At the edge and on the heights of Lake Esparron

A family hike partly along the edge of Lake Esparron with many opportunities for swimming and picnicking. The second part of the hike is mostly in the woods with views of Lake Esparron. This hike is generally very shaded.

Details

3242901
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.29 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 313 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 304 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 555 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 360 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) From the car park, head to Saint-Julien beach. Opposite the beach, take the wooden steps on the right which lead to a car park above the beach, then take the path on the left through the woods which runs along the lake on the right. Signposts indicate the start of a hiking trail towards Lac d'Esparron and the place called "Le Quartier". You are on theGRP® Verdon and the trail is marked in yellow and red.

The trail runs alongside Lac d'Esparron. Several times, the trail joins a trail on the right below for a few metres before climbing back up to the main trail overlooking the lake.

(1) Ignore a bridge on the right and continue along Lac d'Esparron on the GRP®. The trail then leaves the lake and climbs above it in an open, unshaded area. The trail then joins a wider track.

(2) Take the track on the left to reach the signpost for "Lac d'Esparron" near the public toilets

(3) Continue along the trail towards the "Ponton du lac" (lake pontoon). You will then reach small beaches on the lake shore. Walk around the peninsula, staying on the trail closest to the lake.

(4) You will come to another signpost and continue along the path towards "Le Quartier".

(5) At the junction with a stone bridge, cross the bridge to rejoin the track you were on previously.

(2) Go up the track on the left towards "Le Quartier".

(6) At a large trail junction, take the trail on the right, then at the next intersection, take the trail that climbs to the right and almost immediately a narrower trail on the left. You will then join a new trail.

(7) Turn right at an acute angle onto this new path and stay on the main path through the woods.

(8) After 2 km, you will come to a track that descends to the right. Take it and join a small path. Turn right for a few metres and look for a small track that branches off to the left and joins a new path. ( , we missed this junction on the first pass, so be careful to find the path.

(9) Turn right and stay on the path for about 1 km, then turn left onto the cross path.

(10) Take a path on the right, then right again at the next intersection. Continue on the main path until you reach the road overlooking the lake.

(11) Then turn right to reach the car park via the road (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 363 m - Parking at Saint-Julien Beach - Lac d'Esparron
  2. 1 : km 1.05 - alt. 366 m - Bridge - Canal du Verdon
  3. 2 : km 2.94 - alt. 385 m - Place known as Balcon du Lac
  4. 3 : km 3.23 - alt. 365 m - Place name: Lac d'Esparron
  5. 4 : km 3.64 - alt. 361 m - On the trail (directional sign) - Verdon (rivière)
  6. 5 : km 3.91 - alt. 367 m - Crossing the bridge
  7. 6 : km 4.25 - alt. 405 m - Turn right at the trail junction
  8. 7 : km 4.8 - alt. 439 m - Fork in the road to the right
  9. 8 : km 6.71 - alt. 463 m - Crossing with a track that descends
  10. 9 : km 6.8 - alt. 468 m - Intersection
  11. 10 : km 7.81 - alt. 519 m - Intersection
  12. 11 : km 10.23 - alt. 462 m - Concrete road
  13. S/E : km 11.28 - alt. 364 m - Parking at Saint-Julien Beach - Lac d'Esparron

Notes

There are no drinking water points along the entire route.

The hike is mostly shaded, but some sections are very exposed around point (2) and between points (10) and (S/E). Bring sunscreen and avoid these sections during the hottest hours of the day, especially in summer.

Between (S) and (5), there are numerous beaches for picnicking and swimming.

Worth a visit

Saint-Julien Beach has a water sports equipment rental shop (pedal boats, small boats).

If you have your own equipment, you can go canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and enjoy other water sports.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 32 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
User 22853411

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike along the lake with a superb view, then turn off under the trees onto a very pleasant and peaceful path.

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frimoudou
frimoudou

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

we followed the advice we read in the reviews and did the hike in reverse.
we did well to do so for the reasons mentioned, which are more interesting at the end.
although the lakeside paths are pleasant to walk along, we found the section through the undergrowth long and uninteresting. No views at all for two hours... it's a long way

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User 7999786

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

pleasant walk, easy to follow with GPS tracking

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User 25977365

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The route was very good and the view superb.

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cray38
cray38

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I also recommend doing this hike in reverse to concentrate your efforts at the beginning and finish by the shore, which is easier and more interesting.
For me, the hike took 3 hours for 11 km.
Be aware that the last 5 km to the car park are on a somewhat "rustic" road with a few potholes. However, it is still passable by car.

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bernard coulomb
bernard coulomb

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very complete hike that allows you to immerse yourself in wild nature, which is very flowery in spring, then follow the lake quietly to rest in the shade and recover from the heat absorbed in the heath.
We did the circuit in the opposite direction.
No problems following the route with GPS.

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Gawelle
Gawelle

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice hike. However, we recommend doing it in the opposite direction, as it is better to finish with the lake section, which is more interesting and offers the opportunity to swim (especially after walking in the heat)

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Bourrelly Michele
Bourrelly Michele

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful shaded hike in the opposite direction. Thank you, Visorando

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Bourrelly Michele
Bourrelly Michele

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful shaded hike. Thank you, Visorando

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Geraldine76
Geraldine76

WARNING!!!
The starting point for the hike is impossible to reach. After 5 km on the lake road, you will come to a road blocked with a sign saying "roadworks until at least 30 June". There is no other road, and the beach is inaccessible and closed.
We have fallen back on the hike around Esparron and its botanical trail.

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RANDOCOGO2
RANDOCOGO2

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The "return" route through the interior is of no interest.
visibility is limited to 200 metres, with the rest of the route covered.
It offers a challenging route with successive climbs and descents
It is preferable to do a round trip along the lake, which is much more attractive.

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Randocopines
Randocopines

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I've already done this hike, it's very beautiful. Great view of Esparron de Verdon and the magnificent lake!

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cdes
cdes

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Parking is paid during the summer season. The cost for one car is €4. The road is in very poor condition for at least 3 km. When you arrive at the bottom, follow the instructions of the staff who will guide you to a parking space. It is advisable to arrive relatively early to secure a parking space. Otherwise, the road will be closed to control the flow of tourists accessing the site.

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carp
carp

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Starting early in the morning, the hike gets off to a good start, parking 500 metres before the water sports centre. Just follow the red and yellow GRP markings around almost the entire lake. When you arrive opposite Esparron du Verdon, the path leaves the GRP and enters the undergrowth. A good map or GPS with the route downloaded is recommended.
The trail is mostly walkable, and you will enjoy the charm of inland Haute Provence.
You will arrive at the end of the trail just opposite the car park where you started.
A lovely walk that I would do again in autumn. Next time, I would do it in reverse to finish at the lake.

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luc thebault
luc thebault

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

i only did the first part of the hike, along the lake for 4 km, without climbing up to the heights, because it was already hot at the end of May and we had been trail running in the morning.
very beautiful route, well marked; very pleasant hike, beautiful scenery. Few people at this time of year; easy access to small beaches where you can swim safely.

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