How to get there, where to eat, the villages to visit nearby, where to stay... Everything you need to know to enjoy Lake Quinson

To the north, Quinson. A village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region that gave its name to the eponymous lake. A charming village with its Prehistory Museum and narrow streets. To the south, on the Var side, Montmeyan beach. This site is undoubtedly the most underrated in the Verdon region's lakes and rivers. However, it's an interesting starting point for a stroll along the water or along the footpath that borders the Provençal canyon, all the way to Lake Esparron.

Stroll along the water

To explore the 9 kilometers of the lower Verdon Gorges, the best thing to do is rent an electric boat or a pedal boat with the family, and for the more athletic, a canoe-kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Created in 1984 on the beach of Montmeyan, Location-Nautic (1) is equipped with 46 electric boats, 23 pedal boats and around a hundred canoes-kayaks. "There are more and more people in the Verdon. So every year, we renew some of the equipment and introduce new equipment," explains Nicolas Soullé, who is managing the nautical base for the 24th consecutive season with his wife Mélanie.

Once under the Quinson bridge, it takes an average of 3.5 hours by electric boat, 4.5 hours by canoe, kayak or paddleboard, and 5 to 6 hours by pedal boat to make the round trip to the village of Esparron-sur-Verdon. As long as you don't stop along the way. Because there are many temptations to take a swim. While the water temperature starts at around 14 degrees at the start of the lake, it gradually increases to 24 or 25 degrees at the end of the journey.

For those who wish to bring their own picnic, it is possible to have a bite to eat on a river beach called "the dining room" three-quarters of the way along the route. Provided you bring your rubbish back and leave the area clean, of course. Otherwise, back at the water sports center, several dining areas are open around the lake.

Hiking and Prehistory

The Garde Canal trail (GR 99) starts in Montmeyan, a few dozen meters before the Quinson bridge. Early in the morning before setting off for a walk on the lake, or later in the day once the heat has died down, this trail, accessible to all, is simply magical! The 9-kilometer loop runs along the turquoise waters of the Verdon, and the ledges, rock stairs, and bridges offer incredible views of the lower Verdon Gorge. The approximate walking time is 4 hours for an elevation gain of 250 meters.

The village of Quinson is also worth a visit to the neighboring department... Just across the bridge! The unmissable Verdon Gorges Prehistory Museum, designed by British architect Norman Foster and opened in 2001, is considered the largest prehistory museum in Europe. The scenography allows you to learn everything about human origins in the region, notably with the reconstruction of the Baume Bonne cave (2). The major stages of prehistory can be discovered through computer-generated images. A family and educational activity that complements a trip on the water or along the hiking trails.

1. Other rental companies are also located in Quinson, but Location-Nautic is the only one located on the Var side. The cabin is open from April 1st to November 2nd, 7 days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. In high season, rates for 1 hour of navigation start at 15 euros for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, 23 euros for a 4-seater pedal boat, and 38 euros for a boat for 2 adults and 2 children. Free parking. 5 km from Montmeyan, turn right at the red canoe, on Chemin du Pont. Information and reservations (recommended) at 04.92.74.40.76

2. Listed as a historical monument, the Baume Bonne cave is a 1 hour 15 minute walk from the Verdon Gorge Prehistory Museum. The tour is led by a scientific and cultural mediator. For information and reservations, call 04.92.74.09.59.

Getting there:

From Toulon: Take the D43 to Brignoles, then the D554 to Tavernes and follow the D13. Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes drive.

From Fréjus / Saint-Raphaël: Exit A8 Saint-Tropez then go back towards Trans-en-Provence, Flayosc, Salernes and Montmeyan. Approximately 1h30 drive.

Where to eat? Where to sleep?

The Relais Notre Dame de Quinson is a charming three-star hotel-restaurant located at the entrance to the village, a one-minute walk from the Museum of Prehistory and 7 minutes from Lake Quinson. Housed in a former coaching inn since 1952, the establishment has a swimming pool and a Provençal garden. The traditional restaurant emphasizes "homemade, generous and authentic" cuisine. Lunch is available on the terrace. Information and reservations at 04.92.74.40.01