Where to find cool relief this summer?
To enjoy water sports or simply find some cool relief this summer, nothing beats heading to the Alpine lakes. Here is a selection of 5 must-see lakes with a perfect combination of water and mountain activities. In addition, the lakes offer great accessibility and many sandy beaches suitable for swimming. Some are even supervised, ensuring the safety of children. Here is our list of the 5 lakes not to be missed:
Lac d'Annecy (Haute-Savoie)
Lake Annecy is surrounded by the Bauges and Bornes mountain ranges, offering a magnificent panorama combining lake and mountains. It is easily accessible on foot from the town centre of Annecy and can also be explored by cycling around it, a 40-kilometre loop that includes a large proportion of cycle paths. In summer, the 12 beaches along the lake offer the opportunity to swim in water averaging around 22°C in July..
The Passe Montagne team's favourite: it is possible to go diving in Lake Annecy. In particular to see the wreck of the France, the last steamboat to sail on the lake.
Lake Bourget (Savoie)
Located 20 minutes from Chambéry, it is the largest natural lake in France. Unlike other large lakes, it is not a water reservoir created by the construction of a dam. In fact, it is a glacial lake, formed 19,000 years ago by the retreat of the great glaciers. Part of the shores of Lake Bourget has remained very wild. We therefore recommend exploring them by boat!
The Passe Montagne team's favourite: the Belvédère de la Chambotte restaurant offers the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional view over Lake Bourget. Interestingly, it was a restaurant greatly appreciated by Queen Victoria, who used to travel there by sedan chair at the end of the 19th century..
Lake Sainte-Croix (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
This lake is the 3rd largest lake in France. It is an artificial reservoir created during the construction of the Sainte-Croix dam in the 1970s. Lake Sainte-Croix is nestled between Provence and the Route des Alpes. The lake enjoys over 300 sunny days a year! Since it is located at the entrance to the Verdon Gorge, visiting it will allow you to explore the incomparable Verdon Regional Natural Park.
The Passe Montagne team's favourite: awaken the adventurer in you and set off in search of a quiet beach by taking a look at Google Maps or Géoportail. Remember to search the left bank of the lake if you want afternoon sun, and the right bank if you want morning sun.
Lake Serre-Ponçon (Hautes-Alpes)
Lake Serre-Ponçon, the largest artificial lake in metropolitan France, is located in the Southern Alps. Its mineral and sediment-rich water gives it a colour reminiscent of southern seas. With 9 sandy beaches and water reaching 23°C in summer, you can enjoy pleasant swimming and 300 days of sunshine a year. The lake is bordered by the vast Écrins National Park, which is home to numerous peaks over 3,000 metres.
The Passe Montagne team's favourite: the chapelle Saint-Michel, located on a small island in the middle of Lake Serre-Ponçon. Despite the construction of the dam, the chapel was preserved thanks to its position just above the water level. It offers magnificent photographic opportunities, whether by day or by night, thanks to its lighting.
Lake Monteynard (Isère)
Located in the Trièves area, less than 30 minutes from Grenoble by car, this lake is popular with windsurfers and kite surfers due to its regular winds. The Treffort water sports centre offers picnic areas, communal barbecues and a safe water slide for children.
The Passe Montagne team's favourite: the two Himalayan footbridges, accessible all year round, allowing you to cross the lake. The circuit des passerelles combines hiking and boat trips, with an easy 12.5 km loop and 450 m of positive elevation gain.
For a different stay, opt for unusual accommodation near these 5 great Alpine lakes.
