Diary
Taking a little break from the French seaside, to introduce to you the most beautiful lakes in the Alps to help you recharge and relax this summer. Let's dive in !
Annecy Lake (Haute-Savoie)
Annecy lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe, owes its fame in part to its 27.5 km² of crystal clear and high quality water. The ten or so beaches around the lake make it a very popular place for swimming. But there are many other activities to enjoy, either sporty or a bit more relaxed: sailing, water-skiing, kayaking, diving, stand up paddle, paddle boat... Unless you prefer to go around the lake by bike, rollerblade or... by foot, a nice 38 km hike after all! Looking for the mountains? Annecy offers many other opportunities: hiking, canyoning, paragliding, mountain biking... The city of Annecy is called the Venice of the Alps, a name it owes to its colorful facades and its canals. Strolling through the narrow streets of old Annecy is a wonderful experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories!
Bourget lake (Savoie)
About thirty kilometers from Annecy, on the edge of Aix-les-Bains, the Bourget lake stretches over 18 km. With a temperature that can reach 25° in summer, you can enjoy swimming and numerous water activities on the lake. Beyond the delights of the lake, you can enjoy the many possibilities of walking around the lake. Don't hesitate to go to the belvedere of La Chambotte to enjoy an exceptional view on the whole lake. You can see the Royal Abbey of Hautecombe, which houses the graves of the Counts of Savoie and the last Italian sovereigns, an opportunity to learn a little history with your children!
Serre-Ponçon lake (Hautes-Alpes / Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
At an altitude of 780 meters, the lake of 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 real paradise for those who want to enjoy swimming and water sports in a protected environment. Don't forget to take a picture of the little 12th century Saint-Michel chapel which stands on an island in the middle of the lake. The Serre-Ponçon lake has an amazing history, which you can discover with your family at the Muséoscope du Lac and at the Maison de l'Eau et des Energies EDF, both located in Rousset.
Lake of Allos (Alpes de Haute-Provence)
We gain altitude by going for a walk on the banks of the lake of Allos, in the heart of the National Park of Mercantour, at 2228 meters high. The lake of Allos shelters the fario trout and the arctic char, fish which do not support the slightest bit of pollution! It is accessible only by foot. It takes between 1h30 and 6h round trip, depending on your starting point. You should also allow 1 hour to walk around the lake. No swimming, no camping, no mountain biking... That's the price to pay to enjoy an undisturbed environment. With a bit of luck, you may come across a group of marmots playing around, or see some ibex or chamois in the distance. All this makes it an ideal place for families who want to reconnect with nature and recharge their batteries.
Lake of Sainte-Croix (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Located between Provence and the Alps, the lake of Sainte-Croix will appeal to those who want to enjoy the water and love beautiful landscapes. The numerous beaches lining this artificial lake of 2,200 hectares are waiting for you. This lake is the drop-off point for many kayakers at the exit of the Gorges du Verdon. With 310 days of sunshine per year, you don't have to take many risks regarding the weather! Want to rent a pedal boat, a kayak, a rowing boat or a motor boat? You will easily find the right equipment nearby. Want to introduce your child to the pleasures of fishing? The lake of Sainte-Croix is full of fish: roach, pike, perch and bleak are abundant here! Hikers will also find plenty to do here, with the possibility of walking to some of the beautiful villages in the area: Bauden, Riez or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the capital of earthenware.
Castillon lake (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
We remain in the Natural Park of Verdon to discover the lake of Castillon, located between Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes. Smaller than the lake of Sainte-Croix and less frequented, it is also quite different as far as the landscape is concerned, which evokes more that of the mountain lakes. Its three leisure bases will offer many possibilities to the lovers of nautical sports. If you like to fish, you are sure to love Castillon Lake. There is more than enough to spend a pleasant family vacation in a beautiful natural setting!