🚣‍♂️ The Best Spots for Paddle Kayak Rental in the Verdon Gorges

Located between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var regions, the Verdon Gorges offer a spectacular setting for a paddleboard or kayak outing: limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and deep silence. Whether you're a beginner or a fan of gentle gliding, renting a paddleboard or kayak in the Verdon Gorges promises total immersion in one of Europe's most beautiful rivers.

🌿 Between Lake Esparron, Basses Gorges, Sainte-Croix and Quinson, here is our guide to paddling in the right place, at the right time.

🏞️ Why choose the Gorges du Verdon for paddleboarding and kayaking?

The Verdon Gorges are a dream playground for non-motorized water sports. By choosing to rent a paddleboard or kayak in the Verdon Gorges , you will enter an exceptional natural world:

• Translucent waters, ideal for observing the seabed

• Narrow and spectacular gorges, sometimes only accessible by rowing

• Calm, current-free areas, perfect for beginners

• No thermal engine on certain lakes (Esparron, Sainte-Croix), so total silence

👉 It is also one of the rare places in France where paddleboarding and kayaking can rhyme with wild nature , peaceful swimming and breathtaking panoramas .

📍 Where to rent a paddleboard or kayak in the Gorges du Verdon?

🛶 1. Esparron-de-Verdon : the key starting point

Lake Esparron is one of the best places to rent a paddleboard or kayak in the Verdon. Leaving the village, you'll quickly reach the Basses Gorges , a narrow canyon lined with vertical cliffs and lush vegetation.

• 🌊 Perfect for a 2 to 3 hour round trip

• 📍 On-site rental, directly at the nautical base or from several private rental companies

• 🅿️ Free parking nearby

• 🚣 Solo, double, or XXL paddle for groups

  --Read our full article: " 🛶 Paddle Kayak Rental in Esparron-de-Verdon: between turquoise waters and wild gorges "

💡 It's also where the water is calmest early in the morning!

🛶 2. Quinson : historical & natural immersion

In Quinson, you will sail in the heart of the Lower Gorges du Verdon , in an even wilder atmosphere. It is an excellent choice for those who want to combine culture (prehistory museum nearby) and nature.

• 🌿 Deep throats, perfect for a quiet outing

• 🧭 Recommended route: Quinson → Esparron (3 hours round trip)

• 👨👩👧👦 Also suitable for families

• 📦 On-site rental: paddleboards, 2 or 3-seater canoes

• ---- Read our full article on Quinson: 🚣♂️ The Best Spots for Paddle Kayak Rental in the Gorges du Verdon

  
  

🛶 3. Montpezat / Baudinard : a more secret corner

Little-known but magnificent, the Baudinard-sur-Verdon area offers a chance to explore the gorges upstream from Lake Sainte-Croix. Here, renting a paddleboard in the Verdon Gorges makes perfect sense: the water is wild, the coves are numerous, and tourists are rare.

• 🤫 Ideal for an outing off the beaten track

• 🏕️ Several beaches accessible only by paddle

• 🐦 Local wildlife to observe: herons, fish, dragonflies

• 🛶 Half-day or full-day rental

  
  

🛶 4. Lake Sainte-Croix : the great classic

It's the largest lake in the Verdon, and also the busiest. If you want to paddle in a more open and touristy atmosphere, Sainte-Croix is for you.

• 🚣 Departures possible from Bauduen, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon or Les Salles-sur-Verdon

• 🏖️ Developed beaches and numerous service providers

• 🐢 Access to the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon by kayak is possible (be careful of wind conditions)

  
  

🧭 Which route to choose?

Here are some ideas for popular routes depending on your level:

Course	Duration	Level	Recommended departure
Esparron → Basses Gorges → U-turn	2h–3h	Beginner / Leisure	Esparron
Quinson → Esparron round trip	3–4 a.m.	AVERAGE	Quinson
Tour of Lake Sainte-Croix	2h+	Easy	The Halls, Bauduen
Baudinard → hidden coves	2h–5h	Intermediate	Montpezat

💡 Tip: Choose the morning (8am–11am) to avoid the wind and heat. In summer, the end of the day also offers superb sunsets to watch from the water.

💶 Prices & practical information

Paddleboard kayak rentals in the Gorges du Verdon vary depending on the base, but here are some average ranges:

• Solo paddle : €12 to €18/hour

• Double kayak : €18 to €25/hour

• Half-day packages : from €30

• Full day : from €40 to €60

🚗 Free parking in Quinson, Esparron and Montpezat🚿 Bases with toilets and changing rooms📆 Ideal season: May to September 📱 Online booking often available - strongly recommended in July/August.

📍 Easily find your kayak or paddleboard rental spot in the Gorges du Verdon

Prepare your next nature outing with our interactive map of the best spots for kayak and paddleboard rentals in the Gorges du Verdon . Whether you're leaving from Esparron-de-Verdon, Quinson, Montpezat or Lake Sainte-Croix, quickly locate the nearest water sports centers, access points to the water, parking lots and ideal areas for a safe outing. 💧 Click on the icons to discover the timetables, the types of boats available (paddleboard, single or double kayak, XXL paddleboard) and practical information.

✅ FAQ – Paddle & Kayak in the Gorges du Verdon

❓ Where to paddleboard in the Gorges du Verdon?

The Verdon is full of exceptional spots for paddleboarding. The best places are:

• Lake Esparron-de-Verdon , renowned for its calm, turquoise waters;

• the Basses Gorges , accessible from Quinson;

• and the larger and very photogenic Lake Sainte-Croix .

👉 These places are perfect if you are looking for a place to paddleboard in the Gorges du Verdon in complete safety , with a spectacular natural setting.

❓ Can you rent a kayak or paddleboard directly in Esparron-de-Verdon?

Yes, several bases offer kayak rental in Esparron-de-Verdon , as well as inflatable or rigid paddleboards. It is a strategic starting point for exploring the Lower Gorges du Verdon in complete freedom , with easy access to the water, nearby parking, and recent equipment.

❓ How much does it cost to rent a paddleboard or kayak in the Gorges du Verdon?

The prices for paddleboard or kayak rental in the Gorges du Verdon vary depending on the duration, the type of boat and the nautical base:

• Paddle: from €12–15/hour

• Single kayak: around €15–20/hour

• Half day: €30 to €40

• Full day: between €50 and €65

💡 Family or group packages are sometimes available at reduced prices.

❓ What is the best spot for kayaking in the Gorges du Verdon?

The Lower Gorges of the Verdon , between Quinson and Esparron, are considered the most beautiful kayak route in the Verdon : narrow cliffs, dense vegetation, absolute silence, access to hidden coves.

👉 Ideal for a 2 to 4 hour walk, accessible even without a guide.

❓ Is paddleboarding in the Verdon suitable for beginners?

Yes, paddleboarding in the Verdon is accessible to beginners of all ages , thanks to:

• calm bodies of water (notably at Esparron and Sainte-Croix),

• wide and stable boards,

• the possibility of leaving supervised by an instructor (depending on the bases),

• and an environment without strong current or noisy motorization .

  
  

❓ What is the best season for kayaking or paddleboarding in the Verdon?

The ideal period is from May to September , with peak crowds in July and August. To fully enjoy the turquoise waters and avoid the wind , choose:

• mornings (between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.) ,

• or the end of the day , for magical sunset atmospheres.

  
  

❓ Can you rent a paddleboard at Lake Sainte-Croix in the Verdon?

Yes, Lake Sainte-Croix is one of the most popular places to rent paddleboards in the Verdon . Several providers are located at:

• Holy Cross of Verdon,

• The Salles-sur-Verdon,

• Bauduen.

This immense lake offers a breathtaking view of the Verdon cliffs , with developed beaches and direct access to the water.

❓ Do you need to book your kayak or paddleboard in advance in the Gorges du Verdon?

In high season, yes, absolutely . Demand is high, especially on weekends and in July/August. Most providers allow online booking of a paddleboard or kayak in the Verdon , which avoids waiting and guarantees the availability of your equipment.

❓ What are the best paddleboarding routes in the Gorges du Verdon?

Here are some recommended paddleboarding routes in the Gorges du Verdon :

• Esparron → Basses Gorges (2h round trip): ideal for beginners in a narrow canyon.

• Quinson → Esparron (3 hours): wild walk with few people.

• Tour of Lake Sainte-Croix (2 hours+): very open, perfect for panoramas.

• Montpezat → Baudinard coves : secret, less touristy.

  
  

❓ Can we go paddleboarding or kayaking with the family in the Verdon?

Yes, family water activities in the Verdon Gorges are very popular. The centers offer:

• stable and wide paddles for children,

• XXL paddles (up to 6 people),

• double or triple kayaks,

• suitable vests and surveillance nearby.

  
  

❓ What is the average duration of a paddleboarding trip in the Gorges du Verdon?

It depends on the chosen route:

• 1 to 2 hours for a relaxing walk (reed beds, lakeside),

• 2 to 3 hours to discover the gorges or walk along the cliffs,

• half-day to full day for the Esparron → Quinson or Sainte-Croix → Baudinard routes.

  
  

❓ Where are the main nautical bases in the Gorges du Verdon?

Here are the most popular places to rent nautical equipment in Verdon :

• 📍 Esparron-de-Verdon (central starting point, free parking),

• 📍 Quinson (museum + quiet nautical base),

• 📍 Montpezat & Baudinard (less frequented gorges),

• 📍 Lac de Sainte-Croix (very touristy but well-equipped).

  
  

❓ Can you swim during a paddleboard trip in the Verdon?

Yes, it is possible (and even recommended!) to swim freely during a paddleboard or kayak trip in the Gorges du Verdon . Many coves and natural beaches are accessible only by boat. The water is clean, soft and refreshing.

❓ Do I need a permit or authorization to rent a kayak in the Verdon?

No. You do n't need a boat license to paddleboard or kayak in the Verdon. The activity is free, provided you respect the protected areas (Reserve, Natura 2000) and follow safety instructions.

❓ Where can I park to easily access the Verdon water sports centers?

There are several free parking lots near the beaches and water sports centers :

• in Esparron-de-Verdon , 100 m from the boat launch;

• in Quinson , just after the Verdon bridge;

• in Bauduen and Sainte-Croix , municipal parking at the entrance to the village.