Quinson
On the D11 road, which links Saint Maximin (44km) to Riez (21km).
Article updated in May 2024 following our last visit to the village.
Discover the pretty village of Quinson nestling on the shores of the lake of the same name
Quinson is a very pleasant village on the banks of the Verdon, surrounded by magnificent countryside and not far from picturesque sites to discover, such as the Verdon gorges, the lavender fields of the Valensole plateau and, of course, the lakes of Quinson, Sainte-Croix and Esparron.
The Quinson water sports centre: boat and canoe hire
The Quinson base provides a link to the Esparron de Verdon lake.
The departures from St Laurent de Verdon and Montagnac-Monpezat correspond to the section of the Gorges located after the Quinson dam (Quinson reservoir) as far as the Ste Croix dam, and the Baudinard gorges (gateway to the Sainte Croix reservoir).
A fortified old village
Quinson has a rich historical past, with the old village perched on the cliffs dating back to Roman times. Today's village is surrounded by a fortified wall, five towers of which are still visible. One of them gives access to the pretty church square.
The Prehistory Museum and the Baume Baune cave
You won't want to miss the Musée de Préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon. With a surface area of 4,300 m², it is the largest prehistory museum in Europe. The reconstruction of the Baume Bonne cave is one of the highlights of the visit, with computer-generated images showing the major stages of prehistory. A fascinating visit for young and old alike! We found the Grotte de la Baume Baune fascinating!
Beautiful walks around Quinson in the lower gorges of the Verdon
Don't miss the magnificent hike in the lower gorges of the Verdon! Start from the village of Quinson at the Pont du Verdon, then follow the signposted itineraries, which are very well signposted. Beware, there are some technical and vertiginous sections, so this is not a walk for the youngest or beginner walkers.
The Quinson market
The Quinson market only takes place in summer when there are enough tourists. It takes place on the Cours every Monday morning. It's a friendly market where you'll find many local producers.
Our photos of Quinson
Our team has taken several photos of Quinson. You'll find all our photos at the bottom of this page in a slideshow, click on the arrows to scroll down. We hope this will inspire you to visit this charming Verdon village.
What to see
The ruins of old Quinson.
Prehistoric caves of La Baume Bonne.
The Gorges du Verdon Prehistory Museum
Leisure activities
Swimming is prohibited.
Nautic base Quinson (electric boat rentals).
River and lake water sports. Hiking.
Tennis. Mountain biking.
Fishing. Climbing.
Guides for hiking and climbing available through the tourist office.
Crafts : pottery workshop, a sculptor in iron and a wood turner.
Hotels
Situated at the entrance to the village of Quinson, next to the prehistory museum, Le Relais Notre Dame welcomes you 300 metres from the Verdon and a 20-minute drive from Lake Sainte-Croix. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant with a terrace. Our favourite hotel in Quinson!
Holiday rentals
Villa Quinson offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free Wi-Fi. This villa has one bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a seating area and a bathroom. An ideal small rental in Quinson!
Campings
5 * campsite with spacious pitches and quality accommodation.
Heated sw. pool. Direct access to the lake and nautical base: canoe, kayak, paddle, pedal boats, electric boat. Restaurant. Kid's games. Tennis
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Campsite.
Your questions about Quinson
After writing this article, you sent us several questions about Quinson and the surrounding area. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions, so that all our readers can find out more.
What to do in Quinson?
There are a thousand things to do in Quinson and the surrounding area. Visit the Musée de la Préhistoire and the superb Grotte de la Baume Baune, hire a boat or canoe at the Quinson water sports centre, take a hike in the lower gorges of the Verdon... you won't be bored!
Where is the village of Quinson?
The village of Quinson is located in the Alpes de Haute Provence in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region, on the banks of the Lac de Quinson in the Verdon. The lower Gorges du Verdon are close by, and the village is ideally situated for exploring the whole Verdon region.
Where to stay in Quinson?
You will find above our recommendations for accommodation in Quinson. We have selected for you the hotels, campsites and holiday rentals that you shouldn't miss. You'll find them highlighted a little higher up on this page.
Where to eat in Quinson?
If you're looking for a good restaurant in the village of Quinson, we recommend the Relais Notre Dame. You'll enjoy fine Provencal cuisine in a very pleasant setting close to the lake.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Montmeyan (7km), Saint Laurent du Verdon (8km) and Esparron du Verdon (9km).