistory museum: architect Norman Foster, opened in 2001.
- Baume Bonne: cave inhabited about 400,000 years ago, guided visits only.
Quinson at a glance
| Landmark | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 368 residents (2023) |
| Village altitude | about 380 m |
| The lake | regulating basin of the Sainte-Croix dam |
| Museum | Verdon Gorge Prehistory museum, opened in 2001 |
| From Tourtour | 33 km, about 45 min |
Going up the lower gorge
Between Lake Sainte-Croix and Lake Esparron, the Verdon has carved a second canyon, quieter than the great one: the lower gorge (basses gorges). From the Quinson water sports base, you go up it between wooded limestone cliffs, on calm water.
A rental outlet at Montmeyan beach, on Lake Quinson, 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 |
Its 2026 hours: 1 April to 22 May from 10 am to 6 pm, 23 May to 20 September from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, 21 September to 1 November from 10 am to 6 pm.
Lake Quinson
The lake acts as a regulating basin for the Sainte-Croix dam upstream. It replaced a small 15 m irrigation dam built in 1886. Petrol engines are banned here, as on the whole Verdon.
The Prehistory museum
Designed by the British architect Norman Foster, the Verdon Gorge Prehistory museum opened in 2001. It traces human settlement in the gorge and has a reconstructed prehistoric village. In summer, children’s workshops are held (pottery, fire-making, archery). Hours and prices vary by season: check them on the museum’s website.
The Baume Bonne cave
The Baume Bonne cave sits about thirty metres above the Verdon. Reported in 1946 and excavated from 1957 to 1968 by Henry de Lumley, it has yielded traces of occupation about 400,000 years old. It can only be visited with a museum guide, along a path through the garrigue.
Planning the day
Quinson combines well with Lake Esparron, where the lower gorge opens out. For the main gorge, see kayaking in the Verdon Gorge from the Galetas bridge.
Book an activity
Hire a boat in the lower gorge
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
Montpezat: Pedalo rental in the Gorges du Verdon2.5 hours★ 4.7 (18 reviews)from €40 per groupCheck availability
All activities on GetYourGuide
"From" prices checked on 8 November 2026 and may have changed.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you visit the lower Verdon gorge?
On the water, from the Lake Quinson water sports base: canoe, kayak, pedalo or electric boat. One outlet quotes about 3 hours there and back by electric boat to the end of the gorge, 4 hours by canoe and 5 hours by pedalo.
When can you hire a canoe on Lake Quinson?
An outlet at Montmeyan beach announces, for 2026, opening every day from 1 April to 1 November, from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm between 23 May and 20 September.
What is there to see in Quinson?
The Verdon Gorge Prehistory museum, designed by Norman Foster and opened in 2001, its reconstructed prehistoric village, and the Baume Bonne cave, which can be visited with a museum guide.
How far is Quinson from Tourtour?
33 km, about 45 minutes by road.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Opening times and dates change: confirm before you travel.
- Wikipedia (French), Quinson (lake, water sports base, museum, Baume Bonne), accessed 7 November 2026
- Location Nautic, Montmeyan beach (durations, 2026 season hours), accessed 7 November 2026
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur regional tourist board, Verdon Gorge Prehistory museum, accessed 7 November 2026
- Travel times: OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap, from the centre of Tourtour, accessed 7 November 2026
