The 10 Most stunning Lakes in France

Welcome to a visual voyage of the natural gems of France, a nation renowned for its magnificent landscapes as well as its rich history and exquisite cuisine. These lakes in France offer an exquisite setting that is guaranteed to leave an impression that lasts, whether you are looking for moments of tranquillity by the water or desiring outdoor experiences amidst the beauty of nature.

Today, we’ll be taking an overview of “The 10 Most Stunning Lakes in France,” which shows the diversity of the splendour of these aquatic wonders.

Lake Annecy

• Lake Annecy – “the cleanest lake in Europe”, located in the south-eastern part of France in the Rhône-Alpes region. The lake is shaped like a narrow crescent and is known for its crystal-clear turquoise water.
• Annecy is known as the “Venice of the Alps” because of its beautiful canals and medieval architecture. With narrow streets, colourful buildings and a lively market, it is a delightful place to wander.
• Lake Annecy has a well-maintained cycle path around it, giving cyclists the chance to enjoy the picturesque landscape at a leisurely pace.
• The lake offers a variety of water-based activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. While the lake’s water is known for its cleanliness, swimming is most enjoyable during the warmer months which are June to September.
• Paragliding is possible due to the surrounding mountains.
• Discover the region’s Savoyard cuisine, which includes dishes such as fondue, raclette and tartelettes that are often cooked with local cheeses.
• Nearby places: Mont Veyrier, Lac d’Annecy, Roc de Chere, Gorges du Fier .

Lac du Bourget

• The Jura Mountains and the French Alps surround Lac du Bourget, which is believed to be the deepest lake in France. With its crystal-clear blue waters and beautiful surroundings, it is the largest natural lake in France and offers spectacular views.
• Aix-les-Bains is a popular tourist destination and is located on the Lac du Bourget shoreline.
• The town is a popular health resort because of its thermal baths. A casino, parks and scenic roads are also available.
• Summer, from June to September, is the ideal season for exploring Lac du Bourget. At this time of year when the weather is warmest, the lake is best for swimming and outdoor sports. It is ideal for a more peaceful holiday in spring and early autumn due to the beautiful weather and less tourist traffic.
• Nearby Places: Esplanade du Lac, Le Bourget-du-Lac, Plage du Cap des Séselets, Vue sur le lac du Bourget, Grand Port of Aix-les-Bains.

Lac de Gérardmer

• Lake – Lac de Gérardmer, located near the city of Gérardmer in the Lorraine region of France. It has an area of approximately 1.16 square kilometres (0.45 sq mi).
• The Lac de Gérardmer becomes a gathering place for fans of snow sports throughout the winter. When this lake in France freezes a natural ice-skating rink is formed. The nearby mountains have slopes for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
• Water sports events, music festivals and traditional festivals that highlight local culture are just some of the activities and festivals that the lake region offers throughout the year.
• Nearby Places: Observatoire de Merelle, Casino JOA Gerardmer, Acro-Sphere, Union Nautique, La Rhumerie, Bowling Municipal.

Lake Der-Chantecoq

• Lake Der-Châteneaux is located near Saint-Dizier, in the provinces of Marne and Haute-Marne. It is the largest artificial lake in France.
• It is perfect for water sports including fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing and jet skiing. You can also go walking, biking or rollerblading on its 77 kilometres of beautiful beaches.
• Giffaumont, Nemours and Nuisance are the three ports where yachting, sailing and speed boating enthusiasts can enjoy their favourite pastime.
• Don’t miss visiting the Museum of the Pays du Der, housed in typical damp Champagne half-timbered structures.
• Nearby Places: Saint-Dizier, Champagne Region, Troyes, Vitry-le-François, Marne River.

Lake Geneva

• Lake Geneva is located between France and Switzerland. Cities such as Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux lie along the shores of the lake. Each city offers a combination of culture, history and spectacular scenery.
• Tourists of all ages will find ideal activities in Lake Geneva! Golf courses, hiking, cycling, lake activities, horseback riding, spa and salon are all accessible to you.
• Lake Geneva offers a unique blend of Swiss precision and French charm. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Europe.
• Nearby places: Montreux, Switzerland, Chillon Castle, Lausanne, Switzerland, Evian-les-Bains, France, Vevey, Switzerland.

Gaube Lake

• Gaube Lake is called Lac de Gaube, a lake in French Pyrenees in the department of the Hautes-Pyrénées. The nearest village to Gaube Lake is Cauterets, while the closest major town is Lourdes.
• Gaube Lake is a popular getaway due to its magnificent views, crystal-clear waters, and easy access through hiking trails and cable cars.
• The lake is accessible by hike of an hour through the forest or by cable car from the Pont d’Espagne in the valley of Cauterets.
• The lake is a great spot for wild swimming, but be warned, it’s cold even in summer – you are at 1725m above sea level!
• Nearby places: Val de Jéret, Lac du Pourtet, Cascades du Lutour, Casino Cauterets, Pyrénées National Park, Vallée du Marcadau, Pont-d’Espagne

Lac d’Aiguebelette

• It is one of the largest natural lakes in France. It is noted for its blue-green colour and sandy beaches and the seven hot water springs.
• Plage de Lépin-le-Lac and Plage de Novalaise are popular spots where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy water sports., La Petite Ileand La Grande Ile are two islands at the southern end. La Grande Ile has a church.

• The calm waters of Lac d’Aiguebelette make it an appealing destination for canoeing and rowing. 2015 World Rowing Championships hosted by this lake.
• The Sentier de Découverte du Lac d’Aiguebelette is a notable trail to discover the lake’s ecosystem.
• Nearby places: Saint-Alban-de-Montbel small village, Lépin-le-Lac(village), Novalaise, Château de la Serraz(historic castle).

Lake of Sainte-Croix

• The Lake of Sainte-Croix is a man-made lake and the third largest lake in France. The lake is 20 km long and 2 km wide.
• It is a major tourist attraction and an ideal place for swimming, sailing (electric and sailing boats), windsurfing, pedalo or canoe-kayak.
• The lake is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including oak and pine trees, the hills of the Haut Var hills, the Plateau of Valensole, and the Verdon Gorges.
• The lake offers swimming area during the July-August period to be able to swim in complete safety.
• Nearby Area: Gorges du Verdon, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Riez, Valensole Plateau, Esparron-de-Verdon, Quinson.

Lac de Serre-Ponçon

• The Lac de Serre-Ponçonis a reservoir on the border between the Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Southeastern France, one of the largest in Western Europe.
• It is a paradise for Water sports enthusiasts. Moreover, there are many cafes and snack bars nearby the lake.
• A red London double-decker bus that has been converted into a cafe/bar stays open until late and serves up fantastic burgers, salads and drinks, among other things, sometimes accompanied by live music.
• Nearby Places: Embrun, Les Orres for hiking, Châteauroux-les-Alpes, Briançon is the highest city in Europe, Col Bayard – a mountain pass.

Mont Cenis Lake

• The Mont-Cennis Pass has historically been an important gateway connecting France and Italy.
• This remarkable location provides majestic scenery with its massive lake and turquoise waters in the heart of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise.
• Traders, pilgrims and Visitors also took advantage of this passage which leads to Turin and then to Rome.
• The lake itself provides many possibilities for lakeside picnics, boating, and fishing. Tranquil seas and picturesque surroundings provide a peaceful spot to relax.
• Nearby Places: Modane, France, Susa (Susa), Italy, Mont Cenis Pass, Bramans, France, Exilles, Italy.