The most comprehensive guide to the Southern France - Verdun Grand Canyon + Lake Sainte-Croix. 🌊 The Emerald Secret of Provence｜Verdun Grand Canyon + Sainte-Croix Lake's most complete guide

✨ Lac de Sainte-Croix The second largest artificial lake in France, the emerald-colored lake and limestone cliffs interweave into a fairyland. ✅ Must-do items: Kayaking: Rent a transparent boat to experience the clarity of the lake water up close and admire the magnificent canyon walls along the way (reference price: 40€/2 hours for one person, 60€/2 hours for two people). Boat tour: We recommend the glass-bottom boat, where you can directly observe the underwater ecology through the bottom of the boat (about 25€/person, 1 hour trip). Cycling around the lake: There is a 15-kilometer cycle path along the lake, ending at the Pont de l’Artuby bridge, which overlooks the lake. Picnic by the lake: Plage du Verdon is a popular picnic spot. Remember to bring bread, cheese and Provencal olives. 📸 Photo check-in points: Pont de l’Artuby: For panoramic views of the lake and the canyon, it is recommended to go there in the early morning or evening to avoid the crowds. Plage du Verdon Beach: The reflections of the lake and the cliffs are super beautiful, and it looks even better in a white dress. Holy Cross Lake Dam: Standing on the top of the dam overlooking the entire lake, you can enjoy a wide view. 🏨 Accommodation recommendations: La Bastide de Moustiers: A Michelin-star hotel located in the ceramic town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The restaurant specializes in Provencal cuisine and the average price per person is 150€. Camping site: Domaine de la Maline, close to the lake, offers tent rental (about 30€/night), and you can watch the sunrise directly by the lake. 🍴 Food recommendations: Le Saint-Pierre: This clifftop restaurant in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie serves grilled lamb chops and lavender ice cream. La Grignotière: A cost-effective family restaurant with an average price of 30€ per person. The roast chicken and French fries are very popular. ⚠ Note: The sunlight is strong in summer, so you need to wear sunglasses and apply high-factor sunscreen. Kayaking must be booked in advance and the queue may be more than an hour in peak season. Some of the hiking trails are steep, so non-slip shoes are recommended. ✨ Gorges du Verdon The deepest canyon in Europe, a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. ✅ Classic route: Sentier Martel: Moderate difficulty, the whole journey takes about 3 hours, and you can see waterfalls and natural bridges along the way. Point Sublime Observation Deck: The best spot to overlook the canyon, a 15-minute walk up the mountain. Randonnée du Verdon: Suitable for advanced hikers, 10 km with 500 meters of climbing. 📸 Photography tips: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the depth of the canyon and the blue-green hues of the lake. Go there early in the morning or after the rain, the light will be soft and the waterfall will have a large amount of water. 🎒 Equipment recommendations: Hiking shoes, waterproof jacket, trekking poles. Bring a headlamp as some sections of the trail require you to pass through narrow caves. 🎨 Surrounding towns: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: A ceramic art town where you can buy hand-painted ceramics. Roussillon: A red-earth city, its buildings and landscapes are ochre-red, contrasting with the lavender fields. 📅 Best time to travel: May-June: Lavender begins to bloom and the temperature is suitable (18-25℃). July-August: Peak season, suitable for water activities, but accommodation must be booked in advance. September-October: Fall colors are stunning, fewer tourists, and better hiking experiences. ✨ Useful tools Weather check: Météo France (check the probability of rainfall in advance). Hiking routes: AllTrails APP (real-time navigation + difficulty rating). I hope this guide can help you start a dream trip to the south of France! 🌞