There are several stunningly gorgeous lakes in France, whether created by Mother Nature or man. Some are tiny, yet they have a serene atmosphere about them that makes you want to stare at them for hours. Others are enormous and beg to be surfed or sailed. A day (or two) spent at a French lake, whether surrounded by mountains or rolling hills, will revitalize your senses and produce memories that will last a lifetime.
1: Lake Annecy
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Lake Annecy, in the Savoie area, has a festive atmosphere that is ideal for vacationers. You can walk or bike along the lake’s paved walkway, eat a meal at a lakeside café, or rent a boat to go out on the water. You can also swim in the lake without worrying about the water being contaminated. Lake Annecy is renowned as Europe’s cleanest lake, thanks to rigorous environmental laws; visitors give it high scores for water purity. Lake Annecy is one of France’s largest and most beautiful lakes. Beautiful Annecy, often known as the “Venice of the Alps,” is surrounded by mountains and villages. Also, read Most Beautiful Lakes in New Zealand.
2: Lake Geneva
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The stunning Lake Geneva, which separates France and Switzerland, is a sight to behold. Its beautiful blue water swirls in some spots and is as smooth as glass in others. It is also always encircled by the Alps. Lake Geneva is a popular destination for rowers and yacht racers. It is the largest lake on the Rhone River and one of the largest in Western Europe. Cruise the lake’s beaches to see Chateau de Challon, a historic castle, picturesque towns, vineyards, and French mansions. Be on the watch for celebrities, as many of them have vacation homes here.
3: Lac de Serre-Poncon
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The rugged mountains drop precipitously into the water as you travel around the Lac de Serre-Ponçon in southeastern France. You’ll see gentle hills rolling into this man-made lake in other areas. Lac de Serre-Ponçon, one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes, was built as part of a flood control project in the 1960s. Unfortunately, to make place for the lake, some settlements were inundated. Camping is permitted around the lake, which attracts swimmers, windsurfers, and sailors alike. Because of the unpredictability of the weather in September, previous visitors advise avoiding this wonderful lake.
4: Lac du Bourget
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Lac du Bourget is a long, narrow lake that is the deepest within French territory. Lac du Bourget, formed 19,000 years ago by glacial action, is flanked on one side by mountains (it’s in the Savoie Mont Blanc region) and villages on the other. Dent du Chat, which can be reached by driving up to Relais and then walking to the lookout, is a nice site to see the lake. Popular activities include biking and hiking around the lake. You and your children might also go roller-skating along the east coast. A lovely beach with views of the Alps may be found in Lac du Bourget. Also, read Most Beautiful Lakes in the World.
5: Lac de Sainte Croix
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Like many other French lakes, France’s third largest lake hasn’t been around for millennia. It was only in 1973 that the Sainte Croix dam, which spans the Verdun River, was erected. This lake, on the other hand, is not man-made. It’s just as lovely as its younger siblings. The sandy beaches and swimming area of Lac de Sainte Croix, which is bordered by hills and woodlands, are manned by lifeguards. The lake is a great spot for kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing. Only boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake, unless they are sail or human-powered watercraft.
6: Lac du Mont Cenis
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The Lac du Mont Cenis is a high-altitude lake under the shadow of Mont Cenis. It is totally within France, but it is close to the Italian border. Lac du Mont Cenis, albeit not a lake at the time, is located on a road that served as a key trade route between Western Europe and Italy throughout the Middle Ages. The lake, with its lovely blue waters, is man-made, having been formed when a hydroelectric dam was built at Mont Cenis. It is one of France’s major reservoirs. The lake’s vegetation is noteworthy, with certain plant species found nowhere else.
7: Lac d’Aiguebelette
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Lac d’Aiguebelette has been called a “emerald pearl,” which is appropriate given the name, which means “pretty small waters.” The peacefulness of the blue-green lake deceives you, but don’t be fooled by its beauty. There have been rowing contests staged here. With two islands and several hot springs, Lac d’Aiguebelette is one of France’s largest natural lakes. This lake, like many others, has a legend associated to it. One day, Jesus Christ appeared disguised as a beggar, begging for assistance. Only one woman was willing to assist him. The next day, Jesus flooded the community with lake water, obliterating all but the woman’s and her daughter’s homes. Also, read Best Lakes in Pennsylvania.
8: Gaube Lake
Gaube Lake is so beautiful that it was given two names. The word “lake” in Gascon translates to “gaube,” hence this lovely lake is called Lake Lake. Gaube Lake, in the French Pyrenees, is surrounded by the highest mountains in the chain, which hang above its glacial blue water. The panoramic vistas, particularly of Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees, attract the majority of visitors. Hiking into this small alpine lake takes around an hour, but you may get there faster if you take the cable car from the Bridge of Spain. Also, read Most Beautiful Lakes in Sweden.