Bauduen

Perched on the shores of the turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix in the heart of Provence, Bauduen is a postcard-perfect hilltop village that feels suspended between water and sky. Its narrow, winding streets, stone houses draped in bougainvillea, and sweeping views of the Verdon Gorges make it an irresistible stop for anyone exploring the French Riviera hinterland. This is a place where the pace slows to the rhythm of cicadas and the shimmering lake beckons for lazy afternoons on the water.

Highlights & What to See

• Lac de Sainte-Croix – This vast, emerald-green reservoir is the centrepiece of Bauduen. Rent a kayak, paddleboard or electric boat to explore hidden coves and the dramatic cliff-lined shores; the water is warm and impossibly clear.
• Old Village (Le Village) – Climb the cobbled lanes to the 11th-century church and the tiny square, where a single café spills onto the terrace. The views from the top – across the lake to the distant Gorges du Verdon – are worth the huff.
• Plage de Bauduen – The village’s sandy beach is perfect for a dip after a day of driving. It’s family-friendly, with shaded picnic spots and a casual beach bar.
• Gorges du Verdon – Just a 15-minute drive away, Europe’s Grand Canyon offers jaw-dropping viewpoints, hiking trails (the Sentier Blanc-Martel is a classic), and the famous Route des Crêtes scenic drive.
• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – A 20-minute drive brings you to one of France’s most beautiful villages, with its star-topped cliff, faience pottery shops, and a waterfall-fed lavoir.

Suggested Time to Spend

Bauduen itself can be seen in a couple of hours, but to truly soak up the lake and its surroundings, plan a full day or overnight. Arrive by late morning to secure a parking spot (it gets busy in summer), spend the afternoon on the water, and enjoy sunset drinks at the village café. If you’re self-driving, it works well as a relaxed lunch stop on a loop from Moustiers through the Gorges du Verdon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – The quintessential Provençal hill village, famous for its ceramics and dramatic setting beneath a limestone cliff.
• Gorges du Verdon – Must-do scenic drive and hiking; combine the Route des Crêtes with a stop at the Pont du Galetas for the classic postcard view.
• Riez – A lesser-known gem with Roman remains (four columns and a baptistery) and a charming Saturday market.
• Valensole Plateau – In June and July, the lavender fields here are a sea of purple; drive the D6 and D8 for the best photo stops.
• Aiguines – A village on the opposite shore of the lake with a 12th-century castle and stunning panoramas of Bauduen and the water.
• Les Gorges du Verdon via Route des Crêtes – The D71 loop offers dizzying viewpoints over the canyon; allow 2–3 hours for the circuit.

Please check official sources for current details.