Guide to Lake Sainte-Croix in Southern France | Stunning Blue Lake + Lightning Avoidance Guide!

🌊 Quick overview of Lake Sainte-Croix Lac de Sainte-Croix is ​​the "blue tears" of Provence, France. The lake water is emerald green because it is rich in fluoride and microalgae. It is connected to the Verdun Grand Canyon and became the second largest reservoir in France after its completion in 1974. It is open all year round, but summer is the peak of its beauty! 🌟Must-check-in experience 1️⃣ Explore the canyon by boat Rent a pedalo (15 euros/hour) or electric boat to travel between the canyons and lakes. Starting from the Pont du Galetas Bridge, there is an open lake on one side and canyon cliffs on the other. Every photo you take is a postcard-worthy one! Tips: There are fewer people in the early morning, the lake water is clearest, and the photo-taking rate is super high! 2️⃣ Cliff diving & swimming In summer, foreigners love diving in the lake (but safety is at your own risk!). There is a natural bathing beach by the lake. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom. Remember to bring a swimsuit! 3️⃣ Romantic sunset and starry sky Stay in a lake view room (recommended Auberge des Salles hotel, 83 Euros/night), and you can see the lake and mountains as soon as you open the window. The stars are low in the night sky and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, making photographers delighted! 4️⃣ Self-driving around the lake Driving in the South of France is the soul! Starting from Nice or Avignon, you can see the lavender fields, red clay cities and ceramic towns along the way. The winding mountain road overlooks the lake view, it is breathtakingly beautiful! ⚠️ Lightning protection: 1️⃣ Don’t jump blindly! The lake is 90 meters deep at its deepest point, with complex undercurrents! There have been Chinese people who unfortunately died while diving. Safety first, don’t follow the example of foreigners who “seek death”! 2️⃣ Sun protection! Sun protection! Sun protection! The ultraviolet rays in the south of France are very strong, and boating for 2 hours can cause sunburn and peeling! It is recommended to wear a long-sleeved swimsuit + hat + SPF50 + sunscreen, a physical and chemical approach! 3️⃣ Choose the right season! Lavender blooms from the end of June to July. The lake water turns cold after October and it is not suitable to go into the water. Avoid the crowded peak season (July-August), May-June or September are more comfortable! 4️⃣ Drive carefully on mountain roads! The winding mountain road to Holy Cross Lake is winding and narrow, so it is recommended for beginners to charter a car or join a tour group. Please download offline maps in advance for navigation as there is no signal on some roads! 🍴 Food and accommodation recommendations 🏠 Where to stay The town of Les Salles-sur-Verdun: 5 minutes walk to the lake, great value for money! I recommend the lake view room at Auberge des Salles. The sunset view from the balcony is amazing! - Moustiers: A fairytale town with stars hanging in the mountains, quaint B&Bs and fun ceramic handmade shops! 🍽What to eat L'Escapade Restaurant: Top 3 on TripAdvisor! Authentic French food + Verdun Canyon beer, all you can eat for only 20 euros per person! Foie gras in Ceramic Town: French foie gras paired with local red wine, the aroma of fat is amazing! 📸 Surrounding gameplay Verdun Grand Canyon: The second largest canyon in the world, explore the "European Jiuzhaigou" by hiking or kayaking! Valensole lavender fields: a purple ocean in July, real lavender fields are above 800 meters above sea level, don't be fooled by hybrid varieties! Ancient City of Avignon: The high-tech projection show at the Papal Palace is a shocking journey through the Middle Ages! 💡 Itinerary suggestions Day 1: Nice → Lake Sainte-Croix (boating + sunset) → stay by the lake Day 2: Hike in Verdun Canyon → Lunch in Ceramics Town → Lavender in Valensole → Avignon Day 3: Avignon Palais des Papes → Arles Van Gogh's House 🚗 Traffic Tips - Public transportation in southern France is inconvenient, so you can drive or charter a car! Choose comprehensive insurance when renting a car as there are many gravels on mountain roads! - Pick up the car at Nice/Marseille Airport. Returning the car to another place will be more expensive. We recommend a circular tour.