Photo: Sainte Croix Lake Provence

The waters of the Verdon River flow into Sainte Croix Lake in Provence, France in Europe.

The Sainte Croix Lake (Lac de Sainte-Croix) in Provence, is fed by the Verdon River winding its way through the magnificent Gorges du Verdon in the Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon, Provence, France. The Gorges du Verdon (Verdon Canyon) is the most beautiful canyon in Europe and second in size to the Grand Canyon in the United States.The Sainte Croix Lake in Provence is an artificial lake, as three decades ago Salles-sur-Verdon plain was flooded and a reservoir was formed by the building of the Sainte Croix dam. Unfortunately, the old village of des Salles was also destroyed and flooded much to the anger of the inhabitants.The little village was rebuilt as a newer community higher up the Verdon valley and has the dubious honour of being France's youngest village. The Gorges du Verdon in Provence, is so close to the French Riviera - it is just a two hour drive from Nice - it is a popular place for tourists to visit. ... continue below the picture...

... Kayaking on Sainte Croix Lake, hiking or cliff climbing across the spectacular landscape are some of the activities for the energetic visitor but the beauty of the deep Verdon canyon and surrounding country of this part of Provence, France is enough for the rest of us.The Verdon River flows into Lac de Ste Croix from the Grand Canyon du Verdon, Gorges du Verdon, Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon, Alpes de Haute, Provence, France, Europe.