The most beautiful lakes to visit with family in France
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After spending the summer of 2020 in France, you are likely eager to rediscover other French regions. How about spending a few days near a lake to cool off and enjoy a change of pace from the seaside? Canopea offers you a taste of summer with a look at some of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps.
Lake Annecy (Haute-Savoie)
Lake Annecy, one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe, owes part of its reputation to its 27.5 km² of crystal-clear, impeccably clean water. The dozen beaches around the lake make it a very popular spot for swimmers. But you can practice plenty of other activities there, whether sporty or more laid-back: sailing, water skiing, kayaking, diving, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boats... Or perhaps you would prefer to cycle, rollerblade, or... walk around the lake—a lovely 38 km hike, after all! Craving the mountains? They offer many other possibilities: hiking, canyoning, paragliding, mountain biking... The town of Annecy is called the Venice of the Alps, a name it owes to its colorful facades and canals. Strolling through the alleys of the Old Town is a pleasure that will leave you with unforgettable memories!
Lake Bourget (Savoie)
About thirty kilometers from Annecy, on the edge of Aix-les-Bains, Lake Bourget stretches for 18 km. With temperatures that can reach up to 25°C in the summer, you will truly appreciate swimming and the many water activities practiced on the lake. After the pleasures of the water, you will surely enjoy the many options for walks around the lake. Do not hesitate to go to the Chambotte lookout for an exceptional view over the entire lake. You can spot Hautecombe Royal Abbey, which houses the tombs of the Counts of Savoy and the last Italian sovereigns—another opportunity to share a bit of history with your children!
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Lake Serre-Ponçon (Hautes-Alpes / Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
At an altitude of 780 meters, Lake Serre-Ponçon is an artificial lake fed by the Durance and Ubaye rivers, in the heart of the Southern Alps. The largest lake in France is a true paradise for those who want to enjoy swimming and water sports in a preserved environment. Be sure not to forget to photograph the small 12th-century Saint-Michel chapel that stands on an islet in the middle of the lake. Lake Serre-Ponçon has a fascinating history, which you will enjoy discovering as a family at the Muséoscope du Lac and at the EDF House of Water and Energy, both located in Rousset.
Lake Allos (Alpes de Haute-Provence)
We gain some altitude by heading for a walk on the shores of Lake Allos, in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, at an altitude of 2,228 meters. Lake Allos is home to brown trout and Arctic char, fish that cannot tolerate even the slightest pollution! It is only accessible on foot. Plan for between 1.5 and 6 hours round trip, depending on your starting point. Also allow 1 hour to walk around the lake. Swimming, camping, and mountain biking are strictly prohibited... This is the price to pay to enjoy such pristine nature. With a bit of luck, you might run into a group of marmots playing around, or spot a few ibex or chamois in the distance. All this makes it an ideal place for families who wish to reconnect with nature and recharge their batteries.
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Lake Sainte-Croix (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Located between Provence and the Alps, Lake Sainte-Croix will delight you if you want to enjoy the water and love beautiful landscapes. The many developed beaches along this 2,200-hectare artificial lake are waiting for you. This navigable lake is the destination for many kayakers emerging from the Gorges du Verdon. With 310 days of sunshine per year, you take very little risk with the weather! Looking to rent a pedal boat, kayak, rowboat, or motorboat? You will easily find the appropriate equipment nearby. Want to introduce your child to the pleasures of fishing? Lake Sainte-Croix is full of fish: roach, pike, perch, and bleak are in abundance here! Hikers will also find plenty to do, with the possibility of walking to some beautiful surrounding villages: Bauduen, Riez, or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the capital of earthenware.
Lake Castillon (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
We stay within the Verdon Regional Natural Park to discover Lake Castillon, located between Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes. Smaller than Lake Sainte-Croix and less crowded, it is also quite different in terms of landscape, which is more reminiscent of mountain lakes. Its three leisure centers will offer water sports enthusiasts plenty of options. If you enjoy fishing, the pike, zander, and bleak promise some great moments. There is plenty here to spend a pleasant family vacation in a lovely natural setting!
