Bauduen is a village in the Var department located on the southern shore of Lake Sainte-Croix, within the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Built on a hillside, the village is a base for water sports, hiking, and exploring the Verdon region. Its southern exposure ensures plenty of sunshine and unobstructed views of the lake. Discover all there is to do in Bauduen.
Top 3 original activities to do in Bauduen
In addition to its location on the lake, Bauduen offers specific activities that set it apart from other villages in the area. Here are the ones we recommend.
1. Visit the “Art in Toys” museum
This museum features dioramas that recreate historical scenes, movies, and famous works of art using thousands of Playmobil figures. It's a unique visit that appeals to families and adults alike.
2. Take part in an evening of stargazing
The Mont-Denier Observatory, run by the Astro Verdon association, takes advantage of the low light pollution in the region. It organizes public evenings of stargazing with telescopes and scientific guides.
3. Explore the lake's coves by electric boat
Renting an electric boat in Bauduen allows you to explore the southern part of Lake Sainte-Croix, which is often less crowded. You can sail along the banks to find secluded coves and beaches that are only accessible by water.
Things to do in Bauduen
Bauduen and Lake Sainte-Croix offer a wide range of activities centered around water, nature, and discovering the local heritage.
What water sports are available on the lake?
The village of Bauduen's lakeside location provides direct access to many water activities. The beaches are supervised in summer and several providers offer equipment for hire.
Boat hire (electric boats, pedal boats, kayaks)
On Bauduen beach, you can hire various types of boats: electric boats (no license required), pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. These options allow you to explore the coves and discover the lake at your own pace. Several rental companies offer hourly, half-day, or full-day rentals.
Swimming and beaches
The village's main beach is supervised in July and August. Remember to check the local notice board before entering the water. Other small beaches and pebble coves can be reached by walking along the shore or directly by boat.
Sailing and water sports
The Bauduen Water Sports Center organizes courses and offers supervised catamaran, dinghy, windsurfing, wing/wingfoil, paddleboarding, and kayaking. It welcomes individuals, groups, and school groups and offers lessons and courses during the holidays. Relaxation and sport are on the agenda in the turquoise waters of the lake!
What to visit to discover the heritage and the village?
Bauduen is an ancient village that has preserved a historic center typical of Provence. A stroll through its streets allows you to discover several elements of its heritage.
The old village
The historic center is made up of narrow, steep streets called “calades,” stone houses, and vaulted passageways. You will see the remains of the old ramparts, the Castellas gate, and the 16th-century medieval church of Saint-Pierre. You will love this old medieval village for its Saracen tower and the ruins of a Provençal castle.
The sundial trail
A themed trail allows you to discover the many sundials painted on the facades of the village houses. A map of this trail is usually available locally. A lovely, easy walk!
The Art in Toys Museum
Located in the village, this museum displays detailed scenes recreating historical events (the French Revolution, ancient Egypt) and master paintings (The Raft of the Medusa) using Playmobil figurines. It is advisable to check the opening hours online, as they may vary depending on the season.
What nature and hiking activities are available?
Bauduen, located in the Verdon Regional Natural Park, is full of hiking trails and places to observe nature, both day and night.
Local hikes
Several marked trails start from the village or its surroundings. A popular hike leads to the Croix de Bauduen viewpoint, offering a view of the village and the lake. The GR 99 long-distance hiking trail also passes nearby. It is advisable to bring a map and check the conditions for accessing the mountains.
Stargazing at the Observatory
The Astro Verdon Association manages the Mont-Denier Astronomical Observatory, located on the hills near the village. It regularly organizes public evenings for a fee to observe planets, nebulae, and galaxies through high-performance telescopes. These evenings take place on fixed dates, mainly during the summer. Reservations are required via the association's website. One of the most original family activities in Bauduen!
How to get to Bauduen?
By car: This is the easiest way to get there. The village is accessible via departmental roads (D9, D49, D71) from the A8 motorway (Le Muy exit) or the A51 (Manosque exit).
By train: The nearest station is Les Arcs — Draguignan (about 45 km). From there, you will need to take a taxi or bus.
By bus: The ZOU! regional network serves the villages of the Verdon, but the frequency of services to Bauduen can be limited, especially out of season.
By plane: The nearest airports are Toulon-Hyères (approximately 90 km), Nice-Côte d'Azur (approximately 110 km), and Marseille-Provence (approximately 120 km).
Villages and nature in the surrounding area
From Bauduen, it is easy to visit other important sites in the Verdon region. On the shores of the lake, you can visit other villages such as Aiguines, which overlooks the entrance to the Gorges with its castle, and Les Salles-sur-Verdon. A short distance away is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France and renowned for its earthenware. A visit to the region naturally includes the Gorges du Verdon, accessible by car via scenic roads or by boat from the lake. There is also the Plateau de Valensole, famous for its lavender fields in bloom from late June to mid-July.