🛶 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: canoe and kayak rental at Lake Sainte-Croix and on the Verdon

Located in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a charming village classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France . A true Provençal pearl, it attracts travelers and nature enthusiasts every year thanks to its unique setting, between limestone cliffs, lavender fields and turquoise lakes .

But beyond its cultural heritage, Moustiers is also an essential destination for canoe and kayak rentals in the Verdon .

Thanks to its immediate proximity to the Sainte-Croix lake , the majestic gateway to the Verdon Gorges, it is the ideal spot for combining nautical adventure, swimming and Provençal tourism .

🚤 Why choose Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to rent a canoe or kayak?

Choosing Moustiers-Sainte-Marie as your starting point for your canoeing trip in the Verdon has many advantages. From the village, you have direct access to Lake Sainte-Croix , a true turquoise paradise at the foot of the gorges.

Many water sports centers offer canoe, kayak, pedal boat, and paddleboard rentals , allowing you to vary the pleasures according to your desires.

At the same time, Moustiers offers a unique setting for a complete stay: its architectural heritage, its Provençal atmosphere and its classification as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France make it a tourist stopover in its own right.

Between two water activities, you can stroll through its narrow streets, visit its earthenware workshops or enjoy an artisanal ice cream facing the cliffs.

In summary, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie perfectly combines sport, nature and culture :

• Direct access to Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorges .

• Many rental shops for canoes, kayaks and other watercraft.

• Charming Provençal village to complete the experience.

• Turquoise water and refreshing swims after exercise.

🚤 Canoe-kayak routes and rentals in Moustiers and at Lake Sainte-Croix

🌅 Discovery walk – Entrance to the gorges (6–8 km)

• Departure: Pont du Galetas, at the foot of Lake Sainte-Croix.

• Arrival: Beaches upstream of the gorges (return to base depending on rental company).

• Duration: 1.5–2 hours of sailing (allow ½ day with swimming and photos).

• Highlights: first impressive cliffs, turquoise water ideal for swimming, easy access from Moustiers.

• Included: paddles, life jackets, waterproof containers, and a safety briefing. Ideal for beginners canoe rentals in Moustiers and for a relaxing paddle on Lake Sainte-Croix.

  
  

🏞️ Intermediate route – Lake + gorges (10–12 km)

• Departure: beaches of Lake Sainte-Croix (Moustiers or Les Salles-sur-Verdon).

• Arrival: navigable limit of the gorges (protected area of the Reserve).

• Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours depending on pace and stops.

• Highlights: alternating between vast, calm expanses of the lake and narrow passages of the gorges; perfect for couples or friends.

• Tip: Bring water and a hat, as there's little shade on the lake. Renting a kayak on Lake Sainte-Croix and paddling through the Verdon Gorges is a perfect experience.

  
  

⛰️ Full route – Long exploration (14–16 km)

• Departure: Moustiers beach or Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.

• Arrival: return to the base after complete descent of the lake + gorges.

• Duration: 4 hours per day depending on water level.

• Highlights: total immersion in the magnificent landscapes, spectacular views from the water, possibility of picnicking on the wild beaches.

• Tip: Ideal for sports enthusiasts and adventurers, book early in summer to avoid crowds. This route is ideal for canoe and kayak rental enthusiasts in Moustiers who want to paddle for several hours in the Verdon Gorges.

💡 Please note: It is forbidden to paddle through the gorges from Moustiers beyond the authorized area (Verdon Gorges Nature Reserve). Rental companies always indicate the limits and remind you of the safety rules. Enjoy a kayak or canoe adventure on Lake Sainte-Croix while respecting the environment and paddling safely.

🛶 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: canoe and kayak rental at Lake Sainte-Croix and on the Verdon

💧 Water level and quality at Lake Sainte-Croix

Unlike the Haut Verdon (Castellane, Rougon) where EDF releases condition navigation, the Sainte-Croix lake allows you to enjoy calm and passable water all season long .

• Constant level : perfect for family canoe or kayak rentals.

• Pleasant summer temperature (20–24°C in summer).

• Unique emerald color , due to limestone sediments.

👉 Result: a safe exit, accessible to beginners and athletes alike, without flow constraints.

📊 Comparison of canoeing and kayaking trips in the Verdon

Departure city	Available courses	Recommended audience	Average duration	Highlights	Practical tips
Moustiers / Lake of Sainte-Croix	1 hour day (lake + gorges)	Families, couples, groups	1h to 6h	Calm water, magnificent landscapes, swimming	Accessible all season, turquoise water
Castellane (Upper Verdon)	4 to 15 km (rapids II–IV)	Sportsmen, adventurers	1h30 to 5h	Intense rapids, alpine cliffs	Reserve EDF release days
Quinson / Bas Verdon	5 to 8 km	Families, beginners	1h to 3h	Calm water, lakes, paddleboarding	Ideal off-season, perfect for children

🚣 Canoe and kayak rental companies in Moustiers and at Lake Sainte-Croix

📍 Here are the main nautical bases for renting a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or pedal boat at Lake Sainte-Croix , all quickly accessible from Moustiers.

• 🐬 Aquattitude Nautical Base (Montpezat) — Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boating; 3-hour/6-hour packages.

  🚤 Étoile Nautical Base — Rental from the Galetas Bridge / Étoile beach (canoe, kayak, pedal boat).

  🌞 La Cadeno Leisure Center (Cadeno beach) — Canoe/kayak/paddle/pedal boat rental + beach, snack bar.

  🌊 Canoë Verdon – Base Yannick — Trips and days out in canoe/kayak, paddleboards; base near Moustiers.

  🛶 Verdon Canoe — Kayak & self-drive rental on Lake Sainte-Croix.

  
  

💡 All these rental companies include the mandatory safety equipment (paddle, life jacket, waterproof container). Some also offer free parking reserved for customers + return shuttle. 🛶 Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: canoe and kayak rental at Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon.

🚗 Access and parking in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Located on the D952 , Moustiers is easily accessible from Manosque, Digne-les-Bains or Castellane .

• Paid parking : available near the center and hiking trails.

• Free parking : 5–10 min walk from the village, convenient for avoiding the summer crowds.

• Water sports centers : most have free parking for their customers.

  
  

👉 In summer, it is better to arrive before 10 a.m. to easily find a space, especially near the Pont du Galetas .

💶 Canoe and kayak rental prices Moustiers / Sainte-Croix lake

• Canoe or kayak 1 hour: €10 to €15/person.

• Half-day rental: €20 to €30/person.

• Daily rental: €40 to €50/person.

• Paddle or pedal boat: €15 to €25/hour

  
  

👉 Prices vary depending on the rental company and the length of the stay. Booking recommended in July and August.

🧰 Prepare your canoeing trip to Moustiers

• 👟 Water shoes or closed-toe sneakers

• 🦺 Vest provided by the rental company (mandatory)

• 🛶 Paddle + waterproof container included

• 🧢 Cap, sunscreen, sunglasses

• 💧 1 to 1.5 L of water per person

• 🥪 Picnic or snack

• 📦 Small waterproof bag for phone and personal belongings

  
  

🌞 What to do in Moustiers after canoeing?

• Discover the village classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France

• Admire the famous star suspended between two cliffs

• Visit the traditional earthenware workshops

• Climb to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel for the panoramic view

• Stroll through the Provençal market and taste local products

🌟 An experience combining sport, nature and Provençal tourism

👉 By choosing Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for your canoe-kayak rental in the Verdon , you put all the chances on your side to live an unforgettable experience. Nestled at the foot of the cliffs of the Escales mountain, this village is the ideal gateway to the Sainte-Croix lake and the Verdon gorges.

The turquoise water, the magnificent landscapes and the charm of the Provençal village make Moustiers a unique destination where you can paddle in the heart of a preserved natural setting, swim in a magnificent lake and then stroll through one of the most beautiful villages in France.

🌊 Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush in the gorges, a kayak trip on Lake Sainte-Croix, or a complete tourist stay, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is an essential stopover for discovering the Verdon in a different way.

❓ FAQ – Canoe and Kayak Rental in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

1. How to book a canoe rental in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?

   Book directly with the Sainte-Croix Lake water sports centers or online to guarantee your spot during peak season.

   
   

2. What is the best kayaking trip on Lake Sainte-Croix for families? The discovery kayaking trip in Moustiers is ideal for families and beginners, with calm waters and scenery accessible to all.

   
   

3. Can you paddle in the Verdon Gorges by kayak or canoe from Moustiers? Yes, it is possible to go kayaking or canoeing from Lake Sainte-Croix to the gorges , while respecting the areas authorized by the Nature Reserve.

   
   

4. What are the prices for renting a canoe or kayak in Moustiers?

   Prices vary: 1 hour: €10–15 , half day: €20–30, full day: €40–50. Some rental companies also offer paddleboards and pedal boats .

   
   

5. Which water sports centers offer kayak and canoe rentals at Lake Sainte-Croix?

   Among the rental companies in Moustiers: Aquattitude, La Cadeno Leisure Center, Etoile Nautical Center, Canoë Verdon and Verdon Canoë .

   
   

6. What equipment is provided when renting a canoe or kayak?

   The rental companies provide a paddle, a mandatory safety vest, and a waterproof container . It is recommended to bring suitable shoes, a cap, and water.

   
   

7. Are the kayaking tours in Moustiers suitable for beginners?

   Yes, Lake Sainte-Croix is calm and safe , perfect for a first kayaking or canoeing experience with family or friends.

   
   

8. When is the best time to rent a canoe or kayak in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?

   From May to September , when the weather is ideal and the water pleasant (20–24 °C). Mornings are recommended to avoid the crowds.

   
   

9. Can you combine a kayak trip with other tourist activities in Moustiers?

   Absolutely, after your canoe or kayak trip , enjoy the village streets, earthenware workshops, Provençal market or hike to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel .

   
   

10. Do you need a guide to go down the Verdon Gorges from Moustiers?

    For the full kayak or canoe trip through the gorges , it is recommended to book with an experienced guide for safety and orientation reasons.