Lac de Sainte-Croix du Verdon

Last Sunday brought one of those perfect autumn days in Provence—the kind where golden sunshine spills across the landscape, only to be interrupted by pockets of crisp, brisk shadows that remind you winter is waiting in the wings. Eric and I decided to make the drive to Moustiers, but not before stopping at one of the region’s most breathtaking spots: Lac de Sainte-Croix du Verdon.

The Lake Stop

We arrived mid-morning, and even though we’d visited just the week before, the lake never fails to steal my breath. That impossible turquoise water—so vivid it almost doesn’t look real—stretched out before us, framed by the rugged hills that cradle this corner of the Verdon. The autumn light gave everything a softer quality, less harsh than summer’s glare, painting the water in shades that shifted from aquamarine to deep azure depending on where the sun hit.

The temperature was perfect for a quick stroll along the shore. In the sunshine, we could almost forget it was October, but in the shadow, that brisk autumn chill wrapped around us like a reminder. A few hardy souls were out on paddleboards and kayaks, their bright gear adding pops of color to the serene scene. The summer crowds were long gone, leaving the lake peaceful and contemplative—just the occasional local and a handful of visitors like us who couldn’t resist the pull of this place.

We didn’t linger long; we had a mission in Moustiers. But standing there for even those few minutes, watching the light dance across the water and feeling that peculiar autumn mix of warmth and cold, was enough to remind me why we keep coming back to this corner of France.

Until next time,
The road keeps calling.